2013 Volvo V40 Reviews

It’s only been a few months since Volvo launched the new V40 small hatchback -- a handsome little devil if ever there was one. Now, they’ve added to the line-up and brought back the Cross Country name -- all in one package in the new V40 Cross Country. And no, it’s not an XC, that moniker is reserved for more purposeful, dirt-capable Volvo SUVs.DESIGNIt’s a five seater with 60/40 folding rear seats for additional luggage space but you can configure it as a four seater using the centre armrest as a seat divider. It’s a V40 hatch in high heels with the ride height jacked up by about 40mm, sundry body cladding and `skid plates’ in a more rugged style. Other styling tweaks include a honeycomb grille, dual oval exhausts, some body hardware blackouts and LED driving lights. Inside, the Cross Country is equipped to V40 luxury standard with leather, an illuminated gearshift knob, adaptive digital display, theatre lighting and plenty more.PRICES AND MODELSTwo models are offered each with auto stop start and regenerative brake system. The D4 front wheel drive, 2.0-litre turbo diesel five cylinder at $47,990 and the all-wheel drive T5 turbo petrol five cylinder at $52,990. Both get a six speed automatic transmission but no paddle shift. Engine outputs are impressive with the diesel achieving 130kW/400Nm using 5.3-litres/100km and capable of an 8.3 second 0-100kmh sprint.The petrol cranks out 187kW/360Nm using 8.4-litres/100km and clocks a 0-100 sprint in 6.4 seconds. The desirable driver support pack with advanced driver assist systems costs an extra $5000.Among other things, the support pack has adaptive cruise control with auto brake, blind spot warning including cross traffic alert for seeing both sides when reversing, park assist pilot, active high beam and roadside info that recognises signs and informs the driver. It’s all really useful stuff that arguably should be included as standard kit.SAFETYHowever, plenty of advanced safety technology is provided like city safety with auto brake at speeds up to 50kmh, pedestrian air bag, forward collision warning, lane keeping alert and pedestrian and cyclist protection using auto brake. Five star crash safety is a given in the V40 Cross Country.DRIVINGWe had a crack at both models over some searching roads out of Canberra. First up was the T5 with Driver Assist Pack. It’s firmer than expected especially over rougher roads and has a distinct sporty hatch feel that is slightly incongruous in a Cross Country vehicle.But it goes like the clappers and has strident roll on acceleration virtually at will accompanied by a nice bark to the exhaust. Cornering is a strong point enhanced by the all-wheel drive and a torque vectoring system that applies the inside brake on a tight corner taken at speed. Both models get this feature and responsive electric power steering. We groped for a paddle shift on some tight roads but it’s not there -- which is annoying. The car has a stylish interior brimming with luxury kit that engages driver and passengers. Communication and entertainment technology is high end. Love the 18-inch alloys, 7-inch navi screen with voice control functions.The diesel offers a similar drive feel with a little less urgency but plenty of kick at most speeds and it’s just as quiet cruising as the petrol. We reckon it has a lighter feel too, which is probably traceable to the all-wheel drive system on the T5 petrol. We’d go the diesel every time – costs less, uses less fuel, just as refined in the cabin, plenty of performance and looks the biz. Volvo could be a tad optimistic with the pricing.VERDICTThe Cross Country is truly a 'soft roader' in that you can possibly drive it on gravel roads with better results than a standard road car.Volvo V40 Cross CountryPrice: from $47,990 (diesel)Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmWeight: 1561kgEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 130kW/400NmTransmission: 6-speed-auto, FWDThirst: 5.3L/100Km, 139g/km CO2

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

The all-new Volvo V40 takes the premium hatchback to a new level. As well as arguably being the most stylish Volvo for many years, it’s undoubtedly the most intelligent and safe car in its segment. Indeed it can show many far more expensive cars a thing or two in these important fields.DESIGNAs well as the sleek body, Scandinavian simplicity and ergonomic design abound in the Volvo V40’s cabin. The T5 we tested had quality materials on sculpted R-Design sports seats with contrasting stitching; gearshift knob LED-illuminated from the inside and LEDs in the door panel storage pockets.If there’s anything we didn’t like it was the over-abundance of black inside our test car. The low roofline will have most occupants ducking to get in and out. A panoramic sunroof limits headroom. Legroom in the rear is adequate and shoulder space not overly cramped for three people of average build.TECHNOLOGYThe innovative Volvo Sensus infotainment system, in which information is presented on a five- or seven-inch colour screen depending on the model, in the upper instrument panel, makes it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. All functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the screen.Volvo My Car allows access to a wide range of settings, such as for City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System, Active Cruise Control, lighting, door mirrors, climate unit, central locking and the audio system.With the optional multimedia audio system, Volvo Sensus comes upgraded with a seven-inch screen that also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, DVD player and more.A new digital instrument cluster directly in front of the driver uses a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display to present the most important information in any situation. The driver can choose between three graphic themes: Elegance, a traditional amber illumination; Eco, a green background illumination, designed to create an environmentally-inspired look.An Eco meter, plus current and accumulated fuel consumption figures are displayed. The driver gets a green light when eco-driving is optimal. The third theme, Performance, provides a sporting red background illumination.Vehicle speed is shown digitally in the centre of the display. The right display includes a power meter – a gauge that informs the driver how much power is available and how much power is being used at any time.Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items, while the glove compartment includes space for two cans or bottles. The latter are cooled by air from the climate control system.SAFETYA major new safety feature is a world-first pedestrian airbag technology. Most serious head injuries involving pedestrians are caused by the hard structure directly under the bonnet, the lower edge of the windscreen and the windscreen pillars.Seven sensors in the front of the new Volvo V40 transmit signals to a control unit. When the car hits an object, the signals change, and if the car thinks the object is a human leg the pedestrian protection system reacts.The bonnet rear hinges are released and the bonnet lifts to get it away from the hard surfaces under it. The pedestrian airbag is activated. The airbag covers the entire windscreen wiper recess, about a third of the windscreen and the lower part of the A-pillars.Before this amazing technology springs into action, the V40 has already done its best to avoid the collision. The car ‘looks’ down for pedestrians and other risks and if need be applies full auto braking. This is part of the existing Volvo City Safety system and in its latest development it operates to avoid, or at least minimise, collisions at speeds up to 50 km/h.Keeping the car out of trouble are lane keeping aid with automatic steering, automatic road sign Information, park assist, active high beam headlights and a cross traffic alert radar system. These aren’t all standard in every model, contact your Volvo dealer for full specifications and optional charges.ENGINEThis high-performance Volvo V40 T5 R-design can cover the zero to 100 km/h acceleration test in just 6.1 seconds thanks to its five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine putting out 187 kW of power and 360 Nm of torque.Interestingly, this powerplant is a relative of that used in the latest Ford Falcon with EcoBoost and there’s speculation Ford Australia may bring out a high-performance Falcon using an adaptation of the Volvo five-cylinder unit.In the R-Design Volvo the engine drives though a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, with a manual mode for sporting occasions. We feel it should have steering wheel paddles to add to the excitement.DRIVINGThe Volvo has smooth acceleration thanks not only to the design of the engine, but also because of impressively fast gear shifts. Steering is direct and produces positive feedback of the type that’s enjoyed by enthusiastic drivers.The Sport chassis, standard on the T5 R-Design, is 10 mm lower than the standard set-up. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in extra-responsive driving with sharper control.Steering has electrical power assistance and can be optioned in three ways: City, with a high degree of power support for easy manoeuvring; Normal offers more road response at higher speeds; and Sport, adds a dynamic character. Thank goodness for the body-hugging sports-style seats as it grips hard in all modes.The stiffer suspension works well on better bitumen surfaces, but supplies a harsh ride on surfaces that have seen better days. Recent heavy rain on the Gold Coast didn’t do the test car any favours, with pot holes and washouts jolting the body all too frequently.With a large C-pillar and small rear window reversing could be hazardous but for assistance from sensors all round the car. Auto dimming headlamps reduce glare for oncoming traffic, cornering lights are controlled by steering input.Daytime running lights, a safety feature invented by Volvo decades before the rest of the world caught onto the idea, provide improved visibility of the V40 to all other road users, be they drivers or pedestrians.VERDICTVolvo Cars is working towards its vision that by 2020, nobody should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo. A seemingly impossible target to our way of thinking, but the V40 certainly showcases the incredible amount of intelligent thinking the Swedish marque continues to put into safety.MODEL RANGEV40 D2 Kinetic 1.6-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $34,990 (manual)V40 D4 Kinetic 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $39,990 (manual)V40 D4 Kinetic 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $41,990 (automatic)V40 D4 Luxury 2.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $45,990 (automatic)V40 T4 Kinetic 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $41,990 (automatic)V40 T4 Luxury 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $45,990 (automatic)V40 T5 R-Design 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $49,990 (automatic)Volvo V40 T5 R-Design 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagonPrice: from $49,990Engine: 2.5-litre 5-cylinder, 187kW/360Nm Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD Turning circle: 11.7 mKerb weight: 1468 kgFuel tank capacity: 62 litresAcceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.1 secMaximum speed: 250 km/hThirst: 8.1L/100 km, CO2 189 g/kmBrakes: Ventilated discs (front); ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Steering: Electric power assistedWheels: Alloy 7.5 x 18-inch IXION II R-Design

Pragmatic buyers are opting to down-size but still want all the accoutrements from a larger luxury car.

