2009 Volvo S40

The 2009 S40, Volvo’s four-door, five-passenger sports sedan, returns as a carryover from 2008 in three trims: the 2.4i, T5 R-Design, and the AWD R-Design. There are no major changes slated for the S40 in ’09, but in terms of design, Volvo continues to move away from its boxy past into a more streamlined future. To battle a recent sales slump, the S40 is slightly more expensive, but comes with more standard features, as well as more consolidated options packages. Newly standard are a moonroof and an automatic transmission.

The 2.4i has a 2.4-liter inline-five engine capable of 168 hp. For mileage, it gets 20/28 mpg (city/highway). The T5 and the AWD R-Design boast a 2.5-liter inline five turbocharged engine capable of 227 hp. The larger engine sacrifices 2 mpg and gets 18/26 mpg. The automatic transmission comes standard with each trim, along with geartronic shifting. Using the same engines as the 2008 S40, the 2.4i does 0-60 in 7.7 seconds with the manual transmission, 8.4 with the automatic. The T5 is snappier, getting to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.

The R-Design trims come with more standard features as well as a customized interior and exterior sport design. New options for 2009 include an Alpine Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound system with AUX and USB input jacks, capable of playing MP3 and WMA CDs. The upgradable interior trim is called Nordic Light and features genuine wood accents and fine leather upholstery.

A bevy of safety features comes standard with the S40 to keep you safe on the road. The list includes antilock brakes, electronic skid protection, whiplash reduction, and side impact structural reinforcement, along with dual front airbags and side curtain airbags for both front and rear. The only safety feature that is not standard is bi-xenon, directional headlights, which follow the path of steering to provide enhanced visibility for an additional $800.

The 2008 S40 impressed most critics with its nimble handling on the road and simple but high-quality interior controls. Low marks were given to its cargo space and rear seating room, which don't compare well to other premium compact cars.

By Ollie Garrison