Volvo V40 2013 News

Volvo, Subaru, Land Rover, Citroen and GM have issued safety recalls for some vehicles due to defective manufacturing issues.

Volvo edges closer to a twin-charged hot hatch to join S60 Polestar performance hero.

None of us wants to crash our shiny new car but, if we do, we want to know we're safe. That's where the Australian New Car Assessment Program's standardised crash-testing analysis is invaluable, providing comparable ratings for vehicles of all types.The ANCAP site notes that a one-star car is twice as likely to kill you as a five-star model. Carsguide examines ANCAP's results to find the best of breed in each segment. It's worth noting the advanced software in some cars that readies the vehicle if a crash is imminent are disabled during the official tests. Cars are scored out of 37 points after the following tests.FRONTAL OFFSET TEST: The subject vehicle is accelerated to 64km/h and rammed into a deformable alloy barrier to simulate a head-on crash. To increase the severity and reproduce real-world conditions only 40 per cent of the car hits the wall - equating to a driver swerving to avoid an oncoming vehicle.SIDE IMPACT TEST: The T-bone hit rams a 950kg trolley into the side of the car at 50km/h. The sled has an alloy face to simulate the front of another vehicle, which deforms and absorbs some of the impact.PEDESTRIAN TEST: Simulates the results of hitting a pedestrian at 40km/h. The test assesses adult and child impacts, given their heads and limbs strike different areas of the car.POLE TEST: This is the most demanding test in the ANCAP repertoire. Trees and poles don't deform, so all the crash energy is transferred to the vehicle. The car is put on a sled and propelled towards a fixed steel pole at 29km/h.SAFEST SMALL CARSAUDI A3 36.41 See reviews of this carOfficially the best small car to occupy in an accident. Impressively, the windscreen pillar didn't move after a 64km/h hit with the concrete block.  HONDA INSIGHT 36.39 See reviews of this carIts score reflects a 3mm movement of the pillar in the frontal offset test and "slight risk" of serious leg injury for driver and passenger.   BMW 1 SERIES HATCH 36.33 See reviews of this carThere's a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver in the frontal and side crash test and a slight risk of serious leg injury for the passenger in the frontal crash.   SAFEST MEDIUM CARSMERCEDES B-CLASS 36.78 See reviews of this carTops the charts with the highest score of any car in ANCAP database. Technically there's a 4mm movement of the front pillar and a slight risk of injury to the passenger leg closest the door.  BMW 3 SERIES 36.76 See reviews of this carBarely behind. It showed a 1mm movement of the pillar and there was a slight risk of serious injury to the driver's and passenger's legs.VOLVO V40 36.67 See reviews of this carThe only loss of points occurred during the frontal crash test, with a slight risk of serious injury to the front occupants' legs closest the door and the driver's chest.SAFEST LARGE CARSTOYOTA AURION 36.59 See reviews of this carFirst place in this class makes it the only locally built vehicle in any top-three line-up. There's a slight risk of lower leg injury for driver and passenger.   BMW 5 Series 36.53 See reviews of this carNot a bad place to be in the event of an accident either. It blitzed the side impact tests and only lost fractions of points in the head-on hit.    VOLVO S60 36.34 See reviews of this carSweden maintains its safety credentials. The passenger compartment stayed intact with only a 1mm movement of the front pillar.    SAFEST COMPACT SUVS SUBARU XV 35.53 See reviews of this carLike the slightly lower-riding Impreza, the XV scored highly in all crashes, with a slight risk of injury to the front occupants' chests and legs.    HOLDEN TRAX 35.18 See reviews of this carThe surprise packet. One of the smaller cars in the class has only a slight risk of serious leg injury for those in the front in a head-on crash.   Skoda Yeti 34.67 See reviews of this carDepite being one of the older examples in this segment, the Yeti still rates well for safety, with only a slight risk of serious leg injury for those in the front in a head-on crash.    SAFEST MEDIUM SUVSVOLVO XC60 36.53 See reviews of this carANCAP says the cabin 'held its shape extremely well" in the frontal test, with the pillar shifting just 3mm. There was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injuries to the driver.  FORD KUGA 36.33 See reviews of this carA solid second, posing a slight risk of serious chest injury for both front seat occupants. The front pillar moved 15mm.   HONDA CR-V 35.91 See reviews of this carPlaced well despite being penalised for the foot-operated park brake moving upwards and back. Structurally there was only a 2mm movement of the pillar.  SUBARU FORESTER 35.64 See reviews of this carTested this year, it scored highly in all crashes, with a slight risk of injury to the front occupants' chests and legs.   SUBARU OUTBACK 35.52 See reviews of this carFills the brand's quinella. Crashed in 2008 and at the time topped the charts as the safest vehicle ANCAP had tested. SAFEST LARGE SUVSMERCEDES-BENZ ML 36.34 See reviews of this car Luxury SUV has a slight risk of serious chest injury for driver and passenger in the head-on hit and a slight risk of serious leg injury for the passenger. The pillar moved 2mm. RANGE ROVER 36.19 See reviews of this carBig Brit has a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and the pillar shifted by 15mm.   NISSAN PATHFINDER 35.73 See reviews of this carSlight risk of serious leg injury for the driver. Unlike the other two, it applies to the upper leg as well as the expected lower-leg hits. Docked points for a marginal pedestrian impact result.