The traditionally neutral Swedes have fired a volley in the newest motor market segment compact prestige machines. Never have so many European badges been so affordable. Volvo's V40, released in a few weeks and tested by Carsguide this week, is the newcomer. Adjudged the safest car in the history of Euro crash testing, it is the first car on the market to boast an airbag for pedestrians. But its time in the sun could be limited."There's going to be a massive battle between Audi A3, Mercedes A-Class, BMW's 1 Series and the Lexus CT as well. Volume in that segment is growing and we're looking at it, we don't know how far it will go,'' Volvo Car Australia managing director Matt Braid says.He might well add Volkswagen's impending Mark 7 Golf to list, given that some 50 per cent of the variants sold are those priced from $35,000 -- the entry point into this arena.The V40 range arrives in Kinetic, Luxury and R-Design trim levels, sharing some parts of its floorpan with the Ford Focus but boasting a large amount of Volvo development and design above the floor sill.A Kinetic in the D2 turbodiesel gives Volvo a sharp entry point for the V40  $34,990 for the six-speed manual. Standard fare across the range includes USB and Bluetooth connections, wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, climate control, rear parking sensors, reach and rake adjustable steering, power-adjustable driver's seat, cloth trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.Power-adjustable, retractable and heated exterior mirrors, 16in alloy wheels (and a space-saver spare), ambient interior lighting and LED daytime running lights. Stepping up to the D4 Kinetic pushes the price to $39,990 for the six-speed manual or $41,990 for the six-speed auto. The D4 Luxury is priced from $45,990 and is only available with the six-speed auto.Luxury additions includes a meatier sound system, 17in alloy wheels, 7-inch colour control screen, satellite navigation, a reversing camera, active xenon headlights, power adjustment for the passenger's seat and leather trim.The petrol T4 model range starts from $41,990 in Kinetic auto form, or the Luxury spec ups the ask to $45,990 - Volvo expects this model variant to account for much of the 800-1000 annual sales volume for its first full year on the market.The flagship is the T5 R-Design, a six-speed auto, slots into the price guide at $49,990. It adds R-Design specific interior trim throughout the cabin, model-specific bodykit and door mirrors, 18in alloy wheels, a front sliding armrest (which doesn't lock in) and nubuck textile and perforated leather sports seats. The value equation also includes free scheduled servicing for three years or 60,000km.The T4 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line five-cylinder, so don't take literally the ``T4, D2 and D4'' designations. Unlike most new cars from Europe, it lacks direct injection, but uses 95RON to produce 132kW/300Nm. The T5 ups the capacity to 2.5 and the output rises to 187kW/360Nm.On the diesel side of the equation, the D2 runs a 1.6-litre 84kW/270Nm direct-injection turbocharged four and a 2.0-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel with 130kW/400Nm. Only the D4 does it with an automatic. The instrumentation also has a three-way level of tailoring to suit different information needs, although it's sometimes difficult to decipher the tachometer quickly.The V40 makes a bold statement in this three-line design -- the sweeping roofline, the now-familiar shoulder line and the rising "rocker" line along the side of the floorpan. It is a sharp-looking hatch with a broad road stance and presence in spades.There's no mistaking it for anything but a Volvo and that carries over into the Swedish cabin theme, which is well laid-out and comfortable, if not overly spacious (particularly in the rear for adults). The bootspace is clever. A floor panel hides additional storage space and can be sat up to keep cargo in place, or folded completely flat with the rear seat backs.The much-vaunted pedestrian airbag is among the standard safety features, helping to win it NCAP's best-ever score. Other standard features include (deep breath) City Safety auto braking at up to 50km/h, traction and stability control that includes corner traction and engine drag control and a torque-vectoring system, plus pyrotechnic front and rear seatbelt pretensioners.The $5000 optional advanced safety features pack includes adaptive cruise control with collision warning and automatic braking and parking functions, blind spot and lane departure warning and a cross traffic warning. It's available only on Luxury and R-Design models.The V40 is also capable of "reading'' road speed limit signs and display them in the vehicle's high-tech instrument panel. Though there's not yet a link to the satnav mapping it will flash if you exceed the speed