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
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