I am considering purchasing a used Volvo V40 2.0 Turbo station wagon
with very low miles and have some detailed and involved questions
about (1) the car and (2) how it compares to newer model years and to
(3) the VW Passat station wagon.

What I know: Volvo 2.0 Liter gas engine with Turbo
Engine: B4204 T3 4 cylinder 16valve 
Fuel type: gasoline, Fuel delivery: fuel injection 
Displacement: 1.948 litres = 118.9 cu. in. 
121 kw, 
VIN starts with YV1VW26921F......
Manufactured in the Netherlands 6/2001, sold in Europe (not sure this
model was available in the US)
5 speed standard transmission (*not* automatic) 
ABS
metallic gray exterior
12 spoke aluminium wheels
manual A/C controls (no automatic temperature setting)
black fabric interior (with some leather details)
central locks
electric front seat windows & side mirrors
manual back windows
manual seat controls
no heated seats
wipers on the headlights

engine details from the model number were gleaned from the following site:
http://engphys.mcmaster.ca/~bill/volvo/database/cars.htm#2001%20S40/V40%202.0T

1) The car, features and reviews: 
I am interested to know what the standard features were for the 2001
V40 2T.  What airbags were included as standard?  Were there
additional airbags available as options?  Supposedly the car has
"Sport" option package.  Is there a record of what this option package
included?  Do the headlight wiper/washers suggest what kind of option
package the car has?

I would like to have crash test reports for the V40 with as close a
match to the body of the 2001.  I am particularly interested in the
safety of a rear facing infant car seat in the back, with the airbags
in the front seats.

I have read some reviews for the 2001 V40, but would appreciate a list
of links for reviews that do not require paid subscription.

Ideally, I would like to have an English brochure and owners manual in PDF form.  

2) How the 2001 V40 compares to newer V40 models:
I would like to understand all major design/safety feature (i.e.
structural, number and placement of airbags, etc.) changes that would
affect safety performance from the 2001 model to 02, 03, and 04
models.  I would also like to know about any major engine changes that
would affect performance (and hence reviews)  from the 2001 model to
02, 03, and 04 models.  Finally, it would be helpful to have a feature
package comparison for the model years 01-04.

3) How the 2001 V40 compares to the VW Passat (of similar cost)
How does the V40 stack up against the comparable VW Passat in terms of
engine performance, interior passenger and cargo space, reliability,
handling, safety, etc.

Bonus question: I would like to know the best price available in
Europe for this car (i.e. same technical specs) in as new condition,
with no crashes, no door dings, and (for the sake of argument) no
miles (OK, lowest miles possible).

Many thanks in advance for your consideration of my question. 
Comments and clarifications are most welcome!  Finally, I have a short
fuse to make a decision, so I will tip generously for a prompt (by
Tuesday 7/20) and complete answer that helps me make an informed
decision.
Cheers,
Indiebands

I only just took notice of this website yesterday, so sorry there's no
time for me to be of any real help in your research.  HOWEVER I had to
at least comment on the following:  I have owned Volvos for the past
13 years.  I can't help you with that particular MODEL, I've owned
240, 850, and v70.  But I can tell you that you can't go wrong if you
buy the Volvo.  I was in a major highway accident driving my '93 850,
I was rear-ended by an 18wheeler I was doing about 70, he was doing
perhaps 80-85.  My car was thrown up into the air, and landed on the
opposite side of the highway with half of the front end in the
guardrail.
My car was so mangled that it was barely identifiable as a Volvo. 
When the EMT's got there they said "Don't MOVE" and I said "How come? 
I'm perfectly fine. Just a little shook up"  They said "You probably
have injuries and you're in shock so you don't know it."  I said,
"WRONG. I am FINE." I got out, walked around and said, "No need to
take me to the hospital, honestly"  Then they sent over a more senior
of their group.  He tried to talk me into going to the hospital at
least to get checked out.  I said "Why, it's a waste of time. I'm
telling you I am FINE"  Finally they laid off.  I didn't have any
subsequent pain or anything wrong except the next day a very slight
ache in my lower back.
It went away in a day. Keep in mind the wreck was so bad that when it
was towed to the closest garage, everyone in the shop and even some
people passing by on the sidewalk came over to gawk at it.  Everyone
was amazed at the lack of driver injury.  God Bless the engineers at
Volvo and if you care about safety.
buy one.  That's my two bits, for whatever it's worth. Good luck.
Jennifer G. Ellis, Monticello, ME.

Thanks, Jennifer.  Appreciate your comments.  A remarkable story-- I
am glad that it has a happy ending.

Incidentally, over the last few days, I have found several reviews and
the tech specs for what was standard equipment on the 2001 model year.
 Yesterday was not a firm deadline for an answer, but I have since
found most of the information I was looking for.  I would still be
interested in crash test, model comparison information, and
particularly the owners manual in PDF form.  Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
Indiebands