Other standard safety equipment would include the Volvo Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with side air bags, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats, and three-point seat belts with head restraints at all five seating positions.
Volvo Canada did not deploy the S/V40 as soon as the American operation did because it wanted to wait for the slight facelift and general upgrade that the model (which has been sold in Europe for many years) was getting for 2001.
On the sporty side, the S/V40 models get a turbocharged, 1.9 litres inline-four that develops 160 horsepowers and is attached to a 5 speeds automatic transmission. They also get four-channel anti-lock brakes, 15 inches alloy wheels and what Brusca calls "many" other features as standard equipment.
"With the S40 and V40," says Brusca, "we are able to deliver Volvo's traditional appeal to a new, younger buyer who shares our values. The cars represent everything Volvo stands for in a compact, affordable package with a premium brand."