After the slew of teasers and leaked images, Volvo has finally taken the covers off the Volvo V40. The much anticipated rival to the likes of the A3, B-Class and 1 Series definitely looks the part, especially in the elegant yet somehow sporty shade of Biarritz Blue. Volvo has also announced that the entire range of Volvo’s engines will be available on the V40, including a diesel engine with very low CO2emissions figure (94 g/km). All engine & transmission variants will have Volvo’s start stop technology and regenerative braking.
Volvo has said the design is inspired in part by the Volvo P1800, the “rear hook” shown here bein one of the most distinguishing design features on the V40.
While Volvo hasn’t mentioned any additional variants, the two images attached show different body kits and exhaust tips, maybe an R-Design variant of the V40, or part of Volvo Accessories.
The V40, to be built in Volvo Car Corporation’s plant in Ghent, Belgium will have a host of new safety features including world-first pedestrian airbag , Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, and an ingenious Park Assist Pilot that makes parallel parking easy.
The City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system has been further developed and it now operates at speeds up to 50 km/h.
“The all-new V40 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache,” says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.
“Thanks to input from customers all over the world our most compact V-range model features an outstanding blend of design, safety and versatility. The car is loaded with features that buyers of modern luxury cars want,” explains Stefan Jacoby.
“The all-new V40 wraps you in a super-comfortable cockpit with outstanding ergonomics and technology that make you feel informed, focused and relaxed. This driver-centric approach is what modern Volvos are all about,” says Stefan Jacoby.
The all-new Volvo V40 features a class-leading safety and driver support package, including Volvo Car Corporation’s groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake and several other new features.
Volvo Car Corporation expects to sell 90,000 units per year of the all-new Volvo V40, of which it predicts 85% will be sold to European customers.
“The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations,” says Håkan Abrahamsson, Vehicle Line Director C Cars & V40 Vehicle Programme Manager.
“With this class-leading safety package, including enhanced focus on pedestrian protection, the all-new V40 aims for a full star rating in the new, sharpened 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests.”
“The all-new V40 makes an instant impression with a dramatic design that stands out from the crowd. And what you see is what you get. The car boasts sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos – wrapped in a sleek, compact package. The car also has so many new features that it has an exceptional “density”. It has pretty much everything,” says Håkan Abrahamsson.
