Volvo V40, In The Shadow Of The Germans

Competing in a segment such as compact cars is not an easy task, as there are currently countless models to choose from, and almost all premium brands have a high-level representative. The Volvo V40 is not the most balanced of all, but it is irresistible for that buyer looking for a compact, road and comfortable car.

It is not easy to compete with models of the stature of the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class or Audi A3, and the truth is that the V40 is surpassed in many respects by its competitors, so perhaps it needs more than a simple restyling .

Volvo V40 exterior design

The first impression that this V40 transmits is that of excess simplicity in its lines : the front part is barely decorated, with discreet but elegant spotlights and a sober grill. The minimalist idea that Volvo wants to embody in its vehicles is taken to the extreme in the front of this compact.

The side line is very similar to that of any car in its segment, where they differ less from each other, with a pronounced drop in the rear window and a line that runs up the side of the car.

The rear is the most striking part, with the typical boomerang shape of the pilots that the Swedish brand has been using for a few years. This is the most worked area of ​​the vehicle, with an original drop of the rear window and a fairly high bumper.

Interior design and habitability

The same spirit of simplicity that surrounds the body can be found in the interior. The narrow and simple dashboard has a number of buttons typical of cars from six years ago, with one button for each function. Although this can be very comfortable once you get used to it, it does not leave the impression of modernity that an A-Class transmits.

The instrument panel is digital, except for the basic finish, and takes all the prominence of the interior, with a series of functions and configurations that provide that technological air that the central part of the dashboard lacks.

The quality of materials is remarkable; it does not reach that of a BMW 1 series, but nothing can be recriminated. In addition, the quality of the settings is very successful, with a very pleasant overall feel.

The space in the front seats is enough for tall people to be accommodated without problem. The problem comes in the rear seats, where it looks more typical of a utility than a compact, with a width at the height of the shoulders and a very fair ceiling height.

The boot can not boast of capacity either, since with 335 liters capacity it is the worst compact on the current market, and many smaller cars, such as the new Seat Ibiza, beat it in this section.

Dynamics and engines

The Volvo V40 keeps its main weapon in its road capacity. It is an extraordinarily comfortable car for long trips  thanks to suspensions that isolate irregularities in the asphalt very well and a soundproofing of the cabin typical of a good saloon.

On expressways he moves like a fish in water, with excellent poise and a sense of security. It is on slow roads with steep curves, it is not so comfortable. It can be circulated at a high pace without major problems, but it does not transmit the balance of a 1 Series or a Mazda 3.

The mechanical fan has power levels that most buyers like, with well-thought-out staging, although we miss a hybrid or electric variant.

• Gasoline: part of a 122 hp turbocharged block, and above we have the same engine but with 152 hp. Both options are highly recommended for driving pleasure and for offering very good performance for the power figure. At the top of the range, Volvo offers an interesting version with 245 hp.
• Diesel : the least powerful engine that the Volvo V40 can equip is a 120 hp 2.0-liter, with which it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.5 seconds. Above, and with the same displacement, the brand offers two other power levels:  150 and 190 hp.

Price and conclusion

Part of € 25,100 that costs with the Kinetic finish and the 122 HP gasoline engine, up to the € 40,342 that the brand asks for the Volvo V40 with the Inscription finish and 245 HP.

They are prices very similar to its most direct premium competitors , and that is the reason why it is having a hard time standing out among its rivals. Models like the Audi A3 offer a much more complete product, so let’s hope that the new V40 is coming down, because if not, it will be really difficult.