2007 Volvo S40 Trims and Specs

As the base model of Volvo's smallest sedan, the S40 2.4i is still a heck of a car. Standard equipment is anything but standard, with an amazing list of state-of-the-art safety features, including front and side-curtain driver and passenger air bags, Volvo's patented whiplash protection system (WHIPS) and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), and an energy-absorbing interior with a tough passenger safety cage.

There are even overhead seatbelt reminded lights, in case you forget to buckle up. And while we're in the neighborhood we'll mention the anti-submarining seats, which aren't only super-comfortable, they're shaped to keep the occupant from sliding out from under the seatbelt in the event of a crash.

Standard features in the car's illuminations increase the safety factor. There are daytime running lights, illuminated side-marker lights/turn signal indicators, and an innovative rear fog light that helps to increase visibility to drivers approaching from behind. And get a load of the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS)! This new wonder monitors driver activity (steering wheel angles, turn-signal frequency, rate of acceleration) to determine the driver's stress level, and then it decreases the amount of information displayed so that the driver can put his full attention on the road.

The 2.4i also comes with cruise control, a pollen filter for the passenger cabin, nicely carpeted floor mats, and a single-disc CD player with remote audio controls in the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Heated side-view mirrors are also standard, so you never have to worry about hindering ice. They work with the rear defroster on a timer system, with the mirrors turning off after 6 minutes and the rear window after 12.

Several options packages are grouped by theme (Climate, Premium, and to let you add such niceties as heated leather seats, a 6-CD in-dash changer, Stand-alone options such as the Volvo Navigation System.

This stylish little commuter car handles fine, but don't expect it to handle like a sports-car; the suspension is rather stiff. And you heard that right: it's a commuter car and not a family car, thanks to a cramped backseat that won't keep the kids comfy on trips of any length.

The 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter, 5-cylinder engine is enough for this little buggy, but it's hard to be satisfied with it once you've driven the turbocharged T5 in the higher-priced trims. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, but those who upgrade to the 5-speed Geartronic automatic can use its Auto-Stick function to shift manually as the mood or situation strikes.

Throw a turbocharged engine into a compact sedan like the S40, and you have got yourself a zippy and fun commute. And make that a safe commute, too, since this is a Volvo we're talking about.

Lifesaving safety features highlight the list of standard equipment, which ranges from a full complement of air bags to Volvo's patented whiplash protection system (WHIPS) and Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC). And let's not forget the collapsible steering column, energy-absorbing interior with passenger safety cage, and the Swedes' long-famous side-impact protective beams.

Even the illumination on the car adds to occupant safety by increasing visibility to other drivers. There are daytime running lights, illuminated turn signal indicators on the side-mount mirrors, and a helpful rear fog light.

But it's not just the other guy who needs to pay attention. Volvo is helping the driver stay on the ball too with its innovative Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), which is based on systems used in aeronautical piloting. The IDIS monitors driver activities associated with stressful driving situations (steering wheel angles, turn-signal frequency, rate of acceleration) and responds by reducing the amount of information displayed so as not to compromise the driver's attention. Now that's some impressive technology.

A trip computer comes standard on the T5, as do cruise control, a cabin pollen filter, plush floor mats, and a CD player with additional audio controls in the leather steering wheel. Heated side-view mirrors that run on a six-minute timer are also included; they work in conjunction with the rear defroster, whose heating cycle runs 12 minutes.

Options packages are generally grouped by theme (for instance, the Climate Package gives you heated seats, headlamp washers, and Rainsensor windshield wipers) and let you fully deck out this already well-appointed sedan. You can also opt for stand-alone features such as the popular Volvo Navigation System, which comes with a remote control so your whiz-kid can operate it from the backseat.

Speaking of the backseat, we'll take this opportunity to tell you that it's not very big. But then you probably weren't expecting it to be. After all, this is more or less a commuter car, even if it tries to fool you with the four doors. The 5-cylinder engine with turbocharger makes it zippy, but the suspension is far from soft.

Who said that commuting was no fun? Well, it wasn't, until Volvo put both a turbocharger and all-wheel-drive into its zippy compact sedan, the S40. With a list of standard equipment - for both safety and comfort - this incarnation, the S40 T5 AWD, makes the daily drive much more enjoyable.

The all-important safety features highlight the list of standards, ranging from air bags (including side-curtain ones) to Volvo's patented whiplash protection system (WHIPS) and Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC). There's also a collapsible steering column, energy-absorbing interior with passenger safety cage, and those famous Volvo side beams. And of course, with AWD you will have a bit more control, which makes any driver feel better, especially when it's electronically controlled to transfer more power to the rear wheels as needed.

The car's well thought-out array of exterior lights increases occupant safety by increasing visibility to other drivers. There are daytime running lights, illuminated turn signal indicators mounted on the side mirrors, front fog lights, and a rear fog light that somebody should have thought of ages ago but apparently didn't. But we're not surprised that it was the Swedes who finally thought of it.

While we're talking innovation, Volvo is helping the driver stay on the ball with its innovative Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), which is based on systems used in aeronautical piloting. The IDIS monitors driver activities associated with stressful driving situations (steering wheel angles, turn-signal frequency, rate of acceleration) and responds by reducing the amount of information displayed so as not to compromise the driver's attention. It doesn't take a techno-geek to appreciate a gadget like that.

Speaking of gadgets, you'll get a trip computer with your T5 AWD, along with cruise control, a cabin pollen filter, plush floor mats, and heated side-view mirrors. Even the exhaust pipes are beautiful with their polished ends.

Options packages are generally grouped by theme (for instance, the Climate Package gives you heated seats, headlamp washers, and Rainsensor windshield wipers) and let you fully deck out this already well-appointed sedan. You can also opt for stand-alone features such as 17-inch chrome wheels, or the popular Volvo Navigation System, which comes with a remote control so your whiz-kid can operate it from the backseat.

Speaking of the backseat, you probably won't be surprised to hear that it's rather cramped. After all, this is more a commuter car than a family car, despite the four doors.