The premium segment hatchback from Volvo in the C-class appeared only in 2012. The model designation is unusual, as the Swedes traditionally used the letter ‘V’ for station wagons. When designing the Volvo V40 body, the designers drew inspiration from the 1971 Volvo P1800 ES Sport Wagon. And it is the rear part of the V40 body that is the most impressive.
Design
The front exudes more Scandinavian restraint.
The interior is executed in the company’s traditional style, but its innovations are immediately revealed by the electronic dashboard, whose design can be changed. With its dynamic appearance, the Volvo V40 shows that it is made for the driver and promises them vivid driving emotions. This is ensured by a wide range of turbo engines.
Engines and Transmission
- 1.6 petrol
- 1.5 petrol (152 hp)
- 2.0 petrol
- 1.6 diesel
- 2.0 diesel
The 1.6-liter petrol engines develop 150/180 hp and 240 Nm, while the 2.0-liter ones produce 180/245 hp and 300/350 Nm. The diesel engine lineup consists of a 1.6-liter (115 hp, 270 Nm) and 2.0-liter (150/190 hp, 350/400 Nm) engines.
Transmissions include 6-speed manual, robotic, and automatic. The most powerful V40 versions are named Drive-E and are equipped with 8-speed ‘automatics.’ Only the two most powerful Cross Country versions with 2.0-liter petrol engines are equipped with all-wheel drive.
Interior
Materials and build quality correspond to the premium class. Thoughtful driver seat ergonomics, and the front seats provide deep and comfortable seating and excellent support in turns. However, the proximity of the ceiling is always felt.
And in the second row, it’s difficult for even a person of average build to find space. The modest trunk is another weak spot of the model. The rather stiff suspension and large-diameter wheels ensure excellent reliability in cornering but react harshly to large hard bumps.
Volvo cars have always been distinguished by a thoroughly thought-out approach to safety. Even in the basic configuration, the car is equipped with seven airbags in the cabin and another for pedestrian protection, as well as a full package of proprietary safety systems: city collision prevention, pedestrian collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping, road sign recognition, and many other functions.
For the presence of safety systems according to the EuroNCAP rating, the model received a maximum of 100%, which was an excellent addition to five stars from the crash test. A relatively young model in the Volvo lineup is currently available in three variants. In addition to the standard car, hot hatch enthusiasts are offered the V40 R-Design version, and for fans of compact crossovers, there is the V40 Cross Country. Interestingly, all these cars differ only stylistically and in ground clearance, while their powertrains are, with rare exceptions, common.
All engines installed in the Volvo V40 are turbocharged, equipped with energy recovery systems during braking and a Stop&Start function for engine shutdown during short stops.
Thus, the most powerful 245-hp Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 Drive-E AWD with an 8-speed automatic promises to consume on average 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km. The most fuel-consuming at 8 liters per 100 km, is currently also the 2.0-liter all-wheel-drive Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 with a 180-hp five-cylinder and a 6-speed automatic. When choosing a Volvo, we recommend purchasing CASCO insurance right away, as parts for this brand are considered some of the most expensive. For convenience and time-saving – car insurance online.