2011 Volvo S40 Review

For the 2011 Volvo S40, the base 2.4i model has been discontinued, as has the all-wheel-drive T5 R-Design. On the positive side, the Volvo S40 certainly looks the part of a European sport sedan. Similarly, the BMW 3 Series and Infiniti G Sedan justify their higher costs through added performance and prestige.

The 2011 Volvo S40 Sedan is available in two trim levels: T5 and T5 R-Design.
Adding the optional Preferred package will also get you a sunroof, leather upholstery and a power passenger seat.

Both trims are available with the Climate package, which adds heated front seats, headlight washers, automatic wipers and automatic climate control. Stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, satellite radio, keyless ignition/entry, rear parking sensors and a blind-spot detection system paired with power-folding mirrors.

A standard five-speed automatic routes power to the front wheels -- all-wheel drive is no longer available. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg in combined driving.

Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are standard on all 2011 Volvo S40s. Also included are front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags, along with whiplash-reducing front head restraints.

While safety-minded family shoppers often consider Volvo's larger sedans and crossover wagons, the S40 compact sedan isn't nearly as popular. For 2011, the base Volvo S40 2.4i model has been discontinued, leaving only the sporty T5 and T5 R-Design.

The 2011 Volvo S40 is unremarkable from a styling standpoint, though it's even by today's fashion sense a well-sculpted small sport sedan. The S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50 were among the first models to get the 'floating' center stack—a thin control panel that houses climate control and audio functions, with storage space behind. With the former base S40 2.4i models discontinued, as well as available all-wheel drive, only front-wheel-drive S40 T5 and T5 R-Design remain, both offering the higher-power 2.5-liter turbocharged in-line five-cylinder engine.

Volvo has a stellar reputation for safety, established with generations of vehicles that have performed above their peers for occupant protection. All S40 T5 models include 17-inch Spartacus wheels, eight-speaker sound, Sirius Satellite Radio, HD Radio, auxiliary and USB inputs, power driver's seat, front fog lights, a power moonroof, and a trip computer.

The brake lights are now LEDs and the position marker lamps emphasize the car's shoulders.
At base level there is a green ‘accent' color fabric with the poetic name of Spring Green.

The larger center storage compartment, featuring two cup holders, is equipped with a sliding cover. The R-Design trim level adds a power driver's seat, a power glass moonroof, leather-clad gearshift knob with aluminum inlay, R-Design mats and accents, R-Design blue instrument gauges, sport pedals, an exterior body kit and rear spoiler.