Driving Torque

It's All About The Motors.

Driving Torque

This is the YouTube page for Driving Torque - Articles, reviews and opinions about cars and all things automotive.
Go to www.drivingtorque.com

Driving Torque
Review by Ben Harrington from Driving Torque of the Suzuki Jimny SZ5
Suzuki Jimny Review
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_tBEwl0WmNRw
Watch as a Model X performs its Celebration Mode Easter egg in the snow
Tesla Model X Celebration Mode
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_Z04UK1MRXjE
This is what the exhaust tail pipe of a Ford Focus RS sounds and looks like when you accelerate quickly.
2017 Ford Focus RS Exhaust
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_QkKOE0J4baE
Another gratuitous exhaust video for you. This time it's the behemoth that is the Mercedes GL63 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG exhaust sounding immense
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_S7TdJrBe8aw
This is a Porsche Cayman in Sport Plus mode with a Sports exhaust, showing the exhaust revving and moving as the car is put through its paces. Great footage of over-run and even the heat haze from the hot engine.
Porsche Cayman PDK Sport Plus
YouTube Video UCOtVdrU-nsf_4BZwMKZ08NA_8l_WTgJB0sk
Subscribe
  • Home
  • About
  • Ben’s Car CV
  • DTQ Partners
  • Contact

Volvo V40 D2 Powershift SE LUX – Driven and Reviewed

September 25, 2013 by benharrington 6 Comments

Volvo's V40 D2

Volvo’s V40

Volvo built their envied reputation on two things; safety and boxy, set-square inspired design features. Today, only one of these aspects remains true and a solitary glance at this V40 D2 model will expose just which one it is.

With this mid-sized, 5 door hatch, Volvo are making a play for a highly sought after segment and are going for the jugular of some pretty stiff competition – including the Golf and 1 Series at one end of the spectrum and the Astra and the Focus, to name but a few, at the other.

Volvo V40 D2 

Volvo V40 D2 SidePriced at £23,870 (£28,095 as tested), this Volvo v40 D2 Powershift SE LUX model is undoubtedly aiming its sights at the higher end of the market. The 1 Series BMW and Audi‘s A3 are already major players at this level and Mercedes‘ complete rethink of where it’s A Class should sit has brought that into the fray too. Tough crowd.

Light clusters and piano- black panel add an individuality V40 D2

Light clusters and piano- black panel add an individuality

Styling wise, it’s classy and understated, after-all, shouty just wouldn’t do on a Volvo. There are some natty features such as the rear light clusters and piano black boot panel which attempt to set it out from the crowd but the rest of the car shares many lines with Vauxhall‘s Astra. I’m not saying that this is a particularly bad thing, I just like my Volvos to be unmistakably Volvos.

Floating console and squircles (it is a word) are all very pleasing on the eye V40 D2

Floating console and squircles (it is a word) are all very pleasing on the eye

Get inside the V40, though, and the sheer emphasis on creating a class-leading cabin is blindingly obvious. There’s a recurring theme in here, stemming from Volvo’s characteristically rounded font and then translated into a smattering of squircles around the cabin. Themes have a habit of becoming tacky and irritating but the way Volvo have gone about utilising this most pleasing of shapes allows the V40’s living space to be both quirky and elegant, all in the same breath.

The quality of materials inside the V40 is also second to none. From the soft, faultless leather to the grade of plastics used, even the famously commendable Audi could learn a thing or two about automotive interiors. The story’s the same at way-below eye level – usually where attention to detail is found lacking. Not so in the Volvo V40 – even one’s knees are lucky enough to be treated to a pleasing view.

Volvo V40 d2 noseThat’s not to say there’s no room for improvement inside the V40 – no-one’s perfect. The hand brake, for one, appears to have been designed for left hand drive cars, with the budget for right-hand-drive translation being unfortunately lost down the back of the sofa. It is seriously so close to the left hand seat that a few odd looks can ensue from any unsuspecting passenger as they could easily assume that their leg has become the object of your affections and that you’re brazenly going for a feel.

Safety is still a by-word for Volvos and the levels of standard equipment on the V40 are impressive. Euro 5 NCAP ratings are obviously a prerequisite for any of the brand’s models but Volvo are understandably keen to push the boundaries and leave potential customers in no doubt as to their continuing priorities.

