Volvo V40: review, specifications, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Volvo in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show demonstrated a restyled modification of the V40 hatchback with increased cross-country ability, which received the prefix Cross Country in the name.

Serial production of the Volvo V40 started in January 2013, and only in the spring the model reached the Russian markets, immediately gaining popularity, becoming one of the most affordable and sought-after Swedish brands.

Model history

The Volvo V40 was first shown to the world in 1996. For four years, the model was equipped with diesel and gasoline engines, coupled with manual and automatic transmissions. One of the most advanced systems in the car was the safety system, which consisted of a body structure of airbags and belts.

The first restyling of the model was made in 2000: the Volvo V40 received modified bumpers and headlights, a WHIPS system that protects passengers and prevents injury to the shoulder girdle in case of emergency situations and collisions. The security system of the model was supplemented with special "curtains". However, the car did not last long andwas discontinued in 2004, but that didn't stop Volvo from bringing back the V40 in 2012.

Completely updated model received an improved design and changed specifications. The Volvo V40 was developed as a replacement for the outdated S40, immediately carving a niche in the premium segment. Both the manufacturer and experts consider only the Audi A3 and BMW to be the only competitors of the model. The model is produced at the Belgian plant of the automaker.

The station wagon has got a new dynamic, fast and spectacular design. The embossed bonnet, which has become a classic for Volvo models, adds a visual effect to the car, leaving no choice even for the most fastidious motorists. Trim and interior as a whole meet the standards of the C-class; the installed display facilitates the management of options. Buyers are offered various configurations and a wide range of Volvo V40 engines.

Exterior

The design of the Volvo V40 combines the features of a compact crossover and a traditional hatchback. The all-terrain equipment of the model is equipped with a black plastic body kit, which gives the appearance of brutality.

Experts in reviews of the Volvo V40 note the aggressive style of the hood, embossed sidewalls, a pronounced spoiler located on the trunk lid, chrome roof rails and twin exhaust pipes. The car is equipped with branded LED headlights.

The base model comes with 16-inch wheels, but other modifications are equipped with 17-inchdisks. An authorized dealer can provide 18" and 19" alloy wheels for an additional fee.

Interior

The interior of the hatchback is made with high quality and taste. The finish is made of light materials, which looks very attractive, but is not practical.

There are no obvious differences from the interior of the classic V40 and older models of the brand - for example, the S60 - but the finish will appeal to those who prefer the Scandinavian style.

The center console is made in such a way that it seems suspended in the air. In front of the selector is a niche in which there is a separate compartment for storing smartphones. The rear-view mirror, with its neat edging, impresses with its elegance and simplicity.

The steering wheel of the all-terrain Volvo hatchback is multifunctional: the left stalk allows you to scroll through the on-board computer menu, and the climate control keys are located on the left spoke. The transfer box is all plastic, but has a cooling function and a large capacity.

Ergonomic front seats lack lateral support, which is noticeable during long trips on twisty and difficult roads at high speeds. In addition, their location is too high, which, on the one hand, provides the passenger and driver with excellent visibility, and on the other hand, reduces headroom, and therefore tall people may feel uncomfortable in the Volvo V40.

Rear seat dimensionsleave much to be desired, and the free space is reduced significantly if the model is equipped with a panoramic roof, which is why only teenagers and children can sit in the back with convenience and comfort. At the same time, the seats have a comfortable design and can be equipped with a heating function.

The list of options for the basic configuration of the V40 includes a multimedia entertainment complex equipped with a five-inch screen. As an additional option, a multimedia complex with a seven-inch screen, a DVD player and an audio system with better sound quality is offered. Additionally, you can order a rear view camera and a navigation system; the camera automatically starts recording at speeds over 20 km/h.

One of the original options noted by motorists in reviews of the Volvo V40 is a virtual dashboard. It features clear and logical display information and is available in three design options: ECO, Elegance and Performance.

Dimensions

The Volvo V40 is 4369mm long, 2041mm wide and 1445mm high. Despite its compactness, the hatchback has a good wheelbase - 2647 mm. The curb weight of the car is 1509 kilograms. The clearance of the model, unfortunately, is not intended for Russian roads - 145 millimeters.

Specifications

The hatchback is equipped with two suspensions: front - "MacPherson" - and multi-link rear. Both axles are equipped with disc brakesthis on the front mounted ventilated. Luggage compartment volume - 335 liters; it can be increased by folding the rear seats up to 1032 liters.

Russian dealers offer the following range of engines:

• 1.5 liter V4 petrol with 152 horsepower.
• 2 liter diesel V4 with 120 horsepower.
• 2 liter V4 petrol with 190 horsepower.
• 2-liter V4 petrol with 245 horsepower.

Volvo V40 engines are equipped with a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission. The base petrol and diesel are available in front-wheel drive only, while the 190 horsepower powertrain is offered in front- and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is equipped only with the top version of the engine. The new Volvo V40 is supposed to be an electric car, but it's unclear exactly when that change will take place.

V40 cost in Russia

The crossover is offered to domestic motorists in three trim levels: Momentum, Kinetic and Summum. The cost of Volvo V40 varies from 1,529,000 to 2,244,000 rubles.

Test drive and compare with Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3

Experts conducted special comparative tests of the Volvo V40 with its main competitors - the German Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3.

German cars beat the V40 in acceleration to hundreds of kilometers per hour by two seconds. Despite this, the six-speed automaticthe transmission allows Volvo to easily and quickly accelerate to the desired speed. The reaction of the gearbox to pressing the gas pedal is unambiguous and fast, without the "clutch play" that is quite common in both Audi and Mercedes.

On a flat road surface there are no problems with the brakes, but if there are bumps, the Germans show themselves better and slow down more efficiently. The Audi has a 10m shorter stopping distance, while the GLA has a full 12.5m. However, the Volvo braking system works well except for a low level of deceleration.

V40 has a good chassis: on a straight track the car goes perfectly, but reacts strangely to steering turns - a weak reaction in a small angle is replaced by a sharp displacement of the hatchback to the side. Volvo's soft suspension perfectly hides all the bumps in the track, but you can feel hard hits at the joints and seams of the asph alt, which low-profile 19-inch tires can not cope with. Although they produce significantly less noise than Mercedes tires, the sound level from the Volvo engine is higher.

Salon space

Owners of the Volvo V40 speak positively about the interior of the car, noting the high level of comfort. As individual benefits indicate:

• high quality and rich interior decoration;
• maximum information content and consistency of the dashboard, intuitive clarity of readings displayed by electronic devices;
• the presence of electrically heated windshield allows you to accelerate the heating of the entire cabin incold season;
• comfortable and comfortable seats with the ability to adjust in different directions. The design of the seats is designed in such a way that the load on the back of the driver and passengers is reduced during a long trip.

Despite the large number of advantages, the salon space also has its drawbacks:

• Lack of enough free space for tall people, which makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Compact trunk. The volume of the compartment with a spare wheel is reduced by a quarter.

Results

Swedish Volvo Cross Country is a reliable and high-quality car with excellent technical characteristics and good dynamism. The car is in great demand, despite its rather big price. In addition, the popularity and demand of the model may grow in the near future, as the manufacturer said that the new Volvo V40 will become an electric car in the near future, which will make it more interesting for car experts and car enthusiasts alike.