Volvo V40 review, test drive

What is it like to drive?

Unlike the S60 and XC60 that have made the switch to Volvo’s latest four-cylinder diesel engines, both versions of the V40 in India are offered with the older five-cylinder diesel engine. It’s a 2-litre engine that produces 148bhp and 35.7kgm; figures that are higher than what the 1-series’ 2-litre and A-Class’ 2.2-litre diesels make. While it’s not particularly enthusiastic in the way it revs, the engine comes across as strong with more than sufficient go available at all speeds. Complementing the engine's characteristics well is the V40’s six speed gearbox. It’s not the fastest shifting of auto units, but gearshifts in full-auto mode are always timely. There are no paddle shifters here, but you can take manual control when needed, with the Tiptronic function. The gearbox will let you hold revs at 4,900rpm for a bit before it upshifts on its own.  In terms of refinement, the Volvo’s engine does trail the competition’s motors; five-cylinder set-ups, as the one on use here, can get loud.

With engine power channelled to the front wheels, the Volvo isn’t quite as entertaining to drive as the rear-wheel-drive 1-series. That said, the dynamics here are good, there’s reassuring weight to the steering, and stability on the straights and corners is impressive. In fact, the V40 comes across as a car that can easily deal with more power. In city driving though, the V40’s relatively large turning circle can be an issue when attempting a tight U-turn.

What also goes against the V40, to an extent, is its ride quality. While the suspension is absorbent and pliant, there’s an ever-present firmness to the ride. As a result, the V40 can’t filter out surface imperfections as well as its rivals.

Should I buy one?

Volvo expects V40 buyers to largely comprise existing luxury sedan and SUV owners looking for an additional car. These buyers will immediately feel at home in a V40 because of how solidly engineered, well-equipped and comfortable it is. Those not hell-bent on a hot hatch will also be more than satisfied with the way it drives. And thanks to the way it looks, the V40 can even rival an A-class on star appeal. True, the engine can sound gruff and the ride is on the firmer side, but the other traits of the charming V40’s do make up for this.

The fully imported V40 is also priced well, relative to the other locally assembled luxury hatchbacks that is. The Kinetic version comes in at Rs 24.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) while the R-Design costs Rs 27.7 lakh, making the V40 cheaper than the Merc A 200 CDI (Rs 28.4 lakh) and BMW 118d (Rs 29.5 lakh). So, if you are shopping for a luxury hatch, do give the V40 a serious thought. It’s a car that makes a rather convincing case for itself.