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2009 Volvo S40 Safety Review

June 4, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

extremely rigid cross members for side-impact protection
Kelley Blue Book

safer than ever
Automobile

This may be the safest car in this size class.
MyRide.com

Volvo has focused even more attention on safety
Road & Track

Building on an already safe vehicle and a stout chassis, incremental upgrades to the 2009 Volvo S40 result in a solid choice for the safety-conscious buyer—though its crash-test ratings are imperfect.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the S40 “good” for its frontal offset test, but  "acceptable" in side impact. The S40 merits five stars for side impact testing for both front and rear seat passengers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and scores four stars for the driver and five for the passenger in frontal crash tests.

For 2009, the hazard lights now automatically engage any time the airbags are deployed. And with standard EBL (Emergency Brake Light) functionality, the new, brighter LED rear lights will flash rapidly in a panic braking situation. Standard active safety features include side impact and side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control, and tire pressure monitoring.

Self-steering bi-xenon headlamps are an option in T5 models. The Haldex AWD system can be had only on the T5 AWD for a premium of about $2,000. It engages when front wheel slip is detected and includes the rough-riding Sport Package. Volvo’s BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), “which lights an indicator just inboard of either of the S40’s side mirrors when a car occupies its corresponding blind spot,” according to Cars.com, is a stand-alone option.

The 2009 Volvo S40 includes four grades of steel in the front structure “to create optimal crumple zones” (Car and Driver) and “extremely rigid cross members for side-impact protection” (Kelley Blue Book). Building on the foundation of what Volvo dubs “Intelligent Vehicle Architecture,” it seems the company has attempted to “stuff the levels of safety found in the flagship S80 luxury sedan into the S40's small package,” according to MyRide.com.

Conclusion

Staying true to its safety roots, Volvo has provided the 2009 S40 with standard and optional, as well as active and passive, safety features, but its crash-test ratings are slightly disappointing.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:extremely rigid cross members for side-impact protectionKelley Blue Booksafer than everAutomobileThis may be the safest car in this size class.MyRide.comVolvo has focused even more attention on safetyRoad & Track Building on an already safe vehicle and a stout chassis, incremental upgrades to the 2009 Volvo S40 result in a solid choice for the safety-conscious buyer—though its crash-test ratings are imperfect. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the S40 “good” for its frontal offset test, but  "acceptable" in side impact. The S40 merits five stars for side impact testing for both front and rear seat passengers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and scores four stars for the driver and five for the passenger in frontal crash tests. For 2009, the hazard lights now automatically engage any time the airbags are deployed. And with standard EBL (Emergency Brake Light) functionality, the new, brighter LED rear lights will flash rapidly in a panic braking situation. Standard active safety features include side impact and side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control, and tire pressure monitoring. Self-steering bi-xenon headlamps are an option in T5 models. The Haldex AWD system can be had only on the T5 AWD for a premium of about $2,000. It engages when front wheel slip is detected and includes the rough-riding Sport Package. Volvo’s BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), “which lights an indicator just inboard of either of the S40’s side mirrors when a car occupies its corresponding blind spot,” according to Cars.com, is a stand-alone option. The 2009 Volvo S40 includes four grades of steel in the front structure “to create optimal crumple zones” (Car and Driver) and “extremely rigid cross members for side-impact protection” (Kelley Blue Book). Building on the foundation of what Volvo dubs “Intelligent Vehicle Architecture,” it seems the company has attempted to “stuff the levels of safety found in the flagship S80 luxury sedan into the S40's small package,” according to MyRide.com. ConclusionStaying true to its safety roots, Volvo has provided the 2009 S40 with standard and optional, as well as active and passive, safety features, but its crash-test ratings are slightly disappointing. 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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