Adding several new high-tech features to a full deck of safety and support systems from larger models makes the V40 the most IntelliSafe car in the segment.
Low and wide front design
The classic V-shaped bonnet is further enhanced by bolder expressive lines. The high-gloss grille is low and wide in order to create a sporty, close-to-the-ground feel. The lower opening is surrounded at the corners by sculpted bodywork, stretching from one wheel arch to the other. The sculptured corners not only add character, they also direct the airflow to improve aerodynamics. Daytime Running Lights are set into the lower corners of the front end, sweeping upward from direct front view. The “blade design” of the front headlights creates an attractive light pattern in the dark.
Wide shoulder and dynamic profile
The wide shoulder line stretches back from the headlamp with a sharp line to echo the rising beltline. As it reaches the end of the rear door it sweeps up into an integrated “hook”, inherited from the legendary P1800. The highlight continues rearward into a very full powerful section that resolves into the tail lamps.
The roof silhouette contributes to the impression of a car leaning forward – eager to take off. The car is finished with a dynamically sculpted rear to further emphasise its width and muscular stance, with the lower area “blacked out” to achieve an athletic, low and wide look.
Panorama glass roof – an enlightening experience
The all-new Volvo V40 is available with a fixed panorama glass roof that stretches from the front windscreen to the backrest of the rear seats.
Interior – designed around people
The interior of the all-new Volvo V40 is designed around people with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, comfort and an engaging driving experience.
The wide instrument panel, together with the fluidity of the door design, creates a spacious, “large-car” feeling. The interior is designed to offer the driver and passengers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere with a true Scandinavian flavour. The choice of materials and colours emphasises the luxurious feeling of quality and craftsmanship.
Fully graphic display
The V40 is available with a new, fully graphic instrument cluster that expresses emotional functionality, always displaying the most important information in any given situation right in front of the driver. The driver can choose between three graphic themes: Elegance, Eco and Performance.
In control via the steering wheel
In Volvo Sensus, all information is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the instrument panel. The integrated screen makes it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.
All the functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen.
Audio and information
The Volvo V40 can be equipped with Bluetooth® technology that enables wireless communication. The Bluetooth connection allows not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth enabled portable music player. Volvo is actually the only brand to offer Bluetooth music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range.
Keep in touch via mobile application
There is also a mobile application that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call.
The mobile application opens up a range of connectivity possibilities. The mobile app is free and downloaded via the iPhone and Android application stores. The app is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance.
Dynamic chassis standard
The all-new Volvo V40 has two different chassis setups:
The Dynamic chassis is standard. The rigid body and low centre of gravity promote an alert, quick-responding character that focuses on the driving experience, yet without compromising ride comfort.
The optional Sport chassis is lowered 10 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in responsive driving pleasure with full control.
Steering with precise response
The steering column’s thick tubing and stiff insulator increase torsional rigidity. This also contributes to the enhanced feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.
The Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) uses an electrical motor to support the steering rack and the driver can choose between three levels of power assistance.
Range of eager petrol engines
The five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged T5 engine has a power output of 254 hp and 400 Nm of torque, including 40 Nm overboost delivered during acceleration. The T5 is also available in a 2.0-litre version with 213 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The mid-range offer includes two versions of a 1.6-litre GTDi engine: T4 with 180 horsepower and T3 with 150 horsepower.
The 180 hp engine offers maximum torque of 270 Nm, including 30 Nm overboost. The 150 horsepower T3 engine offers 270 Nm of torque, including 30 Nm overboost. Volvo’s engine experts have managed to bring fuel consumption on the T3 down to 5.4l/100 km in the V40. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 125 g/km.
A 2.0-litre five-cylinder T4 engine with 180 hp and 300 Nm of torque is available on certain markets.
Smooth Powershift transmission
The T5 version comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the T4 is available in combination with the automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. The T3 comes with a manual gearbox.
Fuel-efficient diesels
The five-cylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel has been optimised for fuel-efficient driving pleasure.
This engine delivers 177 hp and has torque of 400 Nm across a wide rpm range. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 8.3 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.6 sec with manual). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.3 l/100 km (114 g/km) with a manual gearbox and 5.2 l/100 km (136 g/km) with the automatic (EU Combined).
In addition there is the 2.0-litre D3 producing 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque.
Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.
D2 version with CO2 emissions of 94 g/km
The D2 version of the Volvo V40 comes with CO2 emissions as low as 94 g/km – corresponding to fuel consumption of just 3.6 l/100 km. The 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115 hp and 285 Nm of torque, including 15 Nm overboost. The D2 engine is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function.
Park Assist Pilot – making parallel parking easy
The new Park Assist Pilot makes parallel parking easy and precise by taking over and operating the steering wheel while the driver handles the gearbox and controls the car’s speed.
Lane Keeping Aid – active help to stay on course
Lane Keeping Aid helps the driver stay in the lane. This feature applies extra steering torque to the steering column when the car gets close to a lane marking and is about to leave the lane. The system is active at speeds between 65 km/h and 200 km/h.
Enhanced Blind Spot Information System – for better visibility
The V40 is the first Volvo to offer the enhanced Blind Sport Information System (BLIS), which is radar-based. The technology can now also monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 m behind the car. Of course it still informs the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car.
Cross Traffic Alert – covering your back
Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view might be limited due to infrastructure, vegetation or other parked cars.
Road Sign Information – an extra “eye” on the traffic environment
Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs in the instrument display. Road Sign Information can be combined with the Speed Alert function, which provides the driver with a visual warning in the speedometer if the speed limit is exceeded.
Active High Beam – more relaxed driving in the dark
The new Active High Beam technology in the Volvo V40 helps the driver utilise high beam more efficiently. It offers automatic switching between high and low beam at the right moment.
Adaptive Cruise Control & Distance Alert – keeping the distance
The all-new Volvo V40 can be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which promotes comfortable driving by using radar to automatically maintain a set time gap to the car in front.
The Queue Assist function on cars with automatic gearbox maintains the set gap all the way down to standstill.
Pedestrian Detection – unique in this class
Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a technology that can detect if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver does not respond in time, the car can warn and automatically activate the brakes. No other car in this class features a similar technology.
Pedestrian Airbag Technology – a world first
In order to mitigate the consequences if a collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable, the Volvo V40 features newly developed Pedestrian Airbag Technology, a world first. It works like this:
Sensors in the front bumper register the physical contact between the car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the bonnet is released and at the same time elevated by the deploying airbag.
The inflated airbag covers the area under the raised bonnet plus approximately one third of the windscreen area and the lower part of the A-pillar.
Collision Warning and auto brake – with full braking power
Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is a further development of the Collision Warning with Auto Brake technology already introduced by Volvo Car Corporation. The all-new V40 can also detect, alert and automatically brake if the car risks colliding with another vehicle in front.
City Safety – now active up to 50 km/h
The all-new V40 is the first Volvo that features an upgraded City Safety system. This system is now active at speeds up to 50 km/h (previously 30 km/h).
The car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops – or if the car is approaching a stationary vehicle too fast.
Driver Alert Control – detecting and warning tired drivers
Driver Alert Control is designed to detect and warn tired drivers. The system can also cover other situations where the driver is distracted. Sensors register the car’s movements. The control unit stores the information and calculates whether the driver risks losing control of the vehicle.
Full set of crash safety features – including new knee airbag
The all-new Volvo V40 also features world-class crash safety including a safety cage with effective deformation zones and various grades of high-strength steel.
The driver’s side is also fitted with a new knee airbag. It is installed in the dashboard above the pedals and deployed together with the other airbags in the event of a frontal collision.