New Volvo V40 Review
Published Date: 27th Jun 2013
The new Volvo V40 is a premium hatchback vehicle in direct competition with the Audi A3, Mercedes A Class and BMW 1 Series. So how does it stack up against it’s rivals?
Design of the Volvo V40
The Volvo V40 is extremely eye-catching, in fact many of you will be of the opinion it’s leads the pack in this department with a sleek front-end, strong sculptured side and rear end, it really is worth taking a look at if you are in the market for a luxury hatchback. If you opt for a R-Design model (think of it as Volvo’s answer to the Audi S-Line range or M Sport BMW line) you will get a sportier version of the V40 with optional sports chassis. The new Volvo V40 R-Design has it’s own exclusive exterior and interior design enhancements including a bolder front-end with black gloss grille and it’s own unique LED lights.
Inside The Volvo V40
Quality of materials and build inside the V40 are on the same level that you’d expect from a BMW or Audi in fact you could argue better. The feeling of luxury is combined with a familiar Volvo practicality and trademark floating centre-console. In the front of the cabin, leg and headroom is very generous and in the back adequate. Boot space will be adequate for most uses and is comparable with other vehicles in it’s class plus the rear seats fold completely flat to extend boot space should you need it.
If you opt for the R-Design you’ll get a new black interior with front seats in quality Nubuck fabric and leather featuring the R-Design badging. There is also an illuminated soft- touch gear knob, and R-Design unique blue digital instrument panel with interior LED lighting.
Driving The Volvo V40
Based on feedback and test driving of the V40 the general consensus is that vehicle handles very well and and is an excellent drive, on a par with the best vehicles in it’s class. Obviously this will vary depending on the engine and gearbox combination but across the range expect a very good drive.
Volvo V40 Engine Range
There are plenty of diesel and turbo petrol options across the range with manual or automatic transmissions and start/stop technology. Option range from a very frugal diesel, the D2 (115hp manual) that offers low CO2 emissions of 88g/km and Volvo claim it’s capable of a combined fuel economy of 83mpg. If you want a diesel with some more power there’s a 177hp diesel that will take you from 0-62pmh in 8.6 seconds, whilst the best trade off between power and efficiency of the diesel options is the 150hp option that offers emissions of 114g/km and a combined fuel economy of 65mpg whilst still able to achieve 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.
Petrol options include a T3 (150hp) option that offers a good balance of power and fuel economy, with a combined fuel economy of 53pmg and CO2 emissions of 124g/km whilst being capable of 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 130pmh. More powerful options include a T4 (180hp) that can achieve 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and top speed of 140mph considering the slight performance increase we think you’d be better sticking with the T3 and benefit from better fuel economy and cheaper road tax. However if you really want the top end in performance there’s a T5 (254hp) option that will propel you from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds and has a reported top speed of 156mph.
Volvo V40 Safety Features
Volvo has reputation for being at the forefront of safety and it’s cars have are very, very safe indeed. The V40 comes equipped with all the latest safety features It received the full 5 star safety rating from NCAP, and was labelled 'the safest car in the world' as it got the best ever result in the NCAP tests, I don’t think we need to elaborate further to convince you that you'll be feel very safe in the V40.
If you have been a keen BMW, Mercedes or Audi fan and are looking for a luxury hatchback we urge you not to ignore the Volvo V40, it competes with vehicles in its class on every level and actually trumps them in many aspects and it looks fantastic!