AutoExpress - Our verdict on the range-topping version of the new Audi A3-rivalling Volvo V40RATING: 4 STAR
I never thought I would say this about a Volvo but this one looks Korean, though its positive to hear that Volvo finally makes cars that fun to drive instead of being more comfortable to sit in than a living room sofa.
Also it's just too generic. It's as if the harder they try at designing a new Volvo the more they copy+paste their own XC60 design, the latter of which is already old now.
^^ The XC60 is a great design, especially the traditional tall tail lights but the V40 shares the over-the-top design approach of every other hatchback on the market. Thank God for the new Audi A3 which is virtually the only hatchback that doesn't look as if it was penned by a Cirque du Soleil make-up artist.
I think I am the only one that begs to differ on the idea of Volvo making sportier cars, at least in how they drive. I do agree that design has improved significantly. But steering? I am not sure. The old hydraulic assisted system isn't as informative as it should, but it still keeps its weight when you are on the edge. The new electric assisted system (at least the one I tried in the latest S60) is very light and over-assisted in my book. As far as the handling is concerned, I find the new S60 to understeer A LOT, when the previous generation, in the same turn with the same speed, would get its tail out, which when corrected with a "dub of oppo", would result in a smile in your face. The new generation S60 gave me a "WTF" expression. Truth to be told though, it's suspension was much stiffer than the old gen, but why does it have to handle like that?
I did drive the Alfa Romeo Giulietta on Sunday and I posted a small write-up here: http://www.germancarforum.com/commu...o-giulietta-1-6jtdm-driven.44545/#post-580807
I had no idea the new S60 uses electric power steering. It seems as though hydraulic assistance is getting left in the past, but you you said and Porsche 991 drivers have commented, electric power steering does filter out road feedback that can in certain situations be useful to a driver.
Hassan, I think I am actually wrong on this. In Volvo's press site, it says "Steering: Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Steering". I was under the impression that it was an electric assisted steering system, but it seems that it's actually a hydraulic assisted one. In any case, I still find it to be far lighter and less imformative compared to the previous generation. For the record, I have driven the Modelyear 05 (due to ownership) which is a first generation, and the Modelyears 11 and 12 (extensive testdrives), the first with the 2.0T engine and an automatic gearbox, the second with the 1.6T engine and manual gearbox.
Haters gunna hate. I think this car looks cool! And if it is ever sold in the US it would be at the top of my shopping list...
Looks really good. Glad to see, unlike past, Volvo is coming up with nice designs. I hope their quality is improved as well.