The classy new Volkswagen Golf has taken another big step towards a Carsguide Car of the Year crown in 2013.It has just claimed the European COTY title for 2013, scoring double the points of the runner-up Toyota 86-Subaru BRZ twins that claimed last year's Carsguide title. The Volvo V40 is third.The seventh-generation Golf is the most impressive car I drove in 2012, but it does not hit local showrooms for more than a month and that means it is the early favourite for this year's Australian awards season.The European award has been running since the 1960s and is decided by a panel of motoring journalists drawn from across the continent.Every Golf has finished on the podium since the original was runner-up in the European COTY contest in 1975, but you have to go back to 1992 - and the third-generation car - to find the last Golf that claimed the award.The Golf beat out seven other finalists for the 2013 award: Ford B-Max, Hyundai i30, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, the Japanese sports car twins and the Volvo.This reporter is on Twitter @paulwardgover

The first car in the world with a pedestrian airbag has gone on sale in Australia – and it's made by the same company that invented the three-point seatbelt 54 years ago. The Volvo V40 hatch has sensors in the front bumper that detect when a pedestrian has been hit. They trigger a giant U-shaped airbag that inflates near the bottom of the windscreen. The airbag and bonnet – which pop-up in milliseconds – are designed to prevent head injuries, the single biggest cause of pedestrian deaths. The latest figures show that pedestrian deaths across Australia have fallen over the past five years – but they still account for 13 per cent of all road fatalities (170 of the 1297 deaths recorded in the 12 months to the end of January 2013), down from 20 per cent in 2009. “It’s fantastic technology and every car should have it,” said road safety campaigner and the chairman of the Pedestrian Council Of Australia and Harold Scruby. “But the question is: why don’t more cars have it?” Scruby said federal regulations lag behind the world’s best automotive standards: “Seven years after Europe adopted regulations for pedestrian protection, the Australian government still hasn’t adopted mandatory standards for frontal protection systems”. Pedestrians shouldn’t get too brave if they see a Volvo heading their way, however. Jaywalkers and those who want to test out the new airbag by not crossing the road quickly enough – or who cross on a red signal – risk an $89 ticket in NSW. Bumping into a pedestrian won’t be a cheap experience for drivers, either. The airbag and its deployment system – two pyrotechnic bonnet struts – are estimated to cost about $3000 to replace. Furthermore, buyers may not necessarily get a discount on their insurance premiums, either. NRMA Insurance began offering a 20 per cent discount on another Volvo model introduced two years ago because it can automatically brake at slow speeds if the driver isn’t paying attention. The system was initially foolproof at 30km/h but has been upgraded on the latest Volvo to avoid a crash at up to 50km/h. “We haven’t yet inspected the but we don’t automatically apply discounts to cars with autonomous emergency braking systems," said Robert McDonald, research manager for NRMA Insurance. "We look at what situations the system works in, and other risk factors such as parts prices and general damageability.” The price of the Volvo V40 is expected to start at about $35,000 – but it has a $6000 option pack that will make it almost impossible to crash, which includes: pedestrian detection and automatic braking (which negates the need for the pedestrian airbag) radar cruise control with queue assist (which automatically creeps the car forward in stop-start traffic) lane wander alert (which vibrates the steering wheel if you change lanes without indicating) auto-dipping high beam (which detects oncoming cars and cuts the bright lights so you don’t dazzle other drivers). This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling  

