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2008 Volvo S40 Features Review

July 22, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

As stock decks go, Volvo’s are better than average
Jalopnik

Simple, clever, practical, handsome, Swedish.
MyRide.com

popular options are mostly bundled into packages
Kelley Blue Book

Says Kelley Blue Book about the S40’s standard roster of equipment: “even in the base 2.4i trim, the S40 features air conditioning, side-curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an engine immobilizer, traction control, rear fog lamp, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, a single CD player and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.”

Volvo’s Dynamic Trim package is described as “a $1,895 bundle of body kit baubles we would normally forego” by Autoblog. It includes front and rear spoilers, rear valance panel, side sills, and lower moldings at the doors’ edges. Kelley Blue Book mentions “popular options are mostly bundled into packages,” such as the Climate Package and Select Package. Stand-alone options include leather seating (2.4i), Blind Spot Information System, and the five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission (2.4i). The T5 offers active bi-xenon headlamps, sport steering wheel, sport suspension, 17-inch "Zaurak" wheels, navigation, and Volvo's Keyless Drive remote start system.

The biggest changes for technogeeks and audiophiles seem to center around the updated--and iconic--floating Volvo center stack, which can now be ordered in Nordic Light Oak or Virtual White (think Steve Jobs). The Auto Channel mentions “more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 model, Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof.”

Navigation is standard on T5 models but not available on the 2.4i. Bluetooth is standard across the board. But inherent in the Volvo’s unique center panel design is the inability to upgrade to an aftermarket radio. Of the optional stereo, Jalopnik warns, “Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Volvo S40 offers brilliant audio systems, navigation, and other technophile features—but you better be happy with the factory sound.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:As stock decks go, Volvo’s are better than averageJalopnikSimple, clever, practical, handsome, Swedish.MyRide.compopular options are mostly bundled into packagesKelley Blue Book Says Kelley Blue Book about the S40’s standard roster of equipment: “even in the base 2.4i trim, the S40 features air conditioning, side-curtain airbags, front seat side-impact airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), an engine immobilizer, traction control, rear fog lamp, keyless remote entry, heated power mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, a single CD player and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.” Volvo’s Dynamic Trim package is described as “a $1,895 bundle of body kit baubles we would normally forego” by Autoblog. It includes front and rear spoilers, rear valance panel, side sills, and lower moldings at the doors’ edges. Kelley Blue Book mentions “popular options are mostly bundled into packages,” such as the Climate Package and Select Package. Stand-alone options include leather seating (2.4i), Blind Spot Information System, and the five-speed Geartronic automatic transmission (2.4i). The T5 offers active bi-xenon headlamps, sport steering wheel, sport suspension, 17-inch "Zaurak" wheels, navigation, and Volvo's Keyless Drive remote start system. The biggest changes for technogeeks and audiophiles seem to center around the updated--and iconic--floating Volvo center stack, which can now be ordered in Nordic Light Oak or Virtual White (think Steve Jobs). The Auto Channel mentions “more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 model, Dynaudio speakers for the Premium Sound system, a new hard drive-based RTI road traffic information and satellite navigation system and a redesigned remote key fob with Auto Open and Auto Close for all side windows and sunroof.” Navigation is standard on T5 models but not available on the 2.4i. Bluetooth is standard across the board. But inherent in the Volvo’s unique center panel design is the inability to upgrade to an aftermarket radio. Of the optional stereo, Jalopnik warns, “Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity.” ConclusionThe 2008 Volvo S40 offers brilliant audio systems, navigation, and other technophile features—but you better be happy with the factory sound.  2008 VOLVO S40 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “looks as if it had spent many a long winter's night at a Swedish gym” Cars.com: “substantially freshened for 2008” Edmunds.com: “Volvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophy” Fresh and modern at its ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Volvo S40 occupies an in-between price range, so it competes with luxury-brand rivals as well as affordable alternatives. The Acura TSX, which includes the superior service of Acura dealerships, has especially nimble handling, a good ride, and impressive fuel efficiency, but its backseat is somewhat cramped. Another possibility is the Subaru Impreza; in its base 2.5i form, it’s a much more affordable alternative, with standard all-wheel drive and performance from its horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine similar to the base five in the Volvo. And the Impreza WRX offers performance that rivals the T5, at a lower price. The Saab 9-3 is another alternative, bringing good, sharp handling and decent performance, but its ride can be choppy and its interior isn’t especially roomy. The Jetta may provide the most value in this class for those who are completely practically minded. Its five-cylinder engine offers performance that’s very comparable to that in the standard 2.4i model, with similar equipment and a backseat that’s a bit roomier, at a price that’s close to $10,000 less. That said, if safety features are the priority and you’re willing to pay the extra money for them as options, the S40 is unbeatable.

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See the Volvo S40 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

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