Driving Impressions: Audi TT Convertible
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Volvo S40 Features Review

June 4, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 model
The Auto Channel

Don’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarity
Jalopnik

popular options are mostly bundled into packages
Kelley Blue Book

Both versions of the Volvo S40, the 2.4i and T5, receive a host of upgrades for the 2009 model year, but prices go up by several thousand dollars, so there’s no better deal here; if you want a more basic model, you’re now out of luck. Beginning with the 2.4i, numerous features that were previously optional are now standard equipment, including 17-inch Spartacus wheels, Sirius Satellite Radio, a six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 capability, front fog lights, a power moonroof, and a trip computer. 2009 turbocharged T5 models, front-wheel drive and AWD, are now equipped with standard R-Design components that dress up the S40’s appearance inside and out.

“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,” says Kelley Blue Book.

Stand-alone options include leather seating (2.4i), the 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. 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 remarks “popular options are mostly bundled into packages,” such as the Climate Package and Select Package.

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.”

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.” Navigation is standard on T5 models but not available on the 2.4i. Bluetooth is standard across the board.

Conclusion

For 2009, the Volvo S40 2.4i gets more standard equipment, but it’s not much of a bargain as the price goes way up.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:more dynamically styled instrument panels for the T5 modelThe Auto ChannelDon’t expect bass-thumping demonstrativeness…it’s strictly about midrange clarityJalopnikpopular options are mostly bundled into packagesKelley Blue Book Both versions of the Volvo S40, the 2.4i and T5, receive a host of upgrades for the 2009 model year, but prices go up by several thousand dollars, so there’s no better deal here; if you want a more basic model, you’re now out of luck. Beginning with the 2.4i, numerous features that were previously optional are now standard equipment, including 17-inch Spartacus wheels, Sirius Satellite Radio, a six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 capability, front fog lights, a power moonroof, and a trip computer. 2009 turbocharged T5 models, front-wheel drive and AWD, are now equipped with standard R-Design components that dress up the S40’s appearance inside and out. “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,” says Kelley Blue Book. Stand-alone options include leather seating (2.4i), the 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. 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 remarks “popular options are mostly bundled into packages,” such as the Climate Package and Select Package. 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.” 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.” Navigation is standard on T5 models but not available on the 2.4i. Bluetooth is standard across the board. ConclusionFor 2009, the Volvo S40 2.4i gets more standard equipment, but it’s not much of a bargain as the price goes way up. 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.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Volvo S40 from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Volvo S40

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Volvo S40

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Volvo S40 near you

See the Volvo S40 in Other Years:

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

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy