New Drive: Transition period for updated Volvo V40

Living with the weight of expectation following the phenomenal XC90 (SA Car of the Year) and S90, the updated Volvo V40 has become Volvo’s oft forgotten (at least in the media) yet accomplished elongated hatchback.  Volvo has however taken time out from pushing technological boundaries to spruce up the 2016 Volvo V40 and give buyers the chance to rediscover this revised svelte Swede.

Model Line Up

Starting at R351 100 for the ultra-frugal D2 Kinetic (3.4l/100) the V40 range is available in eight main models with 3 gearbox configurations, 6 speed manual, 6 speed Geartronic and 8 Speed Geartronic. (D4 and T5)

The expansive range does have something for every Volvo V40 owner. From the Base Pack to R-Design with the latter allowing owners to customize the V40 with sports steering wheel, leather seats and body styling options. With lots of standard equipment, and many boxes to tick when it comes to spec, V40 certainly does emphasise individuality.

Changes to the new model

The Thomas Ingenlath design holds up well even some four years later, so for this revision, understated yet noticeable changes have been implemented. Thors Hammer day time LEDs and a subtle front nose job are in keeping with the company’s new corporate direction.  A list of funky diamond cut 18” and 19” wheel options are also available and according to Volvo is aimed at the younger buyer – a buyer who values individuality.

Volvo points out that when it comes to the interior ‘They’ve always had fun with this’ so the interior comes with choices of quirky two tone steering wheels, the divisive “City Weave” upholstery, or supple leather – the finest quality we might add. The centre console has also been revisited on the 2017 model and the interior now also comes with the ambient light options, configurable through V40s antiquated “My Volvo” system. No touchscreen slickness here, yet.

Performance and safety

With 180kW and 350Nm on tap for the T5 the flagship model makes no bones about its intentions. 0-100km/h gets dispatched in 6.3 seconds (6.1 for all-wheel-drive) and as surefooted as the car is, one can’t help but feel that the performance is best left holstered until a rapid overtaking manoeuvre or hasty highway merge is needed.

In keeping with its “safety first” approach Volvo’s V40 is the safest car in its segment with a 100% safety rating from NCAP and up until a few days before the launch, Volvo was the only manufacturer in the world to offer the optional pedestrian airbag.  Safety is still a Volvo hallmark and remains a consideration for Volvo owners looking to purchase, making V40 the smart choice for the right buyer.

Cross Country and Polestar

With suspension raised up by 12mm to 145mm on the Cross Country version, Volvo offers a funky alternative with an urban edge. The car works well as we zipped around town in either the petrol or diesel version. The 180kW T5 offers all-wheel-drive pep with kerb climbing appeal.

At the top of the options list is Polestar, offering pedigreed performance to the entire range.  From pedals, exhausts, chassis upgrades and even engine software, all covered under Volvo’s 5 year 100 000kM warranty.  For those looking for a GTi alternative with a twist, this could be just the car.

The Volvo V40 makes sense for long time Volvo owners wanting the Volvo experience from a smaller car, or an additional car to the family fleet. For first time Volvo buyers it offers a sophisticated individual hatchback in a teeming segment.  The interior options allow Volvo to target a newer and younger Volvo owner but stalwarts still get catered to with the same Swedish sensibility we’ve come to expect from the brand. Sadly though if you’ve experienced XC90 and S90, you’ll notice a few old items in the facelifted V40.