2010 Volvo S40 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
User reviews for 2010 Volvo S40
Write a review2010 Volvo S40 Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: Sirius ready · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: silver-painted · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: two-tone
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: polished aluminum · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey surround · Mirror color: silver-painted · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse