We are with the Volvo V40 T3.
The V40 that is the compact hatchback model of the Volvo competes in the premium class with very serious rivals as Audi A3,
BMW 1 series and Mercedes A class.
Let’s see if this new addition to the series called T3 with its 1.5 liters turbo charged engine was able to strengthen Volvo’s hand?
Let’s analyze it together.
The V40 looks very much like its big brother V60 from the front.
For that matter, I could have said that it looks very much like the other models of the family too
but the face of the Volvo family started to change with the new XC90.
In other words we have to accept that the V40 is a bit old-faced.
When you look at the car, you see a grill with a Volvo logo but let me tell you briefly about this piece here that I think most of you will question.
In this car an adaptive cruise control is offered and this is its sensor.
That is why you see a different piece in the front of the car.
You should not mind it much.
I can tell you that it is very functional when used.
Strictly speaking, I confess that I have used the adaptive cruise control quite a lot during my V40’s test
because even in stop and go traffic it offers so much comfort that you are unable to give it up after a while.
Anyway, lets put that aside and let me tell you briefly a bit more about the design of the car.
In the headlamps and underneath the bumper day lights with LED technology is in use.
These came out after a small face lifting of the V40 and ensures it to appear more dynamic and youthful.
When we look at the car from the side, the first thing that caught my attention is the wheel rims that I have not seen on the V40 before.
But ultimately these are accessories.
You can choose any wheel rim you desire.
The things I can say about the car’s body is that the descending roofline and
ascending shoulder line clearly makes the V40 look more dynamic.
All right, what kind of living space the rear seats offer?
Let us look at there all together.
In my opinion, only reasonable level can be said about the living space here.
As you can see there is knee room that will be considered not bad but the headroom is more restricted.
Of course, there is a detail here, due to the glass roof and its curtain the roof has been lowered
but still if we have to make a general evaluation, the living space offered at the rear seats of the V40 is a bit behind its rivals.
Not a very spacious place is offered here for the third passenger as there is a big transmission hump here and your feet will not be comfortable.
But if only two persons sit here, it definitely will be comfortable
because there is a well-designed armrest and cup holders that have been differently applied are used.
In conclusion the Swedish place importance on application as well as the design.
The rear of the V40 looks exceedingly to its elder brother XC60.
In this the taillights with a different form definitely have a big share.
Apart from that, when you observe the V40 from the rear you clearly see that it is unique compared to its rivals.
All right, what kind of loading area is there in the boot?
Let me briefly tell you about it. This place has a capacity of 324 liters.
It is apparent that it is as value as well as outlook is behind its rivals in this class.
In other words, if you ask me the weakest point of the V40 is its definitely is its boot but this is pertinent to your usage,
that is to say if you do not plan to take long journeys with crowd it will definitely satisfy your expectations.
Furthermore, to have a small place under the boot floor and it’s being foldable increase its functionality but above all,
this piece that I have never seen in any car before.
In other words, when you have a flat,
a glove to change the tire and a nylon bag so that the tire should not dirty the boot and or the rear seat being offered is for me very clever and well thought of accessory.
Now, we do not belabor and move to the driving part.
I am behind the steering wheel of the Volvo V40.
The interior of the V40 just as the other Volvo models is well groomed as well as having a quality outlook.
The materials used in the cockpit is good, the V40 reveals that it is a premium model transparently.
At the topside of the mid console there is a multimedia screen.
It looks like touch screen but it is not.
You can use it from the controls below.
From here apart from the music system you also are able to reach your phone.
And if there is navigation in the car, you can also control it from here.
Furthermore, you can reach and see the settings of the car from the same screen easily.
Even though the music system and A/C controls appears to be ancient to the eye,
I can say that it is used very easily and that I liked it.
The human figure, especially at this A/C section that we can say is almost the signature of the Volvo is different application and I think it is good.
You are exceedingly comfortable in the driving seat of the V40.
Especially these leather-upholstered seats definitely comfort you.
For your small items, even though not very generous, places have been offered,
for example in this sliding area there are two-cup holders and the armrest is quite wide too.
But not to be offered a place in front of the gearlever to my mind is a failing.
In fact to say not offered is a bit wrong since there is a place behind this panel
but as a user-friendliness not being underhand came to me as failing.
The steering wheel is a bit thick but it fits well to the hand.
Its size is relatively big and may not be liked by some drivers but there is no drawback in usage.
But it is clear that a new steering wheel with more youthful appearance is needed.
You can select this indicator of the V40 at three different themes; they are called Elegance, Eco and Performance.
In my opinion the most sportive and outstanding among them definitely is the performance
and I have been driving in this mode since I start the test.
The other two themes strictly speaking come to me as too classic and old fashioned.
Let us consider the engine and driving features of the V40.
The V40 now uses 1.5 liters turbo charged petrol engine called T3.
This is an engine that replaced 1.6 liters turbo charged petrol engine that used to be called T4.
This engine develops 152 HP and 250 Nm of torque and can be purchased in the V40 with six-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter.
Even though T3 develops 28 HP less than T4 it replaced, it has 10 Nm of torque more.
Although it got smaller in volume as well as HP, it is not easy for a normal driver to feel it.
But when you reach high speeds naturally there is a certain difference due to volume and HP.
But eventually, I should say that T3 in the matter of performance definitely has features to satisfy the expectations explicitly.
The automatic gearbox works in harmony with the engine.
You are able to change the gears if you wish from the gear lever as well as from the pedals behind the steering wheel manually.
The passes of the gearbox is not bad but I should once more repeat that this is a gearbox with torque converter.
In other words do not think that this is a double clutch.
All right what does T3 give us in the fuel consumption; let me tell you briefly about it.
I have been driving this car for 250 kilometers and have not been able come below 10 liters.
Naturally, there are some reasons for this;
I did not have much opportunity with this car to drive on the open roads during the entire test.
In other words it was mostly in the city in congested traffic.
In this sense, I have a feeling that T3 may have a frugal potential but I could not tested.
I will be happy if there are some V40 T3 owner’s watching this video and share their fuel consumption averages under the video as comment.
Let us consider the driving features of the V40.
As driving dynamism, the V40 satisfy the class expectations.
I can say that the Volvo V40 has a dynamic driving characteristic with its road handling, well balanced, and quick reaction steering.
But at the matter of comfort the V40 unfortunately has some failings.
Especially in this compact class when compared with premium rivals the suspension comfort of the Volvo particularly on rough surfaces and in the city usage,
I should point out, proved a bit weak.
The biggest share in this is unfortunately the rear axle that is weak in absorption and works noisily.
If you are on smooth asphalt just like now than you definitely do not encounter any discomfort.
But when you drive particularly on İstanbul’s plenty potholes and speed bumps and rough surfaced roads the comfort level unfortunately upsets you.
As a matter of fact, of course the Swedish have build this car to be driven on smooth asphalts
but regrettably when you take the conditions of our country into account, the V40 lags a bit behind in suspension comfort than its rivals.
As for the insulation I can say that it is exceedingly well.
The noise of the silent working engine does definitely not penetrate the cockpit.
Furthermore you do not much hear the wind and the road noise in the cockpit even if you reach high speeds.
The Volvo V40 T3 do not let you feel any deficiency as far as performance is concerned.
As its appearance may be obsolescent but its hand is still very strong in the matter of price and it still is being sold with favorable prices than its rivals in its class.
See you.