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2009 Volvo S40 Review

June 4, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders
Car and Driver

Volvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophy
Edmunds

substantially freshened for 2009
Cars.com

While 17-inch Spartacus wheels help jazz up the appearance of the 2009 Volvo S40 2.4i, it’s the turbocharged T5 models, now with standard R-Design equipment, including a sport body kit with color-coordinated side skirts and front and rear spoilers, that look much sportier for the new year.

Last year’s exterior changes include a Volvo logo 50 percent bigger than before, high-intensity LED rear lights, and restyled front projector beam headlights. According to Car and Driver, the S40’s exterior is, “athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders,” Volvo adds, according to Cars.com, a “V-shaped hood bulge [that] runs into a more sculpted nose” and a broader lower air intake for the 2009 model year.

The interior retains “the button-and-knob-infused stack” that “isn't immediately intuitive,” according to Car and Driver, but Volvo has made numerous changes in response to complaints. Chief among the changes are additional storage cubbies for “more storage space in the doors and the center console,” Motor Trend notes. Cars.com comments that “the center armrest is modified for greater comfort, and the handbrake handle is smaller and less intrusive.” Inside, the S40 provides a functional, cool place to work its controls. Kelley Blue Book says the S40’s interior is “Scandinavian in nature” and must surely “qualify as no-frills.”

Conclusion

Still looking fresh and modern as its 2004 introduction, the 2009 Volvo S40 T5 gets a sportier look with the addition of R-Design flair.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fendersCar and DriverVolvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophyEdmundssubstantially freshened for 2009Cars.com While 17-inch Spartacus wheels help jazz up the appearance of the 2009 Volvo S40 2.4i, it’s the turbocharged T5 models, now with standard R-Design equipment, including a sport body kit with color-coordinated side skirts and front and rear spoilers, that look much sportier for the new year. Last year’s exterior changes include a Volvo logo 50 percent bigger than before, high-intensity LED rear lights, and restyled front projector beam headlights. According to Car and Driver, the S40’s exterior is, “athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders,” Volvo adds, according to Cars.com, a “V-shaped hood bulge [that] runs into a more sculpted nose” and a broader lower air intake for the 2009 model year. The interior retains “the button-and-knob-infused stack” that “isn't immediately intuitive,” according to Car and Driver, but Volvo has made numerous changes in response to complaints. Chief among the changes are additional storage cubbies for “more storage space in the doors and the center console,” Motor Trend notes. Cars.com comments that “the center armrest is modified for greater comfort, and the handbrake handle is smaller and less intrusive.” Inside, the S40 provides a functional, cool place to work its controls. Kelley Blue Book says the S40’s interior is “Scandinavian in nature” and must surely “qualify as no-frills.” ConclusionStill looking fresh and modern as its 2004 introduction, the 2009 Volvo S40 T5 gets a sportier look with the addition of R-Design flair. 2009 VOLVO S40 STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: “athletic, highlighted by short overhangs and bulging fenders” Edmunds: “Volvo didn't automatically commit to the 'longer, lower, wider' philosophy” Cars.com: “substantially freshened for 2009” While 17-inch Spartacus wheels help ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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 of 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 extra for options, the S40 is unbeatable. 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 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.

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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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