2009 Volvo S40

Model Overview: 2009 Volvo S40

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price
S40 2.4i: $28,550
S40 T5 R-Design: $32,350
S40 T5 AWD R-Design: $33,800
Destination: $825
There's a new sporty flair in the S40 lineup as Volvo equips the turbocharged T5 front - and AWD models with standard R-Design equipment. Cues that set the R-Design apart include a unique grille with matte silver surround and R-Design logo, a sport body kit with color-coordinated side skirts and front and rear spoilers, Off Black Flextech/Crème premium leather seating surfaces with embossed R-Design logo, aluminum sport pedals, sport shift knob, R-Design inlays, watch dial instrument cluster and sport steering wheel.




Meanwhile the normally aspirated S40 2.4i receives a plethora of standard features that were previously optional. Enhancing the value of Volvo's most attainable sedan is a standard 5-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch 'Spartacus' wheels, high-performance sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD player and MP3 capability, Sirius satellite radio, aluminum inlays, power moonroof, front fog lights, power driver's seat and Bluetooth. Nordic Light Oak inlays can be selected as an option.

A choice of powerplants gives each S40 model a distinct character. The normally aspirated 5-cylinder engine produces 168-horsepower to motivate the S40 2.4i. Boosting the fun factor, output for the S40 T5 high-pressure turbocharged engine is a lively 227 horsepower. The added traction and security of electronically controlled all-wheel drive is fitted to the T5 AWD model.



Automatic Hazard Warning is a new safety feature that made its debut last year. Should any of the S40's airbags be deployed, the hazard lights will automatically be activated to attract the attention of other motorists. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is standard and Volvo's ingenious Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) remains optional on all models. Active Bi-Xenon headlights that swivel the light beam in continuous synch with steering direction is available.

Side impact protection is addressed by the use of extremely rigid cross members that form a 3-way attachment between the leading edge of the A-pillar and the base of the B-pillar. Similar cross members are found in the rear doors as well. This system of energy absorption, along with the slim-design 5-cylinder engines is called Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), representing an innovative approach to vehicle safety design.

Source - Volvo

Volvo Introduces R-Design

R-Design - an exclusive factory-fitted premium styling concept for customers who want a car with refined, sporty attributes.

R-Design will initially be available on the Volvo C30, Volvo S40, Volvo V50 and Volvo XC90 as of autumn 2008.

Volvo's R cars have always been about dynamic design and an exciting driving experience. For the 2009 Model Year, Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) will introduce R-Design for the C30, S40, V50 and XC90. R-Design includes model-specific design cues that promise to draw a lot of attention while still offering a premium experience.

'The possibility of tailoring one's car to suit personal tastes is becoming increasingly important to car buyers today. R-Design has been developed for buyers who want a refined and sporty look for their cars,' noted Gerry Keaney, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Cars.

Customers can choose between 10 exterior colors, and the R-Design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.

Exterior features include a satin matt-finish grille, color coordinated bumpers and lower side moldings, rear or roof spoiler, satin matt-finish door mirror caps and five-spoke aluminum wheels.

Sporty 17 inch and 18 inch wheels will be available on C30, S40 and V50 R-Design, while 19 inch and 20 inch wheels will be available on XC90 R-Design (dependent upon car variant).

Contrasting seats

Inside the cars (C30, S40 and V50) there are seats in off-black Vulcaflex with the seat cushion and backrest in contrasting cream-colored leather. The R-Design logo embossed on the backrest and the contrasting stitching reinforce the seats' sporty appearance.

Other R-Design interior details include a leather-trimmed steering wheel with R-Design logo, the unique R-inspired instrument cluster, aluminum sport pedals, specially designed aluminum center stack and door inlays, gear selector with aluminum inlay and tufted dark sport floor mats with contrasting light leather seams.

Emotional and extrovert


The R-Design package will become available on the C30, S40, V50 and XC90 in the autumn of 2008.

Source - Volvo