Ken Garff Volvo

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Introduction

2009 Volvo S40 / V50

The Volvo S40 sedan and Volvo V50 wagon are relatively small cars: essentially the same size as a Honda Civic. Yet there's plenty of room for passengers and cargo inside, and the compact exterior dimensions make them easy to park. They are designed to be extremely safe, with active and passive safety features to help drivers avoid accidents, then protect them if there is a crash.

Both the sedan and wagon rank among the best looking Volvos ever, and inside they offer clean, Scandinavian elegance.

The S40 looks and feels like a sports sedan. The same applies to the V50 wagon. The V50 wagon drives just like the S40 sedan, and it's nearly identical in size, measuring less than two inches longer in overall length. In fact, the S40 sedan and V50 wagon are nearly identical in every way.

On the open road, these cars are stable and relaxed. They hold their own with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and other cars in this class, even at high speeds.

The 2.4i models of the S40 and V50 feature a five-cylinder engine that produces strong torque. As a result, they deliver decent acceleration performance. They also offer a good balance between ride comfort and handling response, with a suspension that's firm but not jarring. The brakes are excellent. All come with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The turbocharged engine in the T5 models is wonderfully smooth and responsive, delivering acceleration that is both even and exhilarating. The five-speed automatic transmission works as well as any in this class, and the T5 can be equipped with all-wheel drive for an extra element of performance or all-weather security.

After subtle re-styling for 2008, the 2009 models are unchanged. There's more standard equipment for 2009. Automatic transmission is now standard on all models. The 2.4i upgrades from 16-inch to standard 17-inch wheels and now comes with the previously optional stereo, including a 6-disc in-dash CD player with MP3 capability and Sirius satellite radio. A power glass sunroof, front fog lights, power driver's seat, aluminum interior inlays, and Bluetooth wireless telephone interface are now all standard as well.

T5 models get what Volvo calls the R-Design treatment: a unique grille with matte silver outline and R-Design logo, a sport body kit with color-coordinated side skirts and spoilers, two-tone Flextech/leather seats, aluminum sport pedals, sport shift knob, R-Design inlays, blue-faced instruments, and sport steering wheel. Also added for 2009 are standard heated front seats, a memory function for the driver's seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. And 18-inch wheels are now optional on the S40 T5 sedan.

Additionally, Volvo's optional DVD-based navigation system gains an improved driver interface, extended points of interest, and a birdview map with detailed intersection and building footprints.

The Volvo S40 and V50 are priced right, especially compared to the entry-level cars from other European luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz. The high-tech systems in these Volvos tend to be those that work for most buyers, rather than technology for technology's sake.

Bottom line, the S40 and V50 are excellent choices in their class, and could be a great alternative for many to more familiar entry models from Mercedes, Audi, or BMW.

The 2009 Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon are essentially the same car, save the obvious sedan/wagon distinctions. Both seat five passengers. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

Model Lineup

The Volvo S40 2.4i ($28,550) and V50 2.4i ($29,800) are powered by a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine generating 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Volvo's Geartronic five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature is now standard in both models. Other standard equipment includes air conditioning with cabin filtration, power windows and door locks with remote locking, cruise control, and a tilt-telescoping leather steering wheel with audio controls. Added for 2009 are a 160-watt, 8-speaker sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 capability, and auxiliary input; Sirius satellite radio; aluminum-inlay interior trim: power glass sunroof; fog lights; power driver's seat; Bluetooth; and 17-inch, seven-twin-spoke Spartacus wheels. The Climate Package ($675) adds heated front seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers. Stand-alone options include metallic paint ($525), leather seating ($1,200), and Nordic Light Oak interior inlays ($150) instead of aluminum.

The S40 T5 ($32,350) sedan has a slightly larger 2.5-liter turbocharged version of the five-cylinder engine. Output increases to 227 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models also come with the five-speed automatic transmission, automatic climate control and, for 2009, the new esthetic treatment Volvo calls R-Design, featuring body-color spoilers and side skirts; and a two-tone (black/crème) leather-and-fabric interior treatment that also includes blue-faced instruments and other unique trim. Functional standard equipment includes all the features added to the 2.4i for 2009, plus memory for the driver's seat, heated front seats, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass.

The S40 T5 AWD sedan ($33,800) and V50 T5 AWD wagon ($35,500) add Volvo's full-time variable all-wheel-drive system. The wagon now comes with standard aluminum roof rails as well. T5 options include Keyless Drive ($450), HDD navigation ($2,205), and a Dynaudio stereo ($895) with two amplifiers, 12 speakers, and Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound. An all-leather, solid-color interior is also available ($200). Midir 18-inch wheels ($750) are offered for the front-drive T5 sedan.

Safety features include front-impact airbags, torso-protecting side-impact airbags for front passengers, and head-protecting curtains for all outboard passengers. All models come with antilock brakes and Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC), which senses and then tries to correct a potential skid. Volvo's Whiplash Seat Protection System, or WHIPS, uses specially designed seats to minimize potential for neck injuries in a rear-end impact. Volvo's Automatic Hazard Warning starts the emergency flashers in the event of a collision. A tire pressure monitor is also standard.

Optional safety features include Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS ($695), which warns the driver of nearby vehicles that might not be visible in the mirrors. Active Bi-Xenon headlights ($800) point into curves and remain level over bumpy surfaces. Built-in, height-adjustable child booster seats ($300) are available in the wagons.

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