| Week at the Wheel | Volvo V40 D4 SE Lux Nav |
Key Facts
Model tested: Volvo V40 D4 SE Lux Nav
Pricing: £27,045
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged five-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Audi A3 Sportback, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Volkswagen Golf
CO2 emissions: 114g/km
Combined economy: 65.7mpg
Top speed: 137mph
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Power: 177hp at 3,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750- to 2,750rpm
Inside & Out:
The last time Volvo made a five-door hatchback it was the ghastly 440, but this car owes more of its design to the neat C30 and pretty P1800 than that nineties monstrosity. It's certainly the sleekest Volvo in the range, though retains the broad shoulders, glass tailgate and strong grille that we've come to take for granted from Sweden's only remaining auto maker.
One thing that can't be taken for granted in this particular Volvo is boot space; the V40 only offers a maximum of 335 litres with the seats in place. And the instruments on this high-spec V40 are unfamiliar as well, using a new interactive digital display that can be toggled between Elegance, ECO and Performance modes, each with differing themes and information streams. As for the rest of it, the V40 is typical Volvo, including a 'floating' centre console providing storage space behind. The seats are incredibly comfortable and material quality comparable to its premium rivals.
Ride & Handling:
On the whole, Volvos have always been rather relaxing and serene from behind the wheel - even the legendary 850 T5 could never be considered a sports car. And the V40 certainly fulfils the relaxation brief with ease, making the longest of journeys seem shorter than they are and taking everything in its stride.
But it's also one of the most engaging Volvos so far; borrowing its basic chassis from the Ford Focus really has paid dividends. It's not quite as sharp on a tight and twisty section as the Ford, with more body roll and less feel through the steering, but there's definitely some fun to be had.
Push hard and it will understeer predictably, before the safety systems rein everything in. This powerful diesel model did have the urge to overwhelm the front tyres on occasion - resulting in mild torque-steer on uneven roads. Still, ride comfort remains a priority even with larger wheels fitted and the V40 is perfectly suited to long motorway journeys. It's a good job it has parking sensors though, as the view rearwards through the shallow side and rear glass makes reversing tricky.
Engine & Transmission:
Even from the off this 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel engine feels and sounds refined, with little of the engine's natural vibration making its way through to the cabin. Push it harder and it lets out a glorious five-cylinder growl too, encouraging you to take advantage of its relatively rev-happy nature.
Do so and performance feels strong, sprinting from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and onto a relaxed and hushed motorway cruising speed. On the Welsh hills the 400Nm of torque certainly made itself known, and there are few overtaking manoeuvres not available to the V40. Even the gearbox, something of a historical Volvo weak point, is pleasant to use, the six ratios spaced perfectly.
Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:
Officially this car should return over 65mpg, which wasn't a figure we ever saw during our week with the V40 - though a shade over 50mpg was easy to achieve. The mixture of 177hp and 114g/km of CO
2 emissions is really impressive though, and annual tax is a paltry £30.
But then you don't need to specify the high-spec SE Lux Nav to enjoy such a power and economy balance - this engine is also available in SE specification representing a £3,200 saving. Still, at least the SE Lux Nav comes with climate control, keyless start, leather seats, cruise control, Bluetooth, satnav, 17-inch alloy wheels and a whole host of safety kit as standard.