limit.The T4 Luxury model is the pick. Quiet and refined (although susceptible to tyre noise from coarse-chip bitumen), the T4 sits comfortably on the road during the urban stint, dealing with road ruts without real concern. The engine is a smooth and has a decent spread of torque. With the six-speed auto in mild-mannered mode it does the job without fuss. Pointing towards the hills, flick the transmission into the nicely aggressive Sport mode and the T4 makes solid progress on a twisting country road, with good body control and an absence of nose-heaviness. There's not as much feel through the steering as would be ideal for a sporting driver, not is it completely lifeless either.A stint in the little D2 does nothing to upset the good first impression of road manners, but the manual diesel drivetrain needs to be stirred along to make anything other than sedate progress. Fuel economy in the mid single digits despite hard work says much for the frugality of the diesel. The petrol did high single digits or just over 10l/100km.A quick run in the T5 exposed poorer ride quality degrade on the taller wheel/tyre package, albeit it with a solid increase in turn-in prowess. But the amount of grunt surging through the front end had it wandering a little. The D4 Kinetic also shows itself to be a good all-rounder, with a strong belt of torque and refinement from the engine bay. But the manual is a little snatchy under heavy torque, making the auto a better choice.Volvo's prestige compact looks sharp and has impeccable safety credentials. But it's up against the laser-cut pricing of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the inbound Golf. Stay tuned.

The V40 shows Volvo finally has a handle on how to fight in the prestige hatch market. And it needs to, given the Swedish car will take on the likes of Audi's A3 and the BMW 1 Series in Australia.The company has recently tried to shrug off its cardigan-clad conservatism by building better looking cars; the V40 marks the move to building better driving ones.VALUEVolvo Cars Australia head Matt Braid says the entry level D2 diesel variant will "be under $40,000." Just how much under will be determined by how much advanced safety gear he can afford to pack in to the 1.6-litre turbodiesel.The key new technology - the improved City Safety software and a pedestrian impact airbag system - will be standard on all models.The look and feel of the interior plastics on the V40 is a marked step up and the equipment level is predicted to better its rivals. For the record, the A3 starts at $41,300 and the BMW runs from $39,593.TECHNOLOGYAs a car pitched at the the prestige market, there's a lot of tech in the V40 and most of it is useful. An instrument panel with three separate themes brings, according to Volvo, the "interaction between car driver and driver into a new dimension". Rubbish, but it's a good marketing gimmick that might impress potential buyers.The information, layout and colours change depending on the theme - Elegance, Eco and Performance. Bluetooth with audio streaming will be a more appreciated feature but owners will be rewarded if they take the time to dig through the menus and learn what this car can do.STYLINGWide and low is the look Volvo set for the V40 as to emphasise size in the compact hatch. It works - the car squats on the road and the wedgy design is instantly identified as a Volvo front or rear. The interior is a step up from the C30 and shows Volvo is serious about beign seen as a prestige player.The grey plastics on previous cars has been replaced by a classier charcoal look that is soft to the touch on all the key surfaces. A five-inch infotainment screen jumps to seven inches if the satnav option is ticked but the resolution is good even on the base unit. The only criticism applies to the back seats where adults will be longing for legroom on anything but a quick trip around town.SAFETYSaving lives - both the occupants and those around them - is the hook Volvo has long hung its hat on. The V40 takes that to the next level for a compact hatch and Volvo expects five stars. Eight airbags are standard, including the world first pedestrian impact airbag.The system uses seven accelerometers to determine if the front bumper has hit a human leg, rather than a pole or shopping centre bollard. If it is human, it gives more than the metal objects. At that point the system fires a pair of explosive charges to pop up the rear of the bonnet, giving more cushioning distance before the pedestrian hits the engine - and making room for an airbag to deploy and cover the bonnet/windscreen area and the bottom of the A-pillars.The City Safety software pre-brakes the car if it anticipates a hit with the back of another vehicle and the threshold has been raised from 30km/h to 50km/h in the V40. Blind spot assistance, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, rear parking cameras and automated parallel parking are also on the menu.DRIVINGA taut chassis - this platform is shared with the Ford Focus from the days when Volvo and Ford were sharing beds - sharp steering and sporty suspension make the V40 a genuinely fun drive. Dare to let the base D2 turbodiesel engine come off the boil and it has the pulling power of a teen afflicted with an acne outbreak.It is the same 1.6-litre engine found in Peugeots, Citroens and Minis and will be fine for city duties. Push it and the manual really needs to be ratcheted up and down the ratios to overcome tall gearing and a thin powerband. The tight uphill turns of the test route didn't flatter it, with the manual often revving too hard in a given gear but upshifts then cause it to slip under the 1750rpm threshold where the turbo kicks in.The quest for fuel economy sees it ride 10mm lower than the rest of the range but that - and the 18-inch rims fitted to our test car - means bumps are more noticeable. The 2.0-litre D4 oilburner is a much more rewarding drive.The six-speed auto (Volvo's dual-clutch automated manual transmission won't be available until late next year) works well with the 130kW/400Nm and the ride is more forgiving without hurting the car's cornering ability. The 2.5-litre petrol T4 destined for Down Under duties wasn't at the launch and the range-topping T5 isn't expected to be seen until later this year.VERDICTThe V40 shows that Volvo has a handle on what it takes to fight in the prestige compact market. The safety side can't be questioned so it's a case of pricing. If Volvo gets it right this car should be cross-shopped from the VW Golf up to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.Volvo V40Price: from $40,000 (estimate)Resale: N/AEngines (at launch): 1.6-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder, 84kW/270Nm (D2); 2.0-litre turbodiesel five-cylinder, 130kW/400Nm (D4); 2.5-litre turbo five-cylinder, 132KW/300Nm (T4);Transmissions: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, front-wheel driveBody: 4.37m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.42m (H)Weight: from 1357kgThirst: 3.6L/100km diesel, 94g/km CO2 (D2 manual); 4.3L/100km diesel, 114g/km CO2 (D4 manual); 5.2L/100km, 136g/km CO2 (D4 auto); T4 auto figures not released

In Sweden you can take classes in how to drive a car economically. Or, you could simply buy one of Volvo's new V40s, because the super smart hatch will do all the work for you. It has three different drive modes, selected from a carousel in the centre of the instrument panel, one of which Eco mode and is designed to reduce fuel consumption. It's not the only reason you'd buy the car, but it's certainly a drawcard - not to mention safety.BACKGROUNDThe V40 is Volvo's first 'proper' hatch, with four doors (five if you count the hatch) and room for three in the back. Prior to this it produced the C30, but it was a niche model, a funky four-seat hatch with only two doors and a tiny luggage area. As such the V40 (the V's for versatility) is likely to have much broader appeal. In fact, Volvo expects the car to become its biggest selling model worldwide. In Australia, however, its sales star is the XC60 - a mid-sized, five-seat SUV or offroader.DESIGNNot only does it look the goods, with sculpted panels, a low profile, wide stance and signature black tailgate - the V40 performs well too. The sporty dynamics (yes, sporty) really raise the bar for the Swede - better known for building safe cars than exciting ones.Inside, it's the same story, with darker trim that gives the car a premium feel, along with a more sophisticated LCD style instrument panel that changes colours plus a stylish illuminated gear shift knob. The seats are comfy and both driver and passenger sides have lumbar adjustment.Volvo reckons it's the most dynamic model that it has built to date and we're inclined to agree, after a searching test drive this week on some of Italy's treacherous mountain roads.Due for launch here in a little over six months, the V40 has all the makings of a game changer for the company, depending on the price and how much of the tech that we saw is actually standard.ORIGINSLike the C30 it's based on the same platform as the Ford Focus that enjoys an enviable reputation for sporty dynamics. Ford, by the way, used to own the company and even though Volvo is now owned by the Chinese the two still share some technology. V40 replaces both the S40 sedan and V50 wagon and maybe even the C30 which is also being phased out (more likely it will be replaced by another model - perhaps a V30?).RANGEWe got to drive three models of which two will be coming to Australia: the D2 1.6-litre four cylinder diesel, the D4 2.0-litre five cylinder diesel and the T4 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol model.The last one is not