Volvo Car Malaysia introduced its facelifted S40 2.4 sedan

Volvo Car Malaysia today introduced its facelifted S40 2.4 sedan. The locally-assembled 2008 model year variant features a number of rather subtle revisions, both exterior and interior-wise.

No changes to the heart of the matter, which is the 2.4l five-pot that continues to deliver 170 horsies and 230Nm of torque, nor with the five-speed auto tranny.

Outside, the front has been updated to present a sportier and more prestigious face, borrowing elements from the new S80 and V70.

There's a new front nose, which is 3mm longer than the previous version's, as well as a new grille featuring a deeper mesh pattern and chrome surround. Also new, a colour coordinated front spoiler lip, lower centre air intakes and new design fog lamps.

Also new at the front are the headlamps, which have been redesigned both in look and size. Ditto the Volvo emblem, the so-called "iron mark", which is now 50% larger.

To reduce drag and positively influence fuel consumption, the front wheel wells have been equipped with air deflectors integrated into the undercarriage of the car.

At the back, there are new LED-equipped tail lights, reworked to be smaller than before, since the lower edge has been lifted approximately 30mm. The light functions have also been arranged differently and the reflectors have been moved down to the bumper.

The rear bumper is also new, and the redesigned two-piece unit is 6mm longer than the previous version. Elsewhere, further new items include sill mouldings, boot lid handles, colour coordinated roof antenna and key remote fob. The last also features improved battery life and increased operation range.

The car also comes with new alloy wheels, in this case of the 16-inch Cordelia variety. The rear inner wheel arch housing now features the use of textile liners, to help improve on NVH levels and reduce weight.

The interior features new door inner panels, instrument cluster, a tunnel console with a roll-top jalousie and a front armrest than offers deeper, wider and longer storage space, among others.

What else? Well, there's new grain leather upholstery, revised multu-directional air vents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a revised 'Z-operation' handbrake lever, along with matt aluminium decor rings for the four controls working the Radio/Climate unit.

Three colours are available - sapphire red, electric silver and black sapphire.

Pretty neat on the whole, and you'd think you'd have to fork out a bit more for the revisions. Well, not quite, because the neatest news is that the refreshed S40 2.4 is even cheaper than before, being priced at RM169,500 (on-the-road, without insurance) compared to RM181,500 previously. Now, wouldn't you say that's neat?