Inside the cabin is roomier and taller, and I love the modern upholstery fabric on seating inspired by sportswear and high-performance luggage. Forget leather, Volvo’s so-called T-Tec fabric did a great job keeping me warm on chilly mornings and cool as the day warmed up. My test car’s optional heated seats worked quickly and were as cozy as an electric blanket. And interior air quality gets a boost from a standard-equipped pollen filter. With so many foul weather accouterments, it’s an ideal car for a nasty winter.
Tip: The T5 model’s turbocharger shaves two seconds off the S40’s 0-60 time.