coming, at least not in its present form, and this is where it gets confusing. We will be taking the T4 - but with a five cylinder engine of the same capacity.A hero, high performance 2.5-litre turbocharged T5 R-Design model will be joining the trio too. It wasn't available to drive in Italy, but will be available from launch here in February.THE STATSThe D2 is good for 84kW/270Nm and 3.6 litres/100km and is basically the same engine that's in the current C30. It will be the entry level model and will be available as a six-speed manual only.The D4 puts out 130kW/400Nm and 4.7/5.2 litres/100km and will be available with a six speed manual or six-speed automatic. The five cylinder T4 puts out the same 132kW of power as its four cylinder cousin, but 300Nm of torque instead of 240Nm and will be available as an auto only. No fuel figures available.The T5 R-Design pumps out 187kW/360Nm and uses 7.9 litres/100km and will be auto only (odd that as a performance model there is no manual). All models are fitted with automatic stop/start to save fuel along with the ability to regenerate power.CHOICESThe driver has some choices to make before moving off, like how much assistance they want with the steering, which provides three levels of support: low, medium and high. Then there's three drive modes: Eco, Elegance and Performance, with different colour schemes for each - green for Eco, Amber for Elegance and red for performance. You can change drive modes on the move using a one of the steering column instrument stalks, but the car must be stationary to change the steering.THE DRIVEOf the three, the D4 with the larger diesel engine was the standout. The smaller D2 lacks torque off boost and this presents  a problem coming out of the rising, hairpin corners that we encountered. It is necessary to brake heavily and turn in sharply, dropping speed quickly and engine revs with it.As a result the engine is often left stranded between first and third gears, lacking any help from the turbo until the revs pickup - too fast to change down and too slow to change up.An auto would help smooth things out (are you listening Volvo?). Fortunately with plenty of grip the car can carry more corner speed than usual which helps alleviate the problem.The larger D4 is a revelation in comparison, with strong performance across the rev range and an auto to make things easy. Relatively quiet inside, it is not plagued by the same problem and was a pleasure to drive in most situations. Pricing it up is probably the only way to entice people into the smaller diesel.The T4 is also lively, feels lighter but lacks the torque of the diesel. The auto is much busier to compensate. As such we look forward to driving the torquier five cylinder version.Changing the drive modes and adjusting the steering makes a perceptible difference, but whether it's a novelty or used on a daily basis remains to be seen. In terms of fuel consumption, we got 7.8 litres/100km from the D2, 10.9 from the D4 and 14.7 from the T4 that we drove. Note though that all were being pushed hard.NEGATIVESAll-wheel drive is unavailable. There's only a space saver spare wheel and rear legroom is tighter than expected. There's no paddle shifts in sight either and they're needed  to keep pace with the competition.We applaud the addition of a digital speedo, but deplore the fact it is available only in performance mode. Not mention the fact that the navigation still does not provide speed camera warnings, although it does tell you what the current speed limit is.SAFETYComes with eight airbags and a whole range of safety systems - some standard, some probably not. It has not been crash tested yet, but Volvo is confident it will score a full five stars. They include a driver's kneebag and, in a world first, a pedestrian protection bag. The latter sits like a bra around  the lower part of the windscreen when activated to protect a pedestrian's head from injury in the unfortunate event that they are struck by the car.The car also brakes automatically when it detects a threat in front, the blind spot warning now also warns of rapidly approaching traffic and the rear parking sensors warn of approaching traffic from the sides when reversing out of a carpark.The lights also dip automatically when high beam is selected and parking assistance is also available. It will detect whether a space is large enough to accommodate the car, then reverse park with little intervention from the driver.COMPETITORSVolvo is targeting the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and soon to be released Benz A-Class - but not surpisingly the VW Golf. It believes the V40 is more of a premium product and will be priced accordingly, with the kick off figure likely to be $39,990. We reckon it sits somewhere between the two in terms of market perception and could appeal to buyers from both groups.