The All-New Volvo V40 R-Design will be revealed at the upcoming Paris Motorshow.

Launched in stunning Rebel Blue, the new Volvo V40 R-Design is a perfect match for those who want a stylish and dynamic look with high performance and an agile driving experience.

"The V40 R-Design is designed around the performance-minded individual with a passion for those things that add extra spice to life. The meticulous attention to detail covers the expressive design as well as the agile, precise performance," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.

The attention-grabbing exterior has been specially developed for buyers who want to put their very own stamp on their car.

The unique R-Design front features a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille. The sporty stance is further enhanced with an ironstone diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes. The five-spoke diamond-cut 18in alloy wheels complete the stylish, dynamic look.

On top of the Rebel Blue livery, the V40 R-Design buyer has a choice of six other exterior colours.

New generation R-Design interior with blue interactive dashboard
The interactive dashboard in the All-New V40 has already got a lot of positive attention, both from media and customers. The possibility to switch between three layouts with different configuration and functionality - Elegance, Eco and Performance - is mirrored in the V40 R-design. But here all of the modes come in the same radiant blue colour.

"Inside, the new generation R-Design seats and interior details emphasise the distinctive Scandinavian design aura of the all-new V40. R-Design appeals especially to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design. We have talked to them a lot to ensure that every single detail contributes to the individualistic, refined expression they desire," says Lex Kerssemakers.

The seats feature a blend of black Nubuck textile and perforated leather, crowned by an embroidered R-design logo with a blue "R". Full leather seats are available as an option.

The comfortable, in-command driver environment also includes a specially designed steering wheel, gear shifter, handbrake and sport pedals.

The unique R-Design aura is enhanced by a combination of new aluminium inlays with a perforated look, black leather, matching stitching and a black headliner.

Power and performance
In Australia, the All-New Volvo V40 R-Design will only be available with the T5 engine, a powerful unit that delivers 187kW at 5400rpm and 360Nm at 1800-2400rpm, to propel the car from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.5 seconds and on to a limited 250km/h.

"Creating a driving experience that fulfils the R-Design buyers' passion for a fast-paced life is not just about speed and acceleration. Agility and precision are equally important for these performance-minded individuals. The Sport chassis is designed to offer a class-leading, intense driving experience, no matter if you prioritise maximum fuel-efficiency or rapid acceleration," says Lex Kerssemakers.

Lower and firmer Sport chassis
The chassis has been developed in cooperation with Swedish racing driver Robert Dahlgren and the Volvo Polestar Black R team.

The Sport chassis is lowered 10mm compared with the regular Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in responsive driving pleasure with full control.

The front McPherson struts have 25mm piston rods. 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. Anti-roll bars with increased diameter also contribute to the sporty drive.

"The V40 R-Design is agile, responsive and fun to drive. The 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," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

Driver orientated appeal attracts younger buyers too
"Previous R-Design models have played an important role for increasing our sales and for lowering the age of our customer base. We believe that the new V40 R-Design will give this trend another boost," says Lex Kerssemakers.

Final Australian specifications for the All-New Volvo V40 T5 R-Design will be confirmed in due course.

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