Hi

My wife wants a Volvo to replace her japanese car. She's more concerned than ever bout safety after our neighbour was involved in a terrible accident. They were driving their BMW and crashed front on into the side of a Mitsu Pajero at a a junction. Car caught fire. They sustained third degree burns and multiple fractures of both upper and lower limbs. Pajero driver was thrown out of the 4WD.

We both like the S40 but a used one is too expensive. So we're looking for a 940. Just a couple of questions though before I look around

1. SIPS - do all 940 have this?
2. air bags - from what year did they became standard on 940 or does it really depends on the local market (BTW I'm in Malaysia)
3. I've heard air bags can do more harm than good especially in low speed impact and that the most important safety device is the seat belt. And that they can be dangerous to children in the front seat. Is this true? Does air bags actually decrease the odd of injury significantly?
4. Lastly what is the difference between a soft and full turbo? My parts guy says that the turbocharger are the same and it's only in the fuel management. Which one has the better mileage then?

Thanks.

ASLAN
1989 740 GLE (mine)
2001 Proton (Rebadged Mitsubishi Lancer)- soon to be replaced with a Volvo