Volvo's classy V40 hatchback and V40 Cross Country have received a slight cosmetic facelift for 2017, with an ever so slightly revised front bumper, and the inclusion of the now-universally-known 'Thors Hammer' daytime running lights into the headlight cluster.
First seen on the all-new XC90 SUV, these daytime running lights will be included on some (read higher specced models). Squint and you'll notice new grille treatment with verticle bars, as well as a few new rim designs here and there.
Inside, there's a new interior fabric option called 'City Weave' which blends a blonde/charcoal with retro Tweed-like patterns for the seats as well as a two-tone steering wheel design.
Says Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, “While the changes to the Volvo V40 may appear subtle, we are building on what has been established as a competitive player in the premium compact hatchback segment.”
“The V40 is a classy, luxurious, Swedish alternative to the typical competitive set, and with this update we are injecting more character into all V40 and V40 Cross Country derivatives. We continue to offer a complete range of efficient petrol and diesel Drive-E engines across the range, and our class-leading safety ratings continue to elevate the V40 above its competitors.”
Volvo's R-Design package has also been slightly updated and is available with all engine and gearbox combinations on standard V40 models (only). Now featuring a sportier body kit with aggressive front and rear bumpers, large (functional) exhaust tips, bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a more expressive interior ambience are included in R-Design models – turning any ordinary V40 into a spirited, muscular sports hatch.
Good news for performance enthusiasts too, with the availability of Volvo's Polestar Performance Parts for the V40. Available to order through any Volvo Cars dealership in South Africa, the full array of Polestar Performance Parts is available for standard V40 models. From chassis, exhaust and suspension upgrades, to exterior and interior styling packs as well as Polestar optimisation software.
This means V40 owners are able to enhance their vehicles further according to personal taste and requirements – all while maintaining their vehicle’s warranty and maintenance plan.
Engine wise, Volvo’s Drive-E engines now power each and every V40 and V40 Cross Country derivative. Engineered and built by Volvo Cars, the modular engines, all turbocharged and available in petrol or diesel guise, offer what Volvo say is industry-leading efficiency potential – as well as great performance.
With the exception of the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol Drive-E engine in the V40 T3 automatic model, the entire line-up is powered by new-generation 2.0-litre Drive-E engines.
From the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel which powers the V40 D2 – which can consume as little as 3.4-litres per 100 km and emit just 89 g/km of CO2 – to the powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit in the V40 Cross Country T5 AWD, which puts out as much as 180 kW and 350 Nm, the entire range of engines ensures an optimal balance between driveability and efficiency. The gearbox range continues to include six-speed manual, six-speed Geartronic (automatic) and eight-speed Geartronic transmissions.
Pricing:
| D2 6-speed Manual | R351,100.00 |
| D3 6-speed Geartronic | R432,400.00 |
| D4 8-speed Geartronic | R442,400.00 |
| T3 6-speed Manual | R337,700.00 |
| T3 6-speed Geartronic | R396,500.00 |
| T4 6-speed Manual | R400,200.00 |
| T4 6-speed Geartronic | R420,300.00 |
| T5 8-speed Geartronic | R459,700.00 |
| Cross Country D3 6-speed Geartronic | R452,700.00 |
| Cross Country D4 8-speed Geartronic | R469,300.00 |
| Cross Country T4 6-speed Manual | R412,500.00 |
| Cross Country T4 6-speed Geartronic | R432,600.00 |
| Cross Country T5 AWD 8-speed Geartronic | R504,400.00 |