Volvo's V40 premium hatchback goes on sale next month for $34,990 - in 1.6-litre turbodiesel six-speed manual guise - although an automatic option doesn't appear in the pricelist until the D4 two-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel Kinetic at $41,990.The Swede's value equation - which puts it up against a number of European hatchbacks including the sharply-priced A-Class from Mercedes-Benz - also includes free scheduled servicing for three years or 60,000km.A world-first pedestrian airbag is among the standard safety features arsenal that resulted in the V40 a five-star NCAP crash test result, scoring the program's best-ever score.The advanced safety features pack includes adaptive cruise control with collision warning and automatic braking functions, blind spot and lane departure warning, a cross traffic warning, Driver Support Pack ($5000) active high beam and automatic parking functions.The option package - available on Luxury and R-Design models - also includes the road sign information system that can decipher roadside speed limit signs and display them in the vehicle's high-tech instrument panel.The five-door Volvo range will be available in three different trim types - Kinetic, Luxury and R-Design - and tops out at just under $50,000.Volvo Car Australia managing director Matt Braid says the brand was surprised by the sharp A-Class pricing but was still aiming for 800 to 1000 sales in the vehicle's first year on the market.Mr Braid says the value of the included maintenance was valued between $1500 and $2500, depending on the model."Combined with an incredibly sharp opening price point, the V40 is a car that offers extraordinary value for money, class-leading safety attributes, world-first innovations... all up, it is an extremely compelling offering to potential customers purchasing in this segment," he says.Volvo V40: 

And before you reply, understand that this Swede is big on playing with steel and engines - kinky! For the first time, Volvo is openly hawking partners to take it to the next stage and inject capital to ensure it remains a stand-alone business.Volvo product planner Lex Kerssemakers says the company's owner, the Chinese conglomerate Geely, wants Volvo to be a stand-alone operation "so we can fund our future and continue making new products''."We aren't in a hurry. We can live without an alliance for a few years yet because we have the C-platform of the V40 to work on," he says, adding however: "Volvo won't renew our technical partnership with Ford.''That means the end of a partnership with Ford - who until two years ago owned Volvo - and created the S40, V50, S60 and other models that shared platforms, components and drivetrains with Ford.The Ford Focus, for example, shares the platform with the S40 and V50 while the S60 is on the same base as the Ford Mondeo.Engines and transmissions are also common, with Volvo sharing Ford's six-speed dual-clutch automatic and the turbocharged four-cylinder engines including the 2-litre EcoBoost now in the Ford Falcon."We have to have alliances,''Kerssemakers says. "We're talking to some companies and we may look to share engines in the future with a partner. "Anyone who makes a C-platform (Focus size) is a possible partner.'' But though the relationship with Ford has ended, Kerssemakers says that doesn't mean it wouldn't forge another deal. "We're very happy with Ford - always have been,'' he says. "We could make an alliance with them work. You can't rule anything out today - everyone is talking to everyone else - just look at the PSA Peugeot and General Motors alliance.'' On the flip side, Kerssemakers says Volvo has a lot to offer in a relationship. "We are one to two years ahead of the game when it comes to plug-in technology,'' he says. "We can share that, depending on price. Were also talking electrification and safety with China. "We are a bit ahead of China. They look to us. But China is good at low-cost platforms and we could use that. There's nothing wrong with their quality.'' Kerssemakers says plug-in hybrid technology was "very, very expensive''. "It's only for diesels at the moment but we see huge benefits because it offers the best of two worlds - performance and economy. "It's ideal for a partnership.''

