How much is auto insurance for a Volvo S40?

The 2011 Volvo S40 is powered by a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that generates 227 horsepower. Both the base model S40 T5 and the S40 R-Design employ front-wheel drive powertrains and 5-speed Geartronic transmissions.

A power front seat and a moonroof are standard on the R-Design, as are styling details like premium leather and Flextech upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and sport-designed pedals. The Volvo S40 R-Design’s exterior is upgraded with a rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Read on to learn about the cost of auto insurance rates for a Volvo S40. Then use our FREE tool to compare quotes!

Volvo S40 Auto Insurance Rates

Experienced drivers who opt for the base model Volvo S40 are expected to pay about $1,268 annually for auto insurance according to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) reports.

Rates for comparable vehicles are expected to be similar including the Volkswagen GTI ($1,263), the Mini Cooper Countryman ($1,174) and Audi A3 ($1,055) according to the NADA’s estimates.

Auto insurance rates for the Volvo S40 listed above are based on a driver who has seven or more years of experience behind the wheel. For a driver with 3-6 years’ experience, the anticipated 5-year cost of auto insurance climbs to $2,396, and drivers with only 1-3 years of experience should be prepared to pay close to $3,000 annually to insure a Volvo S40.

Volvo S40 Safety Ratings and Features

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the 2011 Volvo S40 a 4-star rating on a 5-star scale for its performance in rollover testing.

It has not conducted front, side, or rear collision testing on the 2011 model yet, but the similar 2010 model earned 5-star ratings for protecting passengers in side and front-end crashes.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2011 Volvo S40’s performance in front and rear collision tests its stamp of approval, awarding it the highest rating of “Good.” The S40 didn’t fare as well in side impact or roof strength tests, though.

The IIHS only rated its performance “Average.”

One of the best performers in the small upscale vehicle category as far as performance goes is the Audi A3, which was selected as an IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” The hatchback Volvo C30 also received this honor.

The 2011 Volvo S40 is equipped with a Whiplash Protection System, inflatable side-curtain air bags, and a collapsible steering column. Fog lights, anti-lock brakes and brake assist, traction and stability control, and a driver information system are also included.

For an additional $800, consumers can add dual xenon headlights with active bending technology. They can angle themselves to improve visibility when the vehicle is turning a corner.

Security Features for the S40

The Volvo S40 incorporates unique safety features like Home Safe and Approach Lighting, which allows the driver to activate the vehicle’s lights for a set amount of time while approaching the vehicle or after exiting it.

There’s also a private locking mechanism that allows the vehicle’s owner to keep the luggage area and glove box locked, even when someone borrows the vehicle. The S40 is outfitted with an emergency trunk release and an engine immobilizer as well.

2011 Volvo S40 Pricing

The base model Volvo S40 T5 starts at $27,750, while the R-Design model costs $31,150 without options. These prices are competitive, especially compared to the 2012 BMW 1 Series’ base price of $30,950 and the Acura TSX’s starting MSRP of $29,610.

The Audi A3, perhaps the S40’s closest competitor, starts at $27,270, but U.S. News and World Report notes that the price increases quickly as you add options.

U.S. News selected the Volkswagen GTI, which starts at $23,695, as the “Best Upscale Compact Car for the Money,” while the Mini Cooper Countryman has the lowest overall starting MSRP of $21,650.

The Nissan Leaf and the Lexus CT200h, both of which are alternative fuel vehicles, start at $32,780 and $29,120, respectively.

Fuel Economy for the Volvo S40

The Audi A3 matches the Volvo S40’s fuel economy of 21 city mpg/30 highway mpg, while the Volvo C30 and the Acura TSX both miss this mark by only one highway mile per gallon.

The Mini Cooper Countryman is the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicle in the category, getting 35 mpg at highway speeds and 27 mpg in the city. The Lexus CT200h’s fuel economy is estimated to be 43 city mpg/40 highway mpg.

Since the Nissan Leaf is an all-electric vehicle, this metric does not apply to it, but the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that it costs about $0.94 to drive the Nissan Leaf 25 miles.

Volvo S40 Warranty and Reliability Info

The S40 is protected by Volvo’s Safe and Secure Plan, which extends for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This plan incorporates a powertrain warranty, as well as wear and tear coverage and complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Roadside assistance is also complimentary for five years, regardless of the vehicle’s mileage.

The S40’s J.D. Power and Associates Predicted Reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 is one of the best in its class. The Lexus CT200h scored a 9.0, and the Acura TSX also scored an 8.0. The Volkswagen GTI only earned a 4.0, though, and the Audi A3 scored just a 5.0.

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