Some safety features work on cars, and some just don’t. I admit that when cornering headlights were resurrected from Citroen‘s original DS, I was initially cynical. I was wrong to be. The SE Lux package comes complete with these clever lights and if you take the Volvo V40 down a poorly lit B-road, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them as they intuitively illuminate your way. Couple this with the car’s optional active high beam system, which are so superior to previous models I’ve tried due to their ability to alternate between main beam and high beam at appropriate moments, and where once was dark, is light.

One safety element which is worthy of special mention is the collision avoidance system. These units are in their relative infancy and it’s no surprise that Volvo have grabbed the bull by the horns and started to utilise this potentially life-saving technology. It isn’t infallible though. Head into certain bends, in certain conditions and the system triggers, assuming that you’re continuing straight on into a car or tree. The result is all manner of warning lights – some fine tuning required here I feel.

Due to the inherent shape of the V40 and it’s oversized D pillars which are presumably packed full of safety, rearward visibility isn’t great. This is kind-of strange for a company such as Volvo who’s mantra is safety but, either way, it makes the V40’s blind spot sensors invaluable and also makes a good case for the £850 Park Assist Pilot option.

Volvo V40 d2 frontOn the move, the V40 feels extremely planted and solid, more similar to a large saloon car than a mid-size hatch. This particular model was obviously made more for long-distance cruising than country-road attacks as this relatively small 1.6 Diesel tackles high-speed motorways with aplomb, yet can come unstuck when pushed around bends. The steering is highly assisted and, although it WILL find grip at the limits, there is a slight vagueness and lack of feedback through the wheel. That said, it is absolutely effortless when cruising at 60mph + and has an air of sophistication that you’d not really expect in this segment.

Possibly the best £100 option ever - Volvo's flexible load floor. It allows bags to be hung up safely - no more nasty takeaway stains v40 d2

Possibly the best £100 option ever – Volvo’s flexible load floor. It allows bags to be hung up safely – no more nasty takeaway stains

One aspect of the V40 which must be specced properly is the gearbox. Our test car came complete with Volvo’s auto ‘box (Powershift) and it’s highly disappointing to say the least. Gear changes are sluggish and often occur at the most inopportune moments, with ‘Sport’ mode doing precisely nothing to alleviate the problem. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution and that’s to opt for changing gear oneself. Not only will it be a more satisfying drive, but the manual is quicker to 62mph, gains 11mpg over the auto and saves you a full £20 per annum due to it pulling the V40 below the magical 100g/km CO2 barrier (88g compared to 102g).

Volvo’s V40 is a highly competent hatch and if it’s safety and interior luxury that float your boat, it’s hard to beat. Just be careful when speccing your V40 though and tick the right boxes, as there’s a whole world of difference between making some wise choices and making some not-so-wise.

By Ben Harrington

Specifications; Volvo V40 D2 SE Lux Powershift, Transmission – 6 spd automatic, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 115bhp, Torque – 270Nm, Emissions – 102g/km CO2, Economy – 72.4 mpg combined, Maximum Speed – 118mph, Acceleration – 12.1s 0-62mph, Price – £23,870 OTR, £28,095 as tested.

Related articles
  • Is Volvo’s V40 Coming to America? (culvercityvolvodealer.wordpress.com)
  • The impressive V40 R-Design proves Volvo are far from boring (dailyrecord.co.uk)
  • Volvo V40 R-design (redundantmagazine.wordpress.com)

Filed Under: C-Segment, Road Test Tagged With: Audi, Autos, BMW, Makes and Models, Recreation, Volvo, Volvo S40, Volvo V40

Trackbacks

  1. Volvo S60 Driven and Reviewed | Driving Torque says:
    January 12, 2014 at 8:07 pm

    […] on the eye than the somewhat staid and boxy silhouette traditionally associated with a four-door Volvo saloon, projecting a far sleeker image and allowing more natural light to enter the cabin thanks to […]

    Reply
  2. Volvo V40 Cross Country – Driven and Reviewed | Driving Torque says:
    October 24, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    […] tested the standard Volvo V40 a while back and we were thoroughly impressed with the looks, the practicality and what a great […]

    Reply
  3. History of Volvo - Driving Torque says:
    February 2, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    […] absolutely no coincidence that one of parent company SKF’s main products was ball bearings. The Volvo badge which is still familiar today is from the Swedish symbol for iron and has always been placed […]

