Motoring review: Versatile Volvo V40 set to be a hit in 2018

Swedish craftsmanship is all about the unique details that together make the experience more enjoyable. Nowhere is this more evident than in the full range of cars and SUV’s from Swedish luxury car manufacturer, Volvo.   The versatile Volvo V40 is Volvo’s biggest selling model, thanks in no small part to its wide range of talents, which makes the car appeal to a wide variety of customers. Available only in 5-door guise, this ultra-stylish luxury hatchback counts the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 1-Series, Mini Clubman and the VW Golf amongst its competitors.   My test car was a recently revised Volvo V40 D2 Momentum in dazzling Ice White paint. This Euro-6 turbo-diesel engine produces 120bhp and an impressive 280Nm of torque. Annual road tax is just €180 thanks to extremely low emissions of just 89g/km. Outstanding fuel efficiency as low as 3.6l/100km (on a combined driving cycle) really does make the Volvo V40 an excellent financial proposition.  The revised Volvo V40 benefits from new T-shaped (Thor-Hammer style) headlights, which give the car a wider, more athletic stance than ever before, while also bringing the V40 in line with the latest generation of Volvo cars and SUV’s. An updated front grille design gives the V40 a dynamic & youthful edge while still maintaining the cars distinctive character. Completing the revisions is an extensive range of alloy wheel designs.   Two petrol engines (T2 & T5) and three turbo-diesel engines are available in the Volvo V40 range. The vast majority of sales will be in the diesel category, with power of 120bhp (D2), 150bhp (D3) or 190bhp (D4) being available. A smooth & precise 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, but an automatic gearbox is available in some models.     Six specification levels are available in the V40, namely – Kinetic, Momentum, Inscription, R-Design, Cross-Country Plus and Cross Country Pro .  Every model comes with a high level of standard safety, comfort, convenience and technology features, while my test car also included a ‘style pack’ (rear parking camera, 12.3” Active TFT Crystal Driver’s Information Display, illuminated gear-knob & auto-dimming rear view mirror), a fixed panoramic sunroof, space-saver spare wheel and a ‘winter pack’ which features a heated front windscreen, headlight cleaning system and an air quality system.   Excellent road manners make the Volvo V40 enjoyable to drive on back roads as well as motorways. The V40 benefits from being based on a reworking of Ford’s ‘Global C’ Ford Focus platform. But while the Ford Focus Mk3 is also a derivative of the same platform, the V40 uses a lot of bespoke Volvo engineering to ensure it is even safer. The V40 is agile and accurate when cornering, allowing the driver to exploit its excellent driving dynamics to the full. The steering is sharp and precise and is well weighted when travelling at speed.   With some of the most advanced safety features yet seen on a compact executive hatch, the Volvo V40 is a safe and secure car to be in as a driver or as a passenger. The knowledge that Volvo have always been to the forefront of vehicle safety inspired confidence in me every time I drove my Volvo V40 test car. On top of all this, Volvo truly believe that when Scandanavian design meets modern Swedish craftsmanship the result is a look that is always ahead of its time. The revised Volvo V40 is no exception.  With its upmarket looks, supreme refinement and class-leading safety features, Volvo V40 drivers have never had it so good. Prices start at just €28,245 (ex works).         Fact Box  

• Stylish, Fun & Safe Family Car
• Latest Engine Technology
• Advanced Safety Systems
• Petrol or Diesel Available
• Priced From €28,245