Used 2010 Volvo S40 for Sale near Chicago, IL

Volvo continues to assault the Euro-style sedan market with its 2010 S40, a well-built five-passenger automobile with decent features that nonetheless seems a bit overpriced. Offered in two trims, the 2.4i and T5 R-Design, the S40 is somewhat unique with its available pair of inline five-cylinder (I5) engines. The popular five-speed automatic transmission is reprised for the 2010 S40 T5 R-Design with front-wheel drive, while a slick six-speed manual is now available for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) T5 R-Design; the FWD base 2.4i, meanwhile, regains a standard five-speed manual. The S40 received a significant overhaul in 2008, but for the 2010 model year, Volvo claims, besides something old and something new transmission-wise, significant changes from ‘09 include only improved gas mileage. The 2010 S40 2.4i trim features a standard variable-valve-timed (VVT) 2.4-liter I5 engine that puts out 168 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque when combined with its standard five-speed manual transmission. The regenerated five-speed automatic is an option for the 2.4-liter I5. EPA estimates put the 2.4i at 20/31 mpg with the five-speed stick shift and 21/29 when the five-speed automatic is selected. The T5 R-Design S40, on the other hand, includes a standard turbocharged 2.5-liter I5 that will put out 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The AWD T5 R-Design is equipped with a new six-speed manual transmission, along with a center-mounted, mechanical, limited-slip differential to get 20/27, while the FWD version carrying the standard five-speed automatic is good for 21/30. Those looking at the AWD T5 R-Design may also opt for the five-speed automatic. Standard appearance and cabin amenities with the 2010 S40 sedan are pretty much traditional for this market segment. The base 2.4i boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, a trip computer, an eight-way adjustable power driver’s seat, split-folding rear seats, power accessories, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering with wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, remote power locks, heated outside mirrors, dual-zone air conditioning, alloy trim accents, a 160-watt, single-CD audio system with eight speakers, Bluetooth communication technology, and a USB connection. Options include DVD-based navigation, a power moonroof, heated front seats, Sirius satellite radio, and genuine wood dash trim. The T5 R-Design adds standard leather upholstery, manually adjustable front lumbar support, a leather-and-alloy-trimmed steering wheel, and memory for driver’s settings to the mix, while additional options include a multimedia package with a 650-watt Dynaudio sound system featuring 12 speakers and surround-sound capability. Volvo stakes its reputation on safety, and the 2010 S40 comes through with four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, a remote anti-theft system, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, and a post-collision safety system. Available safety equipment for both trims includes turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a blind-spot alert system, and Xenon headlights with active bending beams. Owners of the 2009 Volvo S40 question the value of such a pricy midsize sedan, as well as its small luggage capacity. The 2.4-liter I5 is noted by some owners as more than a bit underwhelming, though its once-tepid gas mileage has, according to Volvo, been improved. One additional glitch mentioned by a few owners is a tricky clutch mechanism with the five-speed manual transmission. Looks, however, as well as comfort, handling characteristics, and general build quality, not to mention Volvo’s legendary safety features, have owners praising the S40 as a more-than-worthy family automobile.