The 2008 Volvo S40 sedan and V50 wagon are essentially the same car, save the obvious sedan/wagon distinctions. Both seat five passengers. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.
The S40 2.4i ($24,365) and V50 2.4i ($26,815) are powered by a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine generating 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The S40 2.4i comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, while the V50 2.4i gets Volvo's Geartronic five-speed automatic with a manual shift feature. The automatic is optional on the S40 2.4i ($1,250). Standard equipment includes manual air conditioning with cabin filtration, power windows and door locks with remote locking, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping leather steering wheel with audio controls, 80-watt audio with six speakers and single CD, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Option packages for the 2.4i models: The Climate Package ($675) adds heated front seats, headlight washers and rain-sensing wipers, while the Select Package for S40 ($2,095) and V50 ($2,145) includes an eight-way power driver's seat, power tilt/slide sunroof, a 160-watt audio upgrade with six-CD changer, oak or aluminum inlays and 17-inch wheels. There are also two stand-alone options: metallic paint ($475) and leather seating ($1,200).
The S40 T5 ($28,515) and V50 T5 ($29,715) have a slightly larger 2.5-liter turbocharged version of the five-cylinder engine. Power increases slightly to 227 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque. The T5 models all come with the five-speed automatic. Standard equipment is further upgraded with fog lights, a power driver's seat, leather gearshift knob and trip computer.
The S40 T5 AWD ($30,365) and V50 T5 AWD ($31,565) add Volvo's full-time variable all-wheel-drive system.
Options for the T5 models: The Premium Package for the S40 ($2,350) and V50 ($2,480) include a power sunroof, leather seating, power passenger seat, memory for the driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and Homelink transmitter. The Dynamic Trim Package ($1,695) adds sportier suspension settings and enhances the look with a front chin spoiler, rear lower valance spoiler, side skirts, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The DVD-based navigation system ($2,120) includes a remote for passenger operation and the Dynaudio Package, with a 650-watt amplifier, 12 speakers and Dolby Pro-Logic II processing. Stand-alone options include keyless drive ($450) and 17-inch wheels ($1,350).
Safety features include front-impact airbags, torso-protecting side-impact airbags for front passengers, and head-protecting curtains for all outboard passengers. All models come with antilock brakes and Volvo's Dynamic Stability Traction Control (DSTC), which senses and then tries to correct a potential skid. Volvo's Whiplash Seat Protection System, or WHIPS, uses specially designed seats to minimize potential for neck injuries in a rear-end impact.
New for 2008 is an Automatic Hazard Warning feature that starts the emergency flashers in the event of a collision. Optional safety features include Volvo's Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS ($695), which warns the driver of nearby vehicles that might not be visible in the mirrors. Active Bi-Xenon headlights ($800) point into curves and remain level over bumpy surfaces. Built-in, height-adjustable child booster seats ($300) are available.