Volvo V40 will be strong rival

The new V40 is a good looker - the equal of competitor offerings and has an edge in the safety department.

Essentially a slightly condensed five door hatchback version of the S60 sedan or a scaled up C30, the V40 is Volvo's big news for 2012.

It's due to go into production soon but Australian deliveries aren't likely until next year. In addition to a bevy of safety equipment, V40 boasts plenty of high-tech features and `big car' thinking.

The clean and elegant lines display a high-end fit and finish and meticulous attention to detail.

The interior is designed with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, comfort and an engaging driving experience. Key features include an optional fixed panorama glass roof that stretches from the front windscreen to the backrest of the rear seats.

It is tinted and designed to reduce infrared radiation into the passenger compartment; The V40 features Volvo's ultra-slim centre stack, now in a more sculpted version than before;

The interior lighting is designed to give a 'theatre lighting' feel. LED lamps are used to light up strategic areas. The driver can enjoy a red-to-blue setting that adapts the light to the interior temperature  or choose between another seven mood themes. The reading lights front and rear can also be dimmed.

Leather surfaces are chrome-free. The "Clean Compartment" scheme is recommended by the Swedish Asthma & Allergy organisation; The fuel-filler pipe is self-closing  a smart design that makes refuelling easier since there is no longer a need for a fuel-filler cap.

V40 adds several class-leading features to a full deck of safety and driver support systems, making it the most "IntelliSafe" Volvo yet. It has as standard, Pedestrian Airbag Technology which is designed to mitigate a collision with a pedestrian.

V40 will feature the updated City Safety technology  now active at speeds up to 50km/h (previously 30km/h) as standard and offer Volvo's ground-breaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake for the first time to buyers in this segment.

Other driver support systems are available. With a renewed focus on driving pleasure, the chassis in the all-new Volvo V40 has been designed to offer a responsive, agile and connected driving experience.

A range of engines and transmissions will be available including plug in EV technology, hybrid diesel, diesel and petrol turbo models.