Volvo's First Venture

The so-called premium compact car segment is one of the most vibrant among imported vehicles today. The Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1 Series continue to sell well, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, with its renewed concept, will soon join them. Further excitement is inevitable, and early next year, another strong contender will enter the fray: the Volvo V40. This V40, positioned above the current C30, is effectively intended to replace the S40 and V50. However, its body style differs from both. This means it's a virtually new category for Volvo.

This V40 is positioned above the currentC30, and is effectively a successor to the S40 and V50. Yet, its body shape is distinct from either. In essence, this marks Volvo's near-entry into this category.

A Relaxed Demeanor

Crucially, it must first establish its presence. The V40 strongly asserts its individuality, particularly through its styling and packaging.

The dynamic body, an evolution of Volvo's new generation design language seen since theXC60, evokes more of a wagon than a hatchback with its long roofline. Indeed, the development team referred to it as a type of wagon. The use of 'V' in the model name, common to Volvo's station wagons, has a clear purpose.


One detail I found curious and inquired about was the slight upward kick of the shoulder line above the rear door handle. It turns out this is a nod to Volvo's classic sports wagon, the P1800ES.

However, the details are not overly complex, and the overall design is elegantly cohesive. With the positive reception of the XC60 and theS60 V60, the V40 seems to carry a sense of relaxed confidence.

No Compromises in the Interior

The interior shares the contemporary Volvo aesthetic. The instrument cluster, featuring a TFT display instead of analog dials, allows for customizable meter designs like 'Elegance,' 'Eco,' and 'Performance.' The LED-illuminated crystal shift knob and ambient LED lighting, available in various colors, suggest a focus on younger buyers. Nevertheless, the quality is exceptionally high, rivaling that of the S60/V60.

The interior color palette includes bold options, similar to those found in the C30. According to Maria Uggla, the Color & Material Design Manager, there was no compromise in achieving high quality and emphasizing Scandinavian taste. Incidentally, she particularly favors the 'Misty Blue' body color of one of the test cars, featured in the main visual on the first page – a hue that blends blue and green.

A Large Car Feel

The interior space is also generous. The front seats offer a sense of width and comfortable, embracing support. The rear seats are slightly elevated, with a subtle inward angle, providing good visibility. Even with the panoramic roof, headroom is ample, and legroom is generous. Volvo touts this interior as having a 'large car feeling,' and it's certainly convincing.

However, this comes at the trade-off of a luggage capacity of 335 liters in its standard configuration. Despite this, the split-folding floorboard offers versatile arrangements: it can be propped up to divide the cargo space, laid flat, or adjusted for maximum depth. If one doesn't expect a traditional wagon like the V50, its usability is quite good.

Compelling Driving Dynamics

In terms of driving performance, the V40 boldly claims to 'lead the class in driving dynamics.' The underlying body structure has been enhanced for rigidity and reduced weight, and the chassis, an evolution of the S40/V50's, has undergone thorough refinement.

Five gasoline and three diesel engines are available. This test drive focused on the 'T4' grade, equipped with a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbo engine producing 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox called PowerShift.


This sense of unity and natural progression might even surpass that of the S60/V60, which emphasized quickness to define the new Volvo generation. Not only is the initial response sharp, but the steering remains effective throughout the corner, and acceleration on exit is smooth. This agile yet refined handling is indeed compelling.

Good News: S Mode

There's no shortage of power. Acceleration, especially when revving high, is excellent. However, at lower RPMs, there are moments where the engine feels a bit strained. Although the torque is rated to be available between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm, there's a noticeable delay in acceleration when the revs drop, often requiring a downshift.

The good news is the addition of an 'S' (Sport) mode for the PowerShift transmission, which shifts the gear change points to higher RPMs. Volvo's automatic transmissions have long lacked this feature. While paddle shifters would be welcome, this addition alone undoubtedly enables much more rhythmic driving.

Naturally, Exceptionally Safe

As expected from Volvo, the V40 prioritizes safety above all else. The acclaimed City Safety system (low-speed collision avoidance and mitigation auto-brake) is standard, as is the HMI safety system with pedestrian detection. The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) has been upgraded, and the car now features Road Sign Information, which recognizes speed limits and other road signs and displays them on the instrument panel.

Furthermore, the V40 introduces the world's first pedestrian airbag. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, this airbag lifts the hood and covers the lower third of the windshield and A-pillars, preventing the pedestrian from striking their head in this area upon impact. Data from Japan indicates that pedestrian accidents account for a significant 36% of all traffic fatalities. An airbag designed to protect people outside the vehicle, not just occupants, promises substantial benefits.

Anticipation for Japanese Launch

As mentioned earlier, the premium compact car market is becoming increasingly heated. With the new VW Golf also scheduled for release this autumn, attention will undoubtedly intensify. However, Volvo reportedly does not consider the Golf a direct competitor. Indeed, the V40 is slightly larger and offers more interior space. With the practical innovations characteristic of Volvo's V models, the V40 is not merely a practical car but a lifestyle-oriented vehicle.

The Japanese launch is scheduled for early next year.The T4 PowerShift specification tested here is planned for introduction.

Read Fumio Ogawa's domestic test drive review here

Volvo V40 T4 | VOLVO V40 T4
Body Dimensions | Length 4,369 x Width 1,802 x Height 1,445 mm
Wheelbase | 2,647 mm
Vehicle Weight | 1,450 kg
Engine | 1,596 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Drivetrain | FF
Max Output | 180 ps / 5,700 rpm
Max Torque | 240 Nm / 1,600-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Suspension F/R | MacPherson Strut / Multi-link
Brakes F/R | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Tires | 245/40 R18