The all-new Volvo V40 enters the Premium Hatchback class, featuring a luxury look and feel that emphasises the aura of a compact car with large-car content and characteristics.
“The all-new V40, a five-door, five-seater sibling to the Volvo C30, is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Fully charged with a class-leading set of high-tech features it is ready to give our toughest competitors a real headache,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
“Thanks to input from customers all over the world, our most compact V-range model features an outstanding blend of design, safety and versatility. The car is loaded with features that buyers of modern luxury cars want,” he added.
Exterior
The classic V-shaped bonnet is further enhanced by bolder expressive lines. The high-gloss grille is low and wide in order to create a sporty, close-to-the-ground feel. The lower opening is surrounded at the corners by sculpted bodywork, stretching from one wheel arch to the other. The sculptured corners not only add character, they also direct the airflow to improve aerodynamics. Daytime Running Lights are set into the lower corners of the front end, sweeping upward if viewed directly from the front. The “blade design” of the front headlights creates an attractive light pattern in the dark.
The wide shoulder line stretches back from the headlamp with a sharp line to echo the rising beltline. As it reaches the end of the rear door it sweeps up into an integrated “hook”, inherited from the legendary P1800. The highlight continues rearward into a very full powerful section that leads into the tail lamps.
The roof silhouette contributes to the impression of a car leaning forward – eager to set off. The car is finished with a dynamically sculpted rear to further emphasise its width and muscular stance, with the lower area “blacked out” to achieve an athletic, low and wide look. Buyers of the all-new V40 can personalise the car with an exterior accessory styling kit. The kit creates an exclusive, sporty aura and improves aerodynamic efficiency.
The exterior styling kit includes deflectors, a twin-coloured rear diffuser, a striping kit and enlarged rectangular, chromed twin tail pipes. Diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels with contrasting grey detailing and a roof spoiler can be added separately.
Interior
The wide instrument panel, together with the fluidity of the door design, creates a spacious, “large-car” feeling. The interior is designed to offer the driver and passengers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere with a true Scandinavian flavour. The choice of materials and colours emphasises the luxurious feeling of quality and craftsmanship.
The interior of the all-new Volvo V40 is designed around people with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, comfort and an engaging driving experience. The wide instrument panel, together with the fluidity of the door design, creates a spacious, “large-car” feeling. The interior is designed to offer the driver and passengers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere with a true Scandinavian flavour. The choice of materials and colours emphasises the luxurious feeling of quality and craftsmanship.
Engine & Transmission
The engine range spans everything from Volvo Car Corporation’s first diesel with CO2 emissions of just 94 g/km to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254 hp and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. The five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged T5 engine has a power output of 254 hp and 400 Nm of torque, including 40 Nm overboost delivered during acceleration. To achieve low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, internal friction has been reduced. The T5 comes with automatic transmission and acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is 35.8 mpg (EU Combined).
The mid-range offer includes two versions of a 1.6-litre GTDi engine: T4 with 180 horsepower and T3 with 150 horsepower. The 180 hp engine offers maximum torque of 270 Nm, including 30 Nm overboost. This gives excellent drivability throughout the speed range. The torque curve is relatively gentle, resulting in a particularly comfortable driving experience. The 150 horsepower T3 engine offers 240 Newton metres of torque. Volvo’s engine experts have managed to bring fuel consumption down to 48.7 mpg. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 134 g/km.
All engine versions have start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.
The T5 version comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the T4 is available in combination with the automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. The T3 comes only with a manual gearbox.
Chassis
The all-new Volvo V40 has two different chassis setups. The Dynamic chassis is standard; rigid body and low centre of gravity promote an alert, quick-responding character that focuses on the driving experience, yet without compromising ride comfort.
The front McPherson struts have the same 25 mm piston rods as the Volvo S60. The stiffness enables the structure to absorb lateral loads better. At the rear, the V40 has monotube dampers, featuring compression and return damping via the same valve – this gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means that the damper responds more quickly.
The Sport chassis is lowered 10 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in responsive driving pleasure with full control.
Optional on the V40 is the Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which uses an electrical motor to support the steering rack and the driver can choose between three levels of power assistance: In ‘Low’ mode the system provides a high degree of power support, making manoeuvring easier. ‘Medium’ mode has somewhat lower power support to offer more road response at higher speeds. ‘High’ mode is the ultimate setting for the enthusiastic driver, contributing to the car’s dynamic character.
Long list of driver aids
Electrical Power Assist Steering enables integration of safety and driver support functions that involve the steering, such as Lane Keeping Aid and Park Assist Pilot. Other driver assist functions include Corner Traction Control, IntelliSafe, Enhanced Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Information, Active High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control & Distance Alert, Pedestrian Detection, Collision Warning & Auto Brake, City Safety and Driver Alert Control.
A world’s first is Pedestrian Airbag Technology; Sensors in the front bumper register the physical contact between the car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the bonnet is released and at the same time elevated by the deploying airbag.
The inflated airbag covers the area under the raised bonnet plus approximately one third of the windscreen area and the lower part of the A-pillar. Raised bonnet and airbag will help reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries.