Volvo Gives S40/V50 a Facelift

Glady Reign
Amazines.com
April 17, 2007

In 1995, Volvo Cars released an entry level luxury sedan with a wagon version. These vehicles are aimed at the younger generation of car buyers. The Volvo S40 sedan and its wagon version, the V50 have undergone their first redesign for the 2004 model year.

The latest generation of the Volvo S40/V50 is named by Forbes as one of the best luxury car for young professionals. And for the 2008 model year, Volvo announced that they will be introducing the third generation of the S40/V50 models. The Swedish car manufacturer announced that the new version of the S40 and the V50 are even more tailored to suit the preferences of younger buyers.

The 2008 Volvo S40/V50 are designed to complement the C30 which was unveiled earlier this year. As Volvo aims to attract the attention of younger car buyers, they designed the S40 to resemble its bigger sibling, the S80. On the other hand, the wagon version of the S40 resembles the looks of the bigger V70. On the outside, the most notable redesigned piece is the nose of the sedan and the wagon.

The 2008 model year version sports a new grille and new headlight cluster. The Volvo logotype is also larger on the third generation S40 and V50. The ancient symbol for iron accentuates the redesigned nose which gives the Volvo S40 and the Volvo V50 a lowered look. That makes the vehicles look lower than they really are.

From the back, the 2008 S40/V50 looks similar to the second generation S40/V50 with several changes. A slimmer light cluster is one of the changes made in the rear of the car along with a new bumper design.

Inside the 2008 S40/V50, one of Volvo’s most widely recognized interior features was revised. The floating console which is employed by high-end Volvo vehicles was upgraded and looks even cooler. Aside from the revisions made to the floating console, Volvo also gave the 2008 S40/V50 new door panel inserts. Consumers will also be given a wide choice of upholstery designs.

Aside from the aforementioned revisions, the 2008 Volvo S40/V50 will also be equipped with swiveling bi-xenon headlights as an option. This feature comes in handy when making turns during nighttime driving. An Emergency Brake Light feature is also included. With this feature, the EBL flashes when the driver activates the brake pedal. As far as the engine lineup is concerned, Volvo has yet to announce whether the choice of engine will remain as. But word has it that Volvo will be offering a new T5 engine with increased power output.

One thing is for sure though - the abundance of safety features will always be in Volvo’s vehicles. Since these are Volvo models, it can be expected that these will be equipped with the latest safety features to complement a high performance luxury vehicle with reliable parts such as Volvo axles, steering components, and the like.