Volvo in 2012 at the Paris Motor Show demonstrated a restyled modification of the V40 hatchback with increased cross-country ability, which received the Cross Country prefix in the name.
Serial production of the Volvo V40 car started in January 2013, and only in the spring the model reached the Russian markets, immediately gaining popularity, becoming one of the most affordable and sought-after Swedish brands.
Model history
The Volvo V40 was first shown to the world in 1996. For four years, the model was equipped with diesel and gasoline engines, coupled with mechanical and automatic transmissions. One of the most advanced car systems was a security system consisting of a body structure for airbags and belts.
The first restyling of the model was made in 2000: the Volvo V40 received modified bumpers and headlights, a WHIPS system that protects passengers and prevents injuries to the shoulder girdle in case of emergencies and collisions. The security system of the model was supplemented with special "curtains". However, the car did not last long and was discontinued in 2004, which, however, did not prevent the Volvo automaker from returning the V40 in 2012.
The completely updated model received an improved design and changed technical specifications. The Volvo V40 was designed to replace the obsolete S40, immediately occupying a niche in the premium segment. The only competitors of the model, both the manufacturer and experts consider only the Audi A3 and BMW. Production of the model is carried out at the Belgian automobile concern plant.
Wagon got a new dynamic, fast and effective design. The relief hood, which has become classic for Volvo models, adds a visual effect to the car, leaving no choice for even the most fastidious motorists. The trim and interior as a whole comply with C-class standards; An installed display makes it easy to manage options. Customers are offered various configurations and a wide range of Volvo V40 engines.
Exterior
The design of the Volvo V40 combines the features of a compact crossover and a traditional hatchback. Off-road equipment model is equipped with a body kit made of black plastic, which gives the appearance of brutality.
Experts in the Volvo V40 reviews note an aggressive bonnet style, embossed sidewalls, a pronounced spoiler located on the trunk lid, chrome roof rails and twin exhaust pipes. The car is equipped with branded LED headlights.
The basic equipment of the model includes 16-inch wheels, but other modifications are equipped with 17-inch wheels. An authorized dealer can provide alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 and 19 inches for an additional fee.
Interior
The hatchback interior is made with high quality and tasteful. The decoration is made of light materials, which looks very attractive, but it is an impractical solution.
There are no obvious differences from the interior of the classic V40 and older models of the brand - for example, S60, but the decoration will be to the taste of those who prefer the Scandinavian design style.
The center console is designed in such a way that it seems suspended in the air. In front of the selector is a niche in which there is a separate compartment for storing smartphones. The neatly edged rear view mirror attracts with elegance and ease of execution.
The all-terrain Volvo hatchback steering wheel is multifunctional: the left steering column allows you to scroll through the on-board computer menu, and the climate control keys are on the left spoke. The transfer box is completely plastic, but it is equipped with a cooling function and has considerable capacity.
Ergonomic front seats lack lateral support, which is noticeable during long trips along winding and difficult tracks at high speeds. In addition, their location is too high, which, on the one hand, provides the passenger and driver with an excellent overview, and on the other hand, reduces the free space above their heads, and therefore tall people can feel uncomfortable in the cabin of the Volvo V40.
The dimensions of the rear seat leave much to be desired, and the free space is reduced by several times if the model is equipped with a panoramic roof, which is why only teenagers and children can comfortably sit in the back. At the same time, the seats have a convenient design and can be equipped with a heating function.
The list of options for the basic configuration of the V40 includes a multimedia entertainment complex equipped with a five-inch screen. As an additional option, a multimedia complex with a seven-inch screen, a DVD player and an audio system with better sound quality is offered. Additionally, you can order a rear view camera and navigation system; The camera automatically starts recording at a speed of over 20 km / h.
One of the original options noted by motorists in reviews of the Volvo V40 is a virtual dashboard. It is distinguished by the clarity and consistency of the displayed information and is offered in three design options: ECO, Elegance and Performance.
Dimensions
The length of the Volvo V40 is 4369 millimeters, the width is 2041 millimeters, the height is 1445 millimeters. Despite its compactness, the hatchback has a good wheelbase - 2647 mm. The total mass of the equipped car is 1509 kilograms. The clearance of the model, unfortunately, is not intended for Russian roads - 145 millimeters.
Specifications
The hatchback is equipped with two suspensions: the front - MacPherson strut - and the multi-link rear. Both axles are equipped with disc brakes, while ventilated ones are installed on the front. The volume of the luggage compartment is 335 liters; it can be increased by folding the back row seats up to 1032 liters.
Russian dealers offer the following line of engines:
- 1.5-liter petrol V4 with a capacity of 152 horsepower.
- Diesel V4 with a volume of 2 liters and a capacity of 120 horsepower.
- 2-liter petrol V4 with a capacity of 190 horsepower.
- Petrol V4 with a volume of 2 liters and a capacity of 245 horsepower.
Volvo V40 engines are equipped with a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission. The basic version of the gasoline engine and diesel engine are available only with front-wheel drive, while a power unit with a capacity of 190 horsepower is offered with front and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is equipped only with the top version of the engine. It is assumed that the new Volvo V40 will become an electric car, but when exactly such a change will occur is not known.
The cost of V40 in Russia
The crossover is offered to domestic motorists in three trim levels: Momentum, Kinetic and Summum. The cost of the Volvo V40 varies from 1,529,000 to 2,244,000 rubles.
Test drive and comparison with Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3
Experts conducted special comparative tests of the Volvo V40 with its main competitors - the German Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3.
German cars bypass the V40 in acceleration to hundreds of kilometers per hour for two seconds. Despite this, a six-speed automatic transmission allows Volvo to quickly and easily accelerate to the desired speed. The reaction of the gearbox to pressing the gas pedal is unambiguous and quick, without a "clutch game", which is quite common with both Audi and Mercedes.
On a flat road surface there are no problems with the brakes, however, with irregularities, the Germans show themselves better and slow down more efficiently. The braking distance is shorter for Audi by 10 meters, and for GLA - by 12.5. At the same time, the Volvo brake system works perfectly except for a low level of deceleration.
The V40 is notable for a good chassis: on a straight track, the car goes perfectly, but it reacts strangely to steering turns - a weak reaction in a small angle is replaced by a sharp hatchback shift to the side. Volvo's soft suspension perfectly hides all the bumps in the track, but you can feel hard bumps at the joints and seams of the asphalt, which low-profile tires with a diameter of 19 inches can not cope with. Despite the fact that the noise from them is much less than from Mercedes rubber, the sound level from the Volvo engine is higher.
Salon space
Owners of the Volvo V40 speak positively about the car's interior, noting a high level of comfort. As individual advantages indicate:
- high-quality and rich interior decoration;
- maximum informativeness and consistency of the dashboard, intuitive clarity of indications displayed by electronic devices;
- the presence of electric heating of the windshield allows you to accelerate the heating of the entire cabin in the cold season;
- comfortable and comfortable seats with the ability to adjust in various directions. The design of the seats is designed in such a way that the load on the back of the driver and passengers is reduced during a long trip.
Despite the large number of advantages, the cabin space has its drawbacks:
- Lack of sufficient space for tall people, which makes them uncomfortable.
- Compact trunk. The volume of the compartment, if there is a reserve, is reduced by a quarter.
Summary
Swedish Volvo Cross Country is a reliable and high-quality car with excellent technical characteristics and good dynamics. The car is in great demand, despite its rather big price. In addition, the popularity and demand for the model may grow in the near future, as the manufacturer said that the new Volvo V40 will become an electric car in the near future, which will make it more interesting for both auto experts and car enthusiasts.