S40/V40/V50 [Road Tests] 2013 Volvo V40 T4

[Human]

Our verdict on the range-topping version of the new Audi A3-rivalling Volvo V40

RATING: 4 STAR


The Volvo V40 T4 SE Lux is the most powerful version of this new Audi A3 rival. Powered by a four-cylinder 177bhp turbo petrol, it’s packed with performance and safety kit and sits on 18-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin won’t shock anyone familiar with Volvos, but it builds on a proven formula: supportive leather seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, plus a stylish illuminated gearknob. Handy touches include a variable-height boot floor and a chilled glovebox.
Rear passengers benefit from more elbow room than in the C30 and S40, yet a six-footer’s head will brush the roof in the back.
The driving position is great, with good all-round vision, plus a reversing camera and safety systems such as Cross Traffic Alert. This uses radar to detect oncoming traffic when reversing onto a busy road. The clear, fully digital dash has dials that change colour for each driving mode: Eco, Elegant and Performance. The latter setting gives you a central speedometer with an integrated rev counter.
The electric power-steering has three modes, too, with a default Medium setting plus softer and sharper set-ups either side. They make a noticeable difference, but even in Medium the steering is well weighted with great turn-in.
The T4 soaks up bumps well, yet although its 177bhp engine is powerful, the six-speed dual-clutch transmission is poor. It shunts at low speeds and kicks back violently with even a minor jab on the throttle. In manual mode, the V40 is potent and fun, but in Drive this shunting really spoils the experience.
That’s a shame, as good body control is backed up by a sporty engine note and strong brakes.
The V40 is a refined cruiser. It’s also lavishly equipped, with Bluetooth and iPod integration, as well as plenty of safety gear: it boasts a world-first pedestrian airbag plus emergency braking.
Thanks to a standard stop-start system and regenerative brakes, the T4 returns 51.4mpg and will emit 129g/km of CO2. It’s priced at £25,480 for the manual and £26,965 for the dual-clutch.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/283783/volvo_v40_t4.html#ixzz1wLWmvalJ

 

[Centurion]

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.

 

[Human]

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.

 

[Centurion]

^^
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.

 

[Giannis]

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.

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?

 

[Human]

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?

You ought to do more write-ups about your driving experiences Mr. Giannis

 

[Giannis]

You ought to do more write-ups about your driving experiences Mr. Giannis

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

 

[Human]

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

Thanks! And you have to read more between the lines Mr. Human!

 

[Centurion]

The new electric assisted system (at least the one I tried in the latest S60) is very light and over-assisted in my book.

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.

 

[Giannis]

I had no idea the new S60 uses electric power steering.

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.

 

[ZicZachZo]

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...

 

[ateekt]

Looks really good. Glad to see, unlike past, Volvo is coming up with nice designs. I hope their quality is improved as well.

 

[Soup]

 

[KiwiRob]

Looks really good. Glad to see, unlike past, Volvo is coming up with nice designs. I hope their quality is improved as well.

Nothing wrong with Volvo quality, my 2010 V70 was better built than my 2008 BMW 3 series.