Surprisingly, Volvo’s best-selling vehicle in Europe is a hatchback rather than a wagon. After an eight-year absence, the name V40 made a comeback in 2012. The steady and subtle Volvo design quickly won over the public, making the V40 the most popular vehicle of the time. Another factor contributing to the hatchback’s popularity is the fact that it is, in fact, a hatchback. Wagons are less popular with people who have small or no families, whereas hatchbacks appeal to a much larger audience. Obviously, that type of car is quite common, so the V40‘s popularity stems from more than just the fact that it is a hatchback.
Volvo has a lovely, modern, and modest design language that stands out while remaining safe. The 2017 Volvo V40 will continue to be a best-seller while also introducing a number of new features.
Exterior design
The 2017 Volvo V40 received some noticeable changes to its exterior. The car’s headlights are the first thing that stands out. They are roughly the same size and shape as the predecessor’s headlights, but they now feature Volvo’s “Thor’s Hammer” LED lighting. The headlights, which are shaped like the letter T on its side, are a nod to Swedish folklore. It was previously seen on Volvo’s 90 models, and it now carries over to the V40; we expect Volvo to adopt those on all of their upcoming models as well.
In addition, the grille has undergone some changes. It has the same shape and size as its predecessor’s grille, but with a new grille pattern. There are now 21 vertical stripes instead of three horizontal and seven vertical stripes that created a rectangular pattern. Volvo’s logo, which is an ancient chemical symbol for iron, was also updated.
On the side of the V40, it is clear that the side windows have grown in size and take up more space on the doors, making the V40 look much more streamlined. The lower crease on both sides is also more prominent. The overall design of the V40‘s rear hasn’t changed, though the rear has been lifted and now ends a little higher. Instead of being round, the exhausts on either side of the car are now more oval.
The 2017 Volvo V40 now comes in five new exterior colours. Three colours, two of which are blue tones, are carried over from previous Volvo models. In addition, two different shades of blue make their debut on the 2017 V40.
Interior design
The interior is available in nine different colours. The base model comes with only a basic dark cloth, but higher trims come with more options. There are four cloth options and six leather options, all of which are either uniform or have contrasting colours. In addition, the buyer has a choice of four different panel inlays.
CleanZone technology, which filters air before it enters the cabin, is another fantastic standard feature on the 2017 Volvo V40. Heated seats are available as an option. The current clutch and gauges are inspired by the interior of the Volvo V90 estate wagon, which has a higher price tag but a much more upscale cabin.
A five-inch infotainment screen and Performance Audio are standard features of the infotainment system. An additional TFT-screen to serve as the instrument cluster and a seven-inch infotainment screen are available as options. Sensus Connect High Performance Audio is also available as an option. This sound system includes eight speakers that are distributed throughout the cabin. A Harman Kardon sound system with ten speakers, an amplifier, and a premium sound experience is another option.
Engine specs
The 2017 Volvo V40 is only available in Europe, where it is available with a variety of diesel and gasoline engines. The T2 gas engine is standard on the base trim and is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The engine is capable of producing 122 horsepower. The D2 diesel engine is an additional option on the base trim and is only available with a manual transmission. Horsepower is rated at 120.
Higher trims have the option of the T3 or T4 gas engines, which produce 152 and 190 horsepower, respectively. Both come with the option of a manual or automatic transmission. Other diesel options on higher trims include the D3 and D4, which produce 150 and 190 horsepower, respectively. The highest Inscription trim has an additional engine option, the T5, which produces 245 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All of these engines are carried over from the previous V40, so there is no change there.
Tech specs
Now let’s move on to the technological department. To begin with, Cruise Control is standard on all trims except the lowest Nordic trim. Optional features include a navigation system and a WiFi hotspot with Volvo On Call. Optional features include electric climate control and a Parking Assist rear camera. Using ultrasonic sensors, Park Assist Pilot allows the V40 to park itself.
The Parked Heating feature from Volvo allows the driver to remotely start the V40‘s engine to warm it up. This feature warms the engine in the most environmentally friendly way possible. Driving with a warm engine extends engine life and is less harmful to the environment.
Under the hood, all trims come standard with a pedestrian airbag. City Safety employs lasers to avoid a collision with the vehicle in front, braking autonomously if necessary.
Unfortunately, the 2017 V40 lacks some of the safety features found in the gasoline and plug-in hybrid engine-equipped Volvo S90, such as Pilot Assist. Instead, all of these features are bundled together in the IntelliSafe package. This package contains the following features: Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross Traffic Alert, Driver Alert, and a Lane Keeping System. This package also includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Pedestrian Detection. Finally, Queue Assist and the Stop-and-Go system are only available on automatic-transmission V40s.
Price and sale date
The 2017 Volvo V40 is only available in Europe. The V40 starts at €23.750 for the base trim, Basis or Nordic. The Kinetic starts at €26.400, while the R-Design Kinetic starts at €29.000. There’s also the Momentum and R-Design Momentum, which start at €28.300 and €30.450, respectively. Finally, there is the highest trim, the Inscription, which starts at €31.230. (all German prices).