First drive: Volvo's vamped up V40

Published Aug 4, 2016

Share

By: Jesse Adams

Cape Town - It’s impressive that with all the effort going into completely new models like XC90 and the soon to be launched S90 sedan, Volvo’s found time to focus some energy on older cars like the V40. The now four-year-old hatch-wagon, and its slightly higher-riding sibling the V40 Cross Country have been given very modest facelifts, and both were launched in South Africa last week.

The most significant update happens up front where re-styled headlights now feature the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED hallmark to match those on Volvo’s most recent introductions.

Interestingly, these T-shaped light bars, which will feature on all Volvos going forward as a sort of new signature design element, are only included on range-topping R-Design and Inscription models. Lower Kinetic and Momentums come with halogen lights as standard equipment.

All versions get new grilles with vertical slats, a wider choice of colours (most are various shades of blue), and a new selection of wheel designs ranging in size from 16 to 19-inches. Inscription and R-Line variants also come with new badge insignias on the bootlid and door sills.

The interior of the V40 is largely unchanged, but decor panels on the floating centre console can be personalised with new finishes including Stealth Aluminium (R-Design only) and wood grain (Cross Country only) among others. Upholstery options still include the usual cream, black and brown leathers but a new City Weave cloth type is also available now. It’s an interesting (read peculiar) modern take on old-school tweed which probably won’t appeal to all buyers.

A two-tone cream/black steering wheel comes paired with this upholstery pattern.

What’s the pick of the bunch?

Engine and gearbox combinations remain as is across the range. All engines, barring a 1.5 turbopetrol in the T3, are 2-litre turbos regardless of numeric designations.

I test drove four different models (T4, T5, D3 and D4) at the new V40’s media launch in Cape Town and was surprised with how well it’s aged. Obviously the snazzy digital instrument cluster which was introduced with the V40 in 2012 (among the first in the industry) helps keep the cabin feel up to date; but the dash, centre stack and seat designs also don’t look at all out of place against more recent rivals.

Quality levels are very high, and I have no argument with Volvo calling this a premium hatch. But, I did prefer the diesel engine options which felt a little more refined, and, surprisingly quieter inside the cabin. I’d also advise sticking to smaller wheels if comfort is of importance. The stylish, but very low-profile options fitted to launch cars did compromise ride quality somewhat.

My pick of the 13 model bunch (not including various trim levels in each) is the 140kW/400Nm D4 for its nice torque delivery and slick eight-speed autobox. That said I didn’t get a chance to drive the top T5 loaded with Polestar performance parts – but, it may arrive for a full road test in the near future.

RANGE AND PRICING

V40 petrol

T3 Kinetic - 112kW/250Nm - R338 498

T3 Momentum - 112kW/250Nm - R378 698

T3 Momentum AT - 112kW/250Nm - R397 526

T3 Inscription - 112kW/250Nm - R400 298

T3 Inscription AT - 112kW/250Nm - R419 026

T3 R-Design - 112kW/250Nm - R408 398

T3 R-Design AT - 112kW/250Nm - R427 126

T4 Momentum - 140kW/300Nm - R400 998

T4 Momentum AT - 140kW/300Nm - R421 212

T4 Inscription - 140kW/300Nm - R422 898

T4 Inscription AT - 140kW/300Nm - R443 312

T5 Momentum AT - 180kW/350Nm - R461 638

T5 Inscription AT - 180kW/350Nm - R481 438

T5 R-Design AT - 180kW/350Nm - R491 038

V40 diesel

D2 Kinetic - 88kW/280Nm - R351 100

D2 Momentum - 88kW/280Nm - R384 900

D2 Inscription - 88kW/280Nm - R406 700

D2 R-Design - 88kW/280Nm - R414 900

D3 Momentum AT - 110kW/320Nm - R432 400

D3 Inscription AT - 110kW/320Nm - R454 700

D3 R-Design AT - 110kW/320Nm - R462 700

D4 Momentum AT - 140kW/400Nm - R442 400

D4 Inscription AT - 140kW/400Nm - R462 000

D4 R-Design AT - 140kW/400Nm - R471 500

V40 Cross Country petrol

T4 Momentum - 140kW/300Nm - R413 412

T4 Momentum AT - 140kW/300Nm - R410 054

T4 Inscription - 140kW/300Nm - R435 412

T4 Inscription AT - 140kW/300Nm - R455 826

T5 AWD Momentum AT - 180kW/350Nm - R507 706

T5 AWD Inscription AT - 180kW/350Nm - R530 206

V40 Cross Country diesel

D3 Momentum AT - 110kW/320Nm - R452 700

D3 Inscription AT - 110kW/320Nm - R475 300

D4 Momentum AT - 140kW/400Nm - R469 300

Star Motoring

Motoring.co.za

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Related Topics: