The specification sheet for even the entry-level facelifted Volvo V40 T3 Kinetic would make an austere A3, 1 Series and A-Class blush. Included in the tally is an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an upgraded sound system with six loudspeakers, climate control and heated mirrors. Upgrade to the next spec tier, Momentum, and you net a power-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, rain and light sensors, park assist and leather trim throughout. And that’s only the second of four trim levels that culminate in Inscription and R-Design.
But the most important point to note is that, model for model, the Volvo V40 is more powerful – thank the Drive-E powertrains – frugal and cheaper than every single one of its premium rivals (not to mention that it also asks relevant questions about Volkswagen’s bullish pricing strategy with the Golf). There must be chinks in its armour, and I’m in Cape Town’s congested CBD amid a torrential midwinter rain spell to try to unearth them…
Inside and out
Jumping behind the wheel of a V40 T4 Inscription Geartronic (R442 400) to navigate the Mother City’s narrow side streets and sweeping routes that run down to the Atlantic Seaboard, I’m immediately appreciative of the sumptuously comfortable front seats (Volvo’s seat designers are whizz kids in the art of the chair), strong climate-control system and crystal-clear sound quality produced by the audio system. No other car in this class provokes such a feeling of instant comfort and warmth, helped in this model by plush leather upholstery in an amber hue.
The cockpit changes total new trims – a tweed-like textile called City Weave is a surprisingly cool option – and altered soft-touch materials, but the outside has seen more extensive revision. Most models now feature the XC90/S90’s signature Thor’s Hammer LED running lamps (and a R1 650 option on others), a new grille and Volvo iron mark, and box-fresh alloy-wheel designs.
Under the bonnet
As part of a running change in 2014, the V40 range received the Swedish carmaker’s Drive-E engine series. The 2,0-litre powerplants are certainly impressive in the vast XC90, and this was my first experience of the technology in the smallest Volvo. Thanks to relatively light kerb weights, with the heftiest D4 model tipping in at 1 474 kg, and boisterous outputs developed at low revs, get-up-and-go momentum is commendable, especially so in the free-revving petrol models. A V40 Cross Country D3 Momentum Gear-tronic (R452 700) felt a touch lazy at pull-away, however, but once post-1 750 r/min, avidly raced through the six-speed transmission’s sensibly stacked gears.
On the road
Despite Volvo claiming the suspension has remained as is, my co-pilot and I agreed that the revised V40 felt more supple in the way it traversed the road scars along Kloof Nek Road into Camps Bay. Perhaps the lighter engines are less taxing on the front springs. That said, the ride isn’t quite as good as the A3’s and can come a cropper when navigating a series of bumps in quick succession.
The steering, meanwhile, is well geared, although somewhat slower than the norm, and body control is good without encouraging enthusiastic driving.
And, finally…
I’ve always liked the V40’s fire-and-forget approach to motoring. Less obviously hip than the A-Class, more calming to drive than the 1 Series, and more interesting to look at and sit in than the otherwise class-leading – and more spacious – A3, it has a identity wholly its own. And in an age where vehicle prices keep skyrocketing and value for money becomes an ever-more-valuable trading commodity, offering more for less should see the amended V40 continue Volvo’s recent resurgence in popularity.