Side-impact Airbags for Driver

These side impact air bags help reduce the risk of serious injuries to the chest and hips in a side-impact collision.

Side-impact Airbags for Driver and Front Passenger Volvo S40

Inflating in a fraction of a second, they're fitted in the outer edge of the front-seat backrests, ensuring they're always positioned securely by your side.

Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS)

Helps reduce the risk of serious injury in a collision from the side.


Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS) Video Volvo S40
Consists of a strong body structure with a number of interacting features, all of which help to distribute crash forces across a large part of the car's body.

Dual-stage Airbags, Driver and Front Passenger

In a frontal collision, the driver and passenger airbags help protect your head, face and chest.

Dual-stage Airbags, Driver and Front Passenger Volvo S40

The system varies their level of inflation depending on the force of the collision. Should the collision force be sufficiently low that the airbags aren't needed, it will deploy the seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Collapsible Steering Column

The steering column is an advanced part of the safety system, with the upper and lower sections giving way in a controlled manner in a frontal impact to reduce the risk of injury to the driver.

Collapsible Steering Column Volvo S40

It also works with the airbag to provide optimum protection.

Side Marker Lights

Integrated front and rear side-marker lights help alert other drivers to your car's presence.

Side Marker Lights Volvo S40

Energy-absorbing Frontal Structure

In a frontal collision the patented frontal structure with its sizeable deformation zones in different kinds of steel will yield to help absorb crash energy.

Energy-absorbing Frontal Structure Volvo S40

In developing this Volvo's protective qualities, we have focused on frontal collisions at both higher speeds and with heavier vehicles. The compact power train is designed to help optimise deformation—all main components in the engine bay have their own predetermined positions to help keep components outside the cabin.

Anti-locking Brake System with Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA)

The anti-locking disc brakes are designed for optimal performance even during repetitive and intensive use. You can brake as hard as you like as you steer clear of trouble.


Anti-locking Brake System Video Volvo S40
Emergency Brake Assistance (EBA) detects an attempted emergency braking and, when necessary, provides added assistance to bring the car to a standstill in the shortest possible distance. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) distributes the braking effect between the front and rear wheels to achieve optimal results according to load and driving conditions.

IDIS Intelligent Driver Information System

Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS) is another Volvo safety world first, inspired by technology normally found in fighter aircraft.


IDIS Intelligent Driver Information System Video Volvo S40
To avoid unnecessary distractions in critical driving situations, IDIS constantly analyzes the driving situation. If necessary, it momentarily delays some information from the car’s onboard systems.

DSTC Anti-skid System

DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control) enhances driving stability in slippery conditions by comparing the rotation of the drive wheels and, if needed, varying the power supply.


DSTC Anti-skid System Video Volvo S40
This system also compares the car's direction with its steering wheel movements. Then, when necessary, cuts engine power or brakes individual wheels to help reduce skidding and maintain control. You can even set the system to ensure extra traction in snowy conditions.

Rear Fog Light w/Auto-off

This high-intensity rear fog light helps make your Volvo more visible to drivers approaching from behind in bad weather.