Updated during 2016, the Volvo V40 is the brand's answer to the BMW 1 Series, the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Updates in 2016 include the option of Thor's hammer headlights, a smarter nose, some new colour schemes and some nice new interior options. Apart from that, the update wasn't massive. The V40 is available in its normal estate/hatchback form, but it is also available as a bulkier Corss Country version.
There are a selection of 2.0 litre diesel and 2.0 litre petrol engines available to the Irish market. All engines are 4-cylinder with the D2 engine offering 120 hp, the D3 offering 150 hp. D4 engines offer 190 hp. If you want more power, there is the most expensive option with the T5 petrol Cross Country. This offers 245 hp. There is a good choice of engines to satisfy most drivers.
Our primary test car was the V40 with the D2 engine. This proved itself to be economical on our test drives. This is a good car if you want an engine that doesn't have too much poke. It is good for takiong over cars, however, better can be had with similar engines from rivals. The suspension set-up is pretty firm, so get ready for a bumpy ride on uneven surfaces. On the motorway the car is relaxing, and a nice place to sit.
The D2 engine is quite enough but will become audible when the foot is down - with that said, it's not much different from most diesel engines. Wind noise plays its part at higher speeds and make sure to get the right tyres!
Volvo seats are very slim and extremely comfortable. Their interiors are of excellent quality. The only downside of this updated V40 is that they didn't bring in some of the new technologies that can be seen in the V90, S90 and XC90. However, we suspect that there will soon be a brand new XC40, which should benefit from all of these goodies.
The V40 received 5 stars in the Euro NCAP and it has scored one of the best driver safety scores ever awarded - 98%. Volvo is one of the safest brands at the moment and they are trying their best to reach their Vision 2020 goal of no deaths in any new Volvo.
Boot space is 335 litres. Leg room is okay to the rear and you'd comfortably fit two adults back there. The front cabin is extremely comfortable. Once again though, it's a pity the dash and infotainment doesn't reflect their all-new models.
Arrange a