The all-new Volvo V40 is a premium five-door five-seat hatch back, adding to the Volvo line-up, this model expands on the C30 coupé hatch’s popularity, but offering greater utility with additional doors and space. It will play in the competitive premium hatch market with the likes of the VW Golf, the Audi A3, the Ford Focus ST (with which it shares its platform) and the BMW 1 series. It is a competitive segment but Volvo will definatly have its place, playing its trump card “safety” meets style and pace.

When it arrives

Locally, the all-new Volvo V40 is available for test drives at all Volvo dealerships and will go on sale from 15 November 2012, but orders can be placed now. Initially, Volvo will be launching with the all-new V40 in T3 manual, T4 manual, D2 manual and D3 Geartronic derivatives.

But for those who like the look of the stunning Scandinavian but want something extra, something sporty, then hold on to your hat because Volvo have the V40 R- Design, which will be avaible from February next year.

Styling

R-Design is expected to be 10% of the total V40 sales and increase traction with younger customers, it has been launched in stunning Rebel Blue but customers have a choice of five other exterior colours too. The attention-grabbing exterior has been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car. The unique R-Design front features a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille. The sporty stance is further enhanced with an ironstone diffuser; silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes. The five-spoke 18-inch diamond-cut wheels complete the stylish, dynamic look.

Performance

In South Africa, the all-new Volvo V40 R-Design will be available on two engine derivatives: The V40 D (diesel) 3 Geartronic (110kW/350Nm) or the high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 187kW and 350Nm.

What is promised: “The sport chassis is designed to offer a class-leading, intense driving experience, no matter if you prioritise maximum fuel-efficiency or rapid acceleration,” says Lex Kerssemakers.

"The V40 R-Design is agile, responsive and fun to drive. The sport chassis offers the enthusiastic driver a feeling of total control. You get both the connected response that makes a winding country road so much fun as well as the precise, nimble moves it takes to stay on top of busy urban traffic," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

Launch prices range from:

V40 T3 Manual Essential - R 281,200

V40 D2 Manual Essential - R 283,200

V40 D3 Geartronic R-Design  - R 363,300 - Featured in this article

V40 T5 Geartronic Excel - R 373,700

V40 T5 Geartronic Elite - R 387,600

V40 T5 Geartronic R-Design  - R 397,100 - Featured in this article

Includes VAT and Emissions tax

Volvo SA - V40 page