In 2012, the Volvo company at the Paris Motor Show demonstrated a restyled modification of the cross-country hatchback V40, which received the Cross Country prefix in the name.
The serial production of the Volvo V40 started inJanuary 2013, and only in the spring the model reached the Russian markets, immediately gaining popularity, becoming one of the most affordable and sought-after Swedish brands.
History of the model
For the first time, the Volvo V40 was shown to the world1996 For four years, the model was completed with diesel and petrol engines, coupled with manual and automatic transmissions. One of the most advanced car systems was a security system consisting of a body structure of airbags and belts.
Первый рестайлинг модели был произведен в 2000 year: Volvo V40 received a modified bumper and headlights, WHIPS system that protects passengers and preventive injury of the shoulder girdle in case of emergencies and collisions. The security system of the model was supplemented with special "curtains". However, the car did not last long and was discontinued in 2004, which, however, did not prevent the Volvo automaker from returning the V40 in 2012.
Fully updated model got improveddesign and modified specifications. The Volvo V40 was designed as a replacement for the outdated S40, immediately filling a niche in the premium segment. The only competitors of the model, both the manufacturer and the experts, consider only the Audi A3 and BMW. Production of the model is carried out at the Belgian car manufacturer plant.
Universal got a new dynamicSwift and spectacular design. Having become a classic for Volvo models, the embossed hood adds a visual effect to the car, leaving no choice even to the most fastidious car enthusiasts. The interior trim and interior generally comply with C-class standards; An installed display makes it easy to manage options. Buyers are offered a variety of configurations and a wide range of Volvo V40 engines.
Exterior
The Volvo V40 design combines the features of a compact crossover and a traditional hatchback. All-road equipment model equipped with a body kit of black plastic, which gives the appearance of brutality.
Experts in the Volvo V40 reviews note aggressivehood style, embossed sidewalls, a pronounced spoiler located on the trunk lid, chrome rails and twin exhaust pipes. Equipped car branded LED headlights.
The basic package includes 16-inch models.wheels, but other modifications are equipped with 17-inch wheels. An authorized dealer for an additional fee can provide alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 and 19 inches.
Interior
Salon hatchback made with high quality and tasteful. The decoration is made of bright materials, which looks very attractive, but is an impractical solution.
There are no obvious differences from the interior of the classic V40 and the older models of the brand - for example, the S60 - but the trim will appeal to those who prefer the Scandinavian design style.
The center console is designed in such a way thatseems suspended in the air. In front of the selector is a niche in which there is a separate compartment for storing smartphones. Rearview mirror with neat trim attracts elegance and simplicity of execution.
Volvo all-terrain hatchback steering wheelmultifunctional: the left stalk lever allows you to scroll through the on-board computer menus, and the climate control control keys are on the left spoke. The transfer box is completely plastic, but it is equipped with a cooling function and has considerable capacity.
Ergonomic front seats missinglateral support, which is noticeable during long trips along winding and difficult tracks at high speeds. In addition, their location is too high, which, on the one hand, provides the passenger and driver with an excellent overview, and on the other hand, reduces the free space above the head, and therefore tall people may feel uncomfortable in the Volvo V40 cabin.
Размеры заднего сиденья оставляют желать лучшего, and the free space is reduced by several times if the model is equipped with a panoramic roof, which is why only teenagers and children can sit in the back with convenience and comfort. In this case, the seats have a comfortable design and can be equipped with a heating function.
The list of options for basic configuration V40 includesmultimedia entertainment complex, equipped with a five-inch screen. As an additional option, a multimedia complex with a seven-inch screen, a DVD-player and a sound system with better sound quality is offered. Additionally, you can order a rearview camera and navigation system; the camera automatically starts recording at a speed of more than 20 km / h.
One of the original options markedmotorists in the Volvo V40 reviews, is a virtual dashboard. It is distinguished by the clarity and logic of the displayed information and is offered in three design options: ECO, Elegance and Performance.
Dimensions
The length of the Volvo V40 is 4369 millimeters,width - 2041 millimeters, height - 1445 millimeters. Despite its compactness, the hatchback has a good wheelbase - 2647 millimeters. The full mass of the equipped car makes 1509 kilograms. The ground clearance of the model, unfortunately, is not intended for Russian roads - 145 millimeters.
Specifications
The hatchback is equipped with two suspensions:front - "MacPherson" - and multilever back. Both axles are equipped with disc brakes, with the front mounted ventilated. The volume of the luggage compartment - 335 liters; it can be increased by folding the rear seats up to 1032 liters.
Russian dealers offer the following range of engines:
- Petrol V4 of 1.5 liters and a power of 152 horsepower.
- Diesel V4 of 2 liters and power of 120 horsepower.
- Petrol V4 volume of 2 liters and a capacity of 190 horsepower.
- Petrol V4 of 2 liters and power of 245 horsepower.
Volvo V40 engines are equipped with six oreight-speed automatic transmission. The basic version of the gasoline engine and diesel engine are only available with front wheel drive, while the 190 horsepower powertrain is offered with front and rear wheel drive. All-wheel drive is equipped with only the top version of the engine. It is assumed that the new Volvo V40 will become an electric car, but it is not known when exactly this change will occur.
Cost V40 in Russia
The crossover is offered to domestic motorists in three trim levels: Momentum, Kinetic and Summum. The cost of the Volvo V40 varies from 1,529,000 to 2,244,000 rubles.
Test drive and comparison with Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3
The experts conducted special comparative tests of the Volvo V40 with its main competitors - the German Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3.
German cars bypass the V40 in acceleration tohundreds of kilometers per hour for two seconds. Despite this, the six-speed automatic transmission allows Volvo to quickly and easily accelerate to the desired speed. Gearbox response to pressing the gas pedal is unambiguous and fast, without the "clutch game", which is quite common in both Audi and Mercedes.
On a flat road surface, there are no problems withthere are no brakes, however, in the presence of irregularities, the Germans show themselves better and more effectively slow down. The braking distance is shorter for Audi by 10 meters, and for GLA - by all 12.5. At the same time, the Volvo brake system works fine except for a low level of deceleration.
The V40 has a decent chassis:on a straight line, the car is excellent, but it reacts strangely to the steering turns - a weak reaction in a small angle gives way to a sharp shift of the hatchback to the side. Volvo's soft suspension perfectly hides all the irregularities of the track, but you can feel the hard bumps at the joints and seams of asphalt, which low-profile tires with a diameter of 19 inches do not cope. Despite the fact that the noise from them is significantly less than from Mercedes rubber, the sound level from the Volvo engine is higher.
Salon space
The owners of the Volvo V40 speak positively about the passenger compartment, noting the high level of comfort. As individual advantages indicate:
- high-quality and rich interior decoration;
- maximum information content and logic of the dashboard, intuitive clarity of readings output by electronic devices;
- the presence of electric heating of the windshield allows you to accelerate the heating of the entire cabin in the cold season;
- удобные и комфортные сиденья с возможностью adjustments in different directions. The design of the seats is designed in such a way that the load on the back of the driver and passengers is reduced during a long trip.
Despite the large number of advantages, the salon space has its drawbacks:
- The lack of sufficient space for high people, because of what they feel uncomfortable.
- Compact trunk. The volume of the office in the presence of the reserve is reduced by a quarter.
Outcomes
Swedish Volvo Cross Country - reliable andhigh-quality car with excellent technical characteristics and good dynamics. The car is in considerable demand, despite its rather big price. In addition, the popularity and demand of the model may grow in the near future, as the manufacturer stated that the new Volvo V40 will become an electric vehicle in the near future, which will make it more interesting for both auto experts and car enthusiasts.
