Immobilizer and Theft-protected Locks

Not only will the door locks withstand most break-in attempts, the electronic immobilizer makes it impossible to start the car without the right key.

Immobilizer and Theft-protected Locks Volvo S40

And even if a would-be thief manages to get into the car, via the window, for example, the deadlock system makes it impossible to open the door from the inside.

Approach and Home Safe Lighting

These functions illuminate your path to and from the car. Press the remote control button when you approach the car and the path to the car and its surrounding will be lightened up.

Approach and Home Safe Lighting Volvo S40

When you leave the car, press the headlight stalk and the dipped headlights will light your path for 30, 60 or 90 seconds.

Emergency Trunk Release

All Volvos S40 are equipped with a fluorescent handle on the inside of the trunk lid, which can be used in an emergency situation to open the trunk from the inside.

Energy-Absorbing Interior

All the panels and door sides are padded with energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the risk of injury to the car's occupants.

ISOFIX/Latch Attachment System

ISOFIX/Latch is an international standard for installing child safety equipment. With ISOFIX/Latch, the child safety seat becomes part of the car's body structure, making it easily installed, adjusted and removed.

ISOFIX/Latch Attachment System Volvo S40

The seat frame clicks into place with the ISOFIX/Latch connector between the cushion and the backrest, with an indicator light confirming a correct connection. The car is prepared for ISOFIX/Latch attachments on the outer rear seats.

Pedestrian Protection - Unprotected Road Users

The front features clean, gentle, smooth lines, flush headlights, and a low engine position to help reduce danger to pedestrian cyclists and other road-users should an accident occur.

Pedestrian Protection - Unprotected Road Users Volvo S40

Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)

Integrated in the front seats, Volvo's unique Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) cradles the spine and neck in a controlled manner. The system is activated by a collision of sufficient force from behind.


Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) Video Volvo S40
Independent research has shown that WHIPS is one of the most effective in the world. Since its introduction in 1998, it has helped reduce long-term consequences by more than 50%.

Reinforced Passenger Compartment

Reinforced with high-strength steel, this lightweight - yet sturdy - safety cage provides an outstanding level of protection for you and your passengers.

Reinforced Passenger Compartment Volvo S40

In a collision, the front and rear crumple zones dissipate and distribute incoming collision forces to help reduce the impact on those inside the car, while in a side impact, our SIPS side-impact collision protection system distributes the crash force across a large portion of the car’s body to further reduce your risk of injury.

Anti-submarining Protection

Both the front and rear seats feature anti-submarining guards that are contoured to help prevent occupants from sliding under and out of their seatbelts in a collision.

Anti-submarining Protection Volvo S40

Head Restraints for all Seats

Positioned to offer optimum protection irrespective of the occupant’s height, the restraints offer both driver and passengers outstanding protection. The rear middle restraint can be fully folded into the backrest to improve the driver’s rearward visibility.

Head Restraints for all Seats Volvo S40

And pressing a button (optional on some models), outer head restraints can fold forward to further improve rear vision. They then stay folded to prevent anyone from sitting in the seats without having the head restraints in their correct position. (Some models have manual folding head restraints).

Seatbelts with Pre-tensioners

The front seats and the outer rear seats feature seatbelt pre-tensioners to help provide maximum protection in the event of an accident. All seats have three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners. In a crash, the seatbelt is tensioned across the body to help provide maximum protection.

Seatbelts with Pre-tensioners Volvo S40

The front seat seatbelts then slacken slightly so that the occupants are restrained by the airbags in a more controlled manner. Sound signals and warning symbols remind you to fasten your seatbelt before driving away. And in the information display in the instrument panel, you can check if the rear seat passengers have fastened their seatbelts.

Inflatable Curtain (IC)

Inflating in a side-impact accident to help protect the heads of all outboard occupants, the Inflatable Side Curtains (IC) helps to offer protection whether you're in the front or the rear.

Inflatable Curtain (IC) Volvo S40

It also stays inflated in multiple or longer-duration accidents.