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.

We'll see three new entrants due to lob within the next 12 months, including Mercedes-Benz's new A-Class.It will be joined in the fray by Audi's new A3 and the new Volvo V40, a shorter, hatchback variant of the S60 sedan for want of a better description.All are five door hatchbacks with front wheel drive. BMW's stylistically challenged 1-Series is the only rear wheel drive. Although some manufacturers are reluctant to admit it, the main competition for all players is VW?s super popular Golf.CLEAN SHEETThe Benz is a clean sheet project having nothing at all in common with the previous A-Class mini people mover. That job has been ceded to the new Benz B-Class and it's an effective device for everyday family motoring. New A-Class is taking Benz in a totally new direction that will open up a wider and younger customer base to the three pointed star. Early kick-off price guesstimates are in the $35,000 range.DIGITAL NATIVESIt's a car precisely targeting the Gen Y and Xers (so called Digital Natives) replete with a full array of connectivity right down to being able to seamlessly hook up your iPad or iPhone to the in-car info/control system.It will be a smart phone on wheels offering a smooth transition from a digital lifestyle to a digital driving style. And get this, there's a virtual co-driver you can question or instruct to operate in-car functions.LOOKSThe stunning looker, which bears a remarkable similarity to the A Concept of 2011, will be made in Germany, Hungary and tellingly, China. And we can expect a few other variants built on the same front wheel drive platform (moving to all wheel drive when AMG gets its hands on A-Class).UNDER THE BONNETIt will be powered by a range of existing and a couple of new Benz turbo direct injection petrol and turbodiesel engines rated from 80kW through to 155kW with capacities ranging from 1.6 through to 2.1-litres. Benz hasn't confirmed it but a three door hatch variant should become available a little further down the track and possibly a drop top cabriolet.Benz's performance partner AMG has been enlisted to develop certain A-Class parts so they have intimate knowledge of the car already. The A250 Sport enjoys significant AMG input. New A-Class will be offered with six-speed manual and seven-speed dual clutch manumatic transmissions and all models will have auto stop/start to optimise fuel economy.Camtronic that alters valve lift in the petrol engines for peak efficiency will also make an appearance. An 'Eco' mode will be available to squeeze out the last kilometre in fuel economy if you drive carefully.ACRONYMS R USBenz won't hold back on the acronym features list either that will see the new baby Benz fitted with a speed limiter (Distronic), radar-based Collision Prevention Assist (CPA), Pre-Safe collision preparation and Lane Keeping Assist as well as Fatigue Alert and numerous other electronic driver and safety aids. They have filtered down from larger models as has the luxury inventory.STYLEIt has an assertive stance on the road with a masculine frontal appearance and deeply sculpted panels. The ride height is low and a striking "pointillist" style grille is available on some models. It looks ready to pounce from all angles and inside, the assertive, quality theme carries through with seats for four and a reasonable boot space.The dash is from funky town featuring an electroplated look to many surfaces and impressive audio and lighting spex. It rates a strong five stars in crash testing and boasts newly developed pedestrian safety technology. The multi-faceted headlights feature a bank of LEDs for daytime running, indicators and parking lights. It rates a low 0.26Cd for aerodynamic efficiency.VERDICTIf it goes as good as it looks the new A-Class could be a world beater. It has the potential to lift Mercedes-Benz to a new level with a wider audience and still maintain that prestige aura associated with the 110 year old automotive brand. We find out soon enough.