    Reply
  4. Volvo C30 T5 R-Design Polestar - Driven and Reviewed - Driving Torque says:
    February 2, 2015 at 10:56 pm

    […] quality and safety features are usual Volvo fare which is where the C30 shines over the competition. It’s always hugely reassuring to […]

    Reply
  5. Volvo V40 CC - Driven and Reviewed - Driving Torque says:
    February 5, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    […] tested the standard Volvo V40 a while back and we were thoroughly impressed with the looks, the practicality and what a great […]

    Reply
  6. Volvo S60 Driven and Reviewed - Driving Torque says:
    February 5, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    […] Volvo‘s image has transformed in recent years with exciting design cues being adopted and the S60 is no different. It’s most definitely a Volvo, but put it next to a similar model from as little as ten years ago and the dramatic way the brand has evolved is startling. The S60’s grille is the focal point of its nose, with a myriad of lines, angles and creases emanating sideways and rearwards in all manner of dramatic fashions. during my time with the S60, I discovered a new design feature every time I looked at it – could we honestly have said that about Volvos of the past – could we honestly say that about many new cars on the road today? […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Driving Torque

I'm Ben Harrington and I'm a car lover, freelance motoring journalist and family-man (I'll let you decide the order!) I started Driving Torque in 2010 to share my love of all things motoring with the wider world. Since then, … continue reading

Driving Torque’s Instagram Posts

driving_torque

Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the las Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the last Honda HR-V. This goes back today, though, and I think I’ll miss it. #honda #hondahrv #carsofinstagram
Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the las Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the last Honda HR-V. This goes back today, though, and I think I’ll miss it. #honda #hondahrv #carsofinstagram
Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the las Got to be honest, I didn’t think much of the last Honda HR-V. This goes back today, though, and I think I’ll miss it. #honda #hondahrv #carsofinstagram
Another highlight from this week’s SMMT Test Day Another highlight from this week’s SMMT Test Day was this; the unashamedly macho Ford Mustang Mach 1. A full review will follow later this year, hopefully. #ford #fordmustang #forduk #carsofinstagram
What do you do when you own two VW vans? Why, you What do you do when you own two VW vans? Why, you go and drive the latest VW Multivan, of course! The Multivan is not, I repeat, is not based on a van, though. Got it? Good. #vw #volkswagen #notavan #carsofinstagram
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Driving Torque’s Twitter Feed

Ben Harrington Follow

Freelance motoring writer and Editor of Driving Torque. @NGMWcars member. Classic VW owner. Husband and father to a wonderful wife and two amazing young ladies.

DrivingTorque
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
23 Jun

https://buff.ly/3ObO4Z5 #honda #hrv #review #hybrid

Reply on Twitter 1540033698485133313 Retweet on Twitter 1540033698485133313 1 Like on Twitter 1540033698485133313 Twitter 1540033698485133313
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
22 Jun

https://buff.ly/3ObO4Z5 #honda #hrv #review #roadtest

Reply on Twitter 1539671061008191492 Retweet on Twitter 1539671061008191492 1 Like on Twitter 1539671061008191492 1 Twitter 1539671061008191492
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
22 Jun

https://buff.ly/3ObO4Z5 #honda #hrv #review

Reply on Twitter 1539565356506816514 Retweet on Twitter 1539565356506816514 Like on Twitter 1539565356506816514 Twitter 1539565356506816514
drivingtorque Ben Harrington @drivingtorque ·
16 Jun

Anyone struggling on @TicketmasterUK for Taylor Hawkins tribute concert - try following the link from the email they sent you. That just worked for me after over an hour of being thrown out of the site 😃

Reply on Twitter 1537366165013643264 Retweet on Twitter 1537366165013643264 Like on Twitter 1537366165013643264 Twitter 1537366165013643264
Retweet on Twitter Ben Harrington Retweeted
yorkshiremsf Yorkshire Motorsport Festival @yorkshiremsf ·
15 Jun

We’re excited - a little over a week to go until the Yorkshire Motorsport Festival

Tickets still available if you follow the link below👇🏽

https://www.ymsf.net/buy-tickets

#Motorsport #Festival

Reply on Twitter 1536972026304507906 Retweet on Twitter 1536972026304507906 12 Like on Twitter 1536972026304507906 18 Twitter 1536972026304507906
Load More

© 2022 · DrivingTorque.com · Site designed and built by Kobestarr.com