11:08 am, February 28, 2012
AFTER weeks of photos being leaked onto the internet, Volvo has finally revealed official imagery of its all-new V40.
The new car replaces the S40 and V50 models in one fell swoop and has the ‘premium hatchback class’ firmly in its sights when production begins in May.
Volvo’s president and CEO, Stefan Jacoby, said: ‘The all-new V40 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy.
‘Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache.’
Volvo promises the new V40 will boast ‘class-leading driving dynamics’ while the engines on offer will range from a diesel version emitting 94g/km of CO2 to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254bhp. All engine versions will feature start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.
Unsurprisingly safety is high on the agenda – the V40 will feature Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, Park Assist Pilot, and the world’s first pedestrian airbag.
Volvo expects to sell 90,000 units worldwide per year of the V40, with 85 per cent of the total volume going to European customers.
The car will get its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week; production starts in May.
