Volvo V40 review, test drive

What is it?

Put briefly, the V40 is Volvo’s most direct rival to the BMW 1-series and Mercedes-Benz A-class hatchbacks. It's also the car that forms the basis for the V40 Cross Country that’s been on sale in India since 2013. While this version of the V40 does not have the crossover-like cues that make the Cross Country standout, you’d be way off the mark to consider it a plain, vanilla sibling. 

As seen on the Cross Country, the standard V40’s basic design is very Volvo. So, here too, a drooping nose leads into a rising and broad shoulder that eventually culminates into a high-set tail. There’s a certain solidity to the whole design, but to us the really interesting design bits are concentrated at the rear. Things such as the swoopy tail lamps and the blacked-out portion under the rear windscreen are very distinctive. Again, while the V40 looks sporty as is, the more defined bumpers, larger 17-inch wheels and silver mirrors, that are part of the top-spec R-Design trim, adds extra flash value to this 4.4-metre long hatchback. 

The V40’s rather nice on the inside too. The cabin on the R-Design trim cars are all-black affairs with rich double stitching on the steering, door trim, gear lever, handbrake lever and seats. Front seat comfort, as on all Volvo’s, is fantastic and there’s a memory function for the driver’s perch too. Outside visibility is good (rear headrests can fold out of view when not needed), and the Volvo-typical dash is quite a nice sight in its own right. Sure, it’s not the most modern of designs but is definitely interesting, especially that trademark floating centre console. Just wish Volvo would declutter the centre console that looks a mass of buttons. Of the other things we’d like to see included is a larger screen for the infotainment system. The 5-inch screen looks small and the dial-operated interface does seem a bit old-school in this era of touchscreen-everything. Technology junkies will love the 8-inch TFT instrument panel though. It allows the driver to shuffle between three themes that alters the layout of the console. Top-spec V40s also feature ‘Park Assist Pilot’ that can parallel park the car for you!

Opt for the V40 R-Design and you'll get a car with a panoramic sunroof. Unfortunately, the resultant lower roof lining does compromise rear headroom for tall passengers. The heavily contoured seats also make this space best suited for two occupants only. Still, legroom is good and the large windows add to the feeling of space. The rear seats split and fold flat and help enhance the V40’s already large luggage bay. 

Of course, this being a Volvo and an NCAP 5-star rated one at that, mention must also be made of the safety features onboard. In addition to the front, side and driver’s knee airbags, the V40 also features a pedestrian airbag. Yes, you read that right! On impact, the airbag inflates under the bonnet to elevate it and thereby provide an additional level of cushioning to the pedestrian’s body. There’s also the City Safety system that automatically applies the brakes if it senses an impending collision with another vehicle at speeds up to 50kph.