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Volvo V40 review 2015

 

Good points

  • Distinctive, different exterior
  • Seriously comfortable seats
  • Frugal and fast new engines

Needs work

  • Expensive for what it is
  • Not as practical as some competitors
  • No capped-price servicing
Volvo V40 Video Car Review

With premium hatchback sales surging, Volvo are keen to disrupt the leadership of the three German five-doors that have the market cornered.  With the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 1 Series, and Audi A3 all very strong contenders, we spent a week with the Volvo V40 T5.

What we found was a comfortable, likeable, and surprisingly rapid hatch, with a big dose of character—something the Germans tend to lack.  At about $59,000 on road, though, the T5 is expensive for this class.  Thankfully, there are better-value options in the late $40,000s, like the D4 diesel and T4 petrol, which retain most of the T5’s character with a more approachable price.

That’s a good thing for Volvo, who have a lovely little car on their hands with the V40.  Ultimately, it will be sharper pricing that will be the key to pulling the V40 hatch out of niche status.

ChasingCars.com.au reviewed the 2015 Volvo V40:

  • 2015 Volvo V40 T5 R-Design (top trim), with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and eight-speed automatic, in Ice White with black leather, priced at $50,400 before on-road costs.
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
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Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
2.0L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Single turbocharger
Power
180kW @ 5500rpm
Torque
350Nm @ 1500–4800rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
123kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
62L
Consumption
6.1L / 100km
Average Range
1016km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
8
Dimensions
Length
4369mm
Width
1783mm
Height
1420mm
Unoccupied weight
1468kg
Cargo space seats up
335L
Cargo seats down
1032L

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