Review: Volvo V40 T5 Geartronic R-Design Lux Nav
Volvo’s V40 hatchback became arguably the Swedish brand’s most appealing car when the nameplate was reborn in 2012.
Acute angles and sharp lines made it the most visually striking Volvo on sale (a title which the second gen XC90 could soon swipe) while its frugal 1.6-litre D2 engine provides supermini-esque running costs.
Being the only car in the world with a pedestrian airbag made it planet Earth’s safest car too, polishing off a hugely attractive company car package.
The arrival of a new T5 variant though sees the V40 enter less sensible territory.
Willingness to wow
Driven by a four-pot 1969cc petrol engine mated to an eight speed automatic transmission, the 245bhp T5 can dash from rest to 62mph in 6.3 seconds. That’s 0.2 of a second quicker than BMW’s 125i MSport, Mercedes’ A 250 AMG, and VW’s benchmark Golf GTI.
It’s not class-leading though. Seat’s Leon Cupra, which costs £3k less, can better the T5’s straight line dash, hitting 62mph in 5.7 seconds, while the 296bhp Golf R can do it at a snip under five.
That doesn’t spoil the T5’s ability to excite however. Plant your right foot, give the T5 a split-second to realise you want to go fast, and it’ll hurtle you wayward at an exhilaratingly pace. It’s not the kind of smile-raising stuff many will expect from a Volvo.
Find business leasing rates on the Volvo V40
Because the interior is no different to any other R-design V40, the Volvo is devious but the T5’s willingness to wow verges on insatiable.
Handling is suitably sharp and the V40 tackles bends and sticks to the road with a pleasing payoff, however the feedback given by the Golf GTI was missed.
The V40’s marginally larger frame and slightly higher driver position lends it a less aggressive demeanour, which for a hot hatch is favourable, but its less ruffled behaviour sets it apart from its more boy-racer rivals.
Personal leasing rates on the Volvo V40 start from £398 a month
Of its immediate rivals, the V40 T5 delivers the strongest fuel economy at 47.9mpg, which narrowly beats the Golf GTI’s 47.1mpg and sits a comfortable way from the 42.8mpg of the equivalent 1 Series and C-Class.
It also leads the way on CO2 output, emitting 137g/km. Only the Golf GTI accompanies the T5 in the E VED band (£125 for 12 months road tax).
The interior is typically Volvo with classy black leather and sturdy plastics infused with metallic gleams. Apart from being a little button-heavy on the centre console, it’s an intuitive cabin with satisfying controls but most importantly, it’s refined enough to compete with premium German brands.
As a product, the V40 T5 is certainly what it needs to be but with a £32k starting price (£38,450 as tested), it’s tough to recommend ahead of BMW’s £27k 125i MSport or Mercedes’ A 250 AMG.
V40 T5 at a glance:
0-62mph: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Combined fuel consumption: 47.9mpg
CO2 emissions: 137g/km
Length: 4369mm
Width: 1802mm
Height: 1445mm
Wheelbase: 2647mm
Starting monthly leasing rate: £318.03 (business) - £397.73 (personal, exc. deposit)