The S40 is Volvo's entry-level sedan based on the P1 platform. It fills a near-luxury niche below the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. The S40 has many similarities to the Mazda3 and European Ford Focus, due to a shared platform. However, the S40 is more expensive and better equipped than both those vehicles.

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Now in its second generation, the the current S40 was first introduced for the 2004 model year, and updated for 2008.

In the U.S., the car can be ordered with front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. What's more, customers have a choice of two engines and two transmissions -- a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with Geartronic manual shifting.

The base engine -- a 2.4-liter inline-five -- delivers 168 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Torque peaks at 4400 rpm for a maximum of 170 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. The more premium T5 model cranks out 227 horsepower at 5000 rpm. Maximum torque is 236 pound-feet, available from 1500 rpm to 5000 rpm, thanks to a desirable torque curve courtesy of the car's turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five. For 2008, the T5 model gained 10 horsepower over previous model years.

2008 facelift

The S40 saw a mid-cycle facelift for the 2008 model year. It features a revised interior and exterior, plus some high-tech features.

Now optional on the new S40 are Active Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam in the direction of the road when the driver turns the steering wheel. Meanwhile, Emergency Brake Lights flash rapidly when the driver stamps hard on the brake pedal.

For added safety, the car's hazard warning flashers are automatically activated when the airbags are deployed.

New premium audio, MP3 CD, iPod support

The new Premium Sound package has a digital amplifier from Alpine, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark.

In the High Performance and Premium Sound systems it is possible to play CDs with music in MP3 or WMA format.

What's more, all the audio systems now come with an extra socket (AUX) for connection of other equipment such as a portable MP3 player. USB and iPod-specifc connectors are available as accessories.

Slimmer tail lamps

The lower part of the tail lamp panel on the V50 is 30 millimeters higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now LEDs and the position marker lamps emphasize the car's shoulders.

Revised center console

The V50's slim center console is available in additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme now flows with similar surfaces all the way to the rear seat.

New leather, fabric choices

The wagon's upholstery range has been expanded both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer grained leather. At base level there is a green 'accent' color fabric with the poetic name of Spring Green.

Freeing up storage space

The inner panels of the front doors are larger than before, offering more storage space. The entire lower part of the front door inside panels has been redesigned. The audio system speakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drink can or a water bottle lying down.

The larger center storage compartment, featuring two cup holders, is equipped with a sliding cover. The driver's armrest has been improved in terms of comfort and functionality.

A newly developed R-design theme will be available for the 2008 V50. This package features a number of performance-inspired design details. Some R-design features will also be available as separate accessories for the standard Volvo V50 models.