It's a Volvo, so the new Volvo V40 has more safety technology than you can easily explain, writes Brian Byrne. But there's more, with the new car breaking out of the somewhat bland look of its predecessor, to seriously challenge in the compact premium segment.
The key competitors are BMW's 1 Series, Audi's A3, the upcoming sexy new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but you could also see upgraders from Ford's Focus and downsizers from a variety of medium/large saloons in both mass-market and premium arenas.
I've been driving the 'basic' model today, albeit in its dressed-up grades, with the 115 1.6 diesel, the D2, showing steady performance in a twisting route up over Verona. With a 94g/km CO2 it's a frugal powerplant, but the car also comes with a howling 254hp 2.5 petrol option, a 150hp D3, and a 177hp D4 diesels.
Irish prices are expected to be around €27,000 for entry level versions, and it has been reported that the first cars will be here in July to take advantage of the hype around the finish of the Volvo Great Ocean Race which will finish in Galway. More tomorrow when we get full official Irish details.
And I'll do something more substantial over the next couple of days when I've had time to properly absorb the various models ... and all that safety stuff, which, by the way, includes a pedestrian airbag.
But take this point on board. The previous V40 was the estate version of the S40 saloon. This is being marketed as a 5-door hatchback, albeit with a slight stretch. I'm presuming at this point there'll be a new S40, but is the true estate to disappear in this segment for Volvo?
We'll see.
