2008 Volvo S40 Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 60 S40 reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
As in previous years, Volvo's safety features get good reviews. Those reviews are right on the money, as the 2008 S40 does well in government and insurance industry crash tests.
In government crash tests, the 2008 S40 earned four out of five stars for driver protection in front crashes, and five out of five stars for front passenger protection. In side crashes, the S40 earned five stars for both front and backseat occupants protection. The car also receives a four-star rollover rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2008 S40 a "Good" rating, the highest possible, in frontal offset tests. In side impact tests, the S40 receives the second-highest rating, "Acceptable."
Reviewers heap praise on Volvo for equipping its vehicles to avoid accidents, and protect its occupants in the event of one. "Long known for its emphasis on safety, Volvo carries on the tradition with side-impact and side-curtain airbags, the Whiplash Protection System and other safety features," explains Kelley Blue Book.
Accident Avoidance
Standard preventive safety features on all S40s include an anti-skid system, an auto-off rear fog light, and side marker lights. In addition, all S40s have anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Assistance. T5 models receive front fog lights standard, and Active Bi-Xenon headlights are optional. For 2008, all S40 also have an option for the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). With BLIS, the S40 has rear-facing digital cameras in the door mirrors that monitor movement on both sides of the car. Also new, is a standard tire pressure monitoring system for all trims.
Crash Protection
In the event of an accident, all 2008 S40s have dual-stage front and side impact air bags for the front passenger and driver. There are also inflatable side curtain air bags and head restraints for all seat positions. Volvo promotes an energy-absorbing interior for its S40s, and offer additional side impact protection and anti-submarining protection through its build. The Whiplash Protection System is built into the front seats, and is designed to control spine and neck movement in collisions.
