The All-New Volvo V40 boasts class-leading driving dynamics thanks to focused attention to a number of vital areas.

The chassis has been designed to offer the agile, connected experience that creates true driving pleasure, while the engine range spans a four-cylinder turbodiesel with CO2 emissions of 110g/km to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 187kW and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.

All engine versions have stop/start engine technology and regenerative charging, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.

Dynamic chassis standard

The All-New Volvo V40 has three distinct chassis set-ups, with the Dynamic chassis as standard. The rigid body and low centre of gravity promote an alert, quick-responding character that focuses on the driving experience without compromising ride comfort.

The front MacPherson struts have the same 25mm piston rods as the Volvo S60 - the stiffness enables the structure to absorb lateral loads better. At the rear the V40 has monotube dampers, featuring compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means that the damper responds more quickly.

The Sport chassis is standard on the T5 R-Design (optional on the other variants) and is 10mm lower than the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in even more responsive driving pleasure with full control.

Finally, the fuel-efficient D2 variant leverages its already strong eco-credentials with a 10mm lowered version of the Dynamic chassis as standard. This assists the car in reducing drag, thus optimising fuel efficiency.

Steering with precise response

The steering column's thick tubing and stiff insulator increase torsional rigidity. This also contributes to the enhanced feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.

The Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) is the first steering system in a Volvo to use an electrical motor to support the steering rack. Electrical Power Assist Steering enables integration of safety and driver support functions that involve the steering, such as Lane Keeping Aid and Park Assist Pilot.

As an option, the driver can also specify EPAS with three levels of power assistance:

• City mode - the system provides a high degree of power support, making manoeuvring easier
• Normal mode - has somewhat lower power support to offer more road response at higher speeds
• Sport mode - the setting for the enthusiastic driver, contributing to the car's dynamic character

Upgraded Dynamic Stability and Traction Control

The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system in the All-New Volvo V40 includes several sophisticated features that offer a unique blend of driving pleasure and safety.

Advanced Stability Control uses a roll angle sensor that makes it possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very early stage. This means that the stability control system can step in earlier and with greater precision.

Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, improving handling and rapid avoidance manoeuvres.

Engine Drag Control prevents the driven wheels from locking during engine braking on a slippery surface. And if the car is equipped with a tow bar, Trailer Stability Assist helps dampen the snaking action that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan. The car is stabilised by braking one or more wheels and by reducing torque.

Torque vectoring allows the car to corner even more smoothly. The system works like an electronic differential brake. The car's inner driven wheel is braked, causing more power to be transmitted to the outer driven wheel.

This allows the driver to corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer. This system makes it easier to smoothly maintain the desired line on winding roads, in roundabouts and on wet surfaces - and is a huge asset when exiting from a small side road to merge swiftly with faster traffic.

Range of eager petrol engines

A five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged T5 engine is the most powerful engine variant available, with a power output of 187kW and 360Nm of torque. To achieve low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, internal friction has been reduced.

The T5 comes with automatic transmission and acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is 8.1L/100km (combined).

A five-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged T4 engine with 132kW and 300Nm is also available. The T4 also comes with automatic transmission, and will hit 100km/h in 8.7secs, with fuel consumption is 7.6L/100km (combined). Both the T4 and T5 versions come with six-speed Geartronic automatic gearboxes with sports mode.

Fuel-efficient diesels

The five-cylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel has been optimised for fuel-efficient driving pleasure. The piezoelectric fuel valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in efficient combustion. In order to give the car better driving properties, the turbocharger has been fine-tuned for high torque from low revs.

This engine delivers 130kW with 400Nm available from just 1750rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 8.3 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.6secs for the 6sp manual). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.9L/100km (128g/km) with a manual gearbox and 5.3L/100km (139g/km) for the automatic (combined).

The D4 Luxury is available with a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with sports mode, while the D4 Kinetic comes with the six-speed Geartronic or six-speed manual gearbox.

D2 version with CO2 emissions of 110g/km

The D2 version of the Volvo V40 comes with CO2 emissions of 110g/km - corresponding to fuel consumption of just 4.2L/100 km. The 1.6-litre diesel engine has 84kW and 270Nm of torque. The D2 engine is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, start/stop engine technology and brake regeneration which, along with details like the Dynamic Eco chassis, all contribute to low fuel consumption and low emissions.

Quotes

Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development Volvo Car Group

"The All-New Volvo V40 is agile, responsive and fun to drive. The sharp chassis offers the enthusiastic driver a feeling of total control. You get both that connected response that makes a winding country road so much fun as well as the precise, nimble moves it takes to stay on top of busy urban traffic."

"We are the leader in fuel-efficiency. One third of our research budget is earmarked for reducing CO2 emissions.

This dedicated environmental focus under our 'DRIVe Towards Zero' banner brings continuous improvements that mean that no competitor can beat us in the drive towards increasingly eco-efficient cars."

"We are moving ahead very quickly in the area of lightweight design. The All-New V40 body makes considerable use of high-strength and boron steel. We also use aluminium link arms and the rear brake discs are made of composite aluminium on some variants."

For further information please contact:

Oliver Peagam
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
T: 02 9020 1613
M: 0408 691 017
E: opeagam@volvocars.com