What’s hot?
- To drive, Volvo’s new gen Drive-E D4 engine is a delight. Smooth, refined, untroubled at high revs, it’s also impressively hushed at motorway cruising speeds. A great all-rounder.
- Excellent driveability thanks to strong torque (400 Nm) while power/weight numbers are also sharpened over the former five cylinder D4.
- Much improved eco numbers – from 114 g/km down to 99 g/km (with manual box) and now 74.3 mpg combined versus the former D4’s 65.7 mpg.
- Lower tax – now Band A (ie £0) compared to previous D4’s Band C – another element the in lower running costs package.
- With 190 bhp on tap, the V40 is decently quick. Indeed, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.0 secs, the V40’s now over 1 sec quicker off the line, Volvo says.
- And when you do hit that derestricted autobahn, top end officially raises from 137 mph to 148 mph….
- Beautifully weighted, precise 6-speed manual gearchange, another enticement for the keen driver
- Well balanced handling, good grip and accurate steering makes the V40 fun to hustle through the lanes.
- The V40 hatchback styling still standing up well versus major premium rivals such as the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class.
- Fine blend of comfort, style and space inside with the V40, just as before.
What’s not?
- If you order the 8-speed Geartronic (auto) box, Co2 emissions then come in at 109 g/km. So less eco than this new D4 manual and combined mpg is then ‘only’ 67.3 mpg.
- With one less cylinder, some will miss that distinctive five cylinder burble of the old engine.
- The V40 spec and options list, as ever, requires careful study as there’s a lot to get through and much of the desirable kit is extra….