Safety first for new Volvo S40

The new model was launched at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show and is available to order from October. It is 50mm shorter than the old S40 and 200kg lighter than the S80, but its body is now 68% stiffer than the model it replaces. This should mean safety isn't compromised, Volvo claims.

New safety features include a front structure made of four grades of high-strength steel, designed to keep the passenger compartment intact in a crash. Twin front and side airbags will be a standard fit across the range, along with electronic skid-avoidance systems. Volvo is confident the new S40 will achieve the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

The new S40 also comes with Volvo's Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) as standard. This assesses when it is safe for the driver to answer a call on the in-car phone. If, for example, the driver is accelerating, braking, turning or waiting at a junction, IDIS will hold any incoming phone calls until it is safe for the driver to answer.

The S40 is due to hit showrooms early next year and will be available with a choice of six engines, from 1.6-litre petrol and diesel units to the range-topping 220bhp turbocharged T5.

President and CEO of Volvo Cars, Hans-Olov Olsson, said: 'Our goal is that the new Volvo S40 should be the safest car in its class, offering the same safety levels as our larger models.'