2012 Volvo V40 1.6L T2 6MT FWD (120 HP)

Vehicle Overview

After divorcing Ford, Volvo tried to find its way into the market with financial help from Geely, a giant Chinese automaker and created a new alternative for the premium compact hatchback segment, namely the V40.

Volvo introduced the V40 nameplate in 1995 as the station wagon version of the S40 premium compact sedan. In 2004, that model was removed from the carmaker’s lineup, and the nameplate returned in 2012 for a hatchback vehicle that didn’t have a sedan sibling. The automaker was producing an S40 sedan, but the station wagon of it was named the S50.

While customers were initially a little confused, they eventually got accustomed to it and bought it. It was a worthy alternative for the Audi A3, the BMW 1 Series hatchback, and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback.

The V40 carried over Volvo’s new design language that featured a fluid design, with a front fascia that sported the grille pushed forward than the headlights. Moreover, the front fenders were slightly lower compared to the hood line. In addition, the bumper featured a trapezoidal-shaped lower air intake flanked by decorative scoops where the automaker installed the daytime running lights.

From its profile, the ascending waistline was emphasized by the curved lower window line and its chromed trim. At the back, the raked-forward tailgate sported a roof spoiler at its upper side and was flanked by corner-mounted L-shaped taillights.

Inside, the V40 offered a unique interior design that reflected the Swedish minimalism trend. Fronting the driver was a digital instrument cluster where the tachometer took center stage. Inside it, Volvo installed the digital speedometer, while on the outer sides, it placed additional displays for the fuel level, water temperature, power reserve, and transmission.

The car’s front bucket seats were separated by a tall center console that was extended on the dashboard with a center stack that hosted the HVAC controls and the infotainment system. Behind, on the split-folding bench seat, there was adequate room for two passengers. Despite not being offered with an all-wheel-drive system, the V40 featured a tall center tunnel that limited legroom for the third, middle-seated passenger. The trunk behind the bench seat was big enough for most situations, although it wasn’t the best in its class.

Volvo built the V40 based on the P1 platform, which allowed it to get improved, fuel-efficient engines. The independent suspension in all corners led to excellent handling, which was something unusual for a Volvo.

Moreover, the automaker focused on safety aspects and offered the vehicle a standard city-safety system that automatically braked the car for pedestrians or other cars in front of it to avoid rear-ending collisions.

Under the hood, Volvo installed a wide choice of engines ranging between a 1.6-liter turbodiesel that offered 113 PS (110 hp) and a 213 PS (211 hp) turbocharged two-liter unit. Power went to the front wheels only via a five- or six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.