Volvo dares to go sexy in 2013 with the all-new V40 (w/ video)

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 04:20:54 +0000

Words by Christopher Kho | Photos and video courtesy of Volvo Car Corporation

The once-conservative Swedes are baring it all at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show when they bring sexy back at the world debut of the all-new V40. Their latest premium hatchback from Volvo looks like of a love-child of the C30 and S60, boasting more curves and spunk than ever before seen on a Volvo. Intriguingly, they've opted to bring out the five-door version first before the more customary four-door sedan. But when you see just how foxy the all-new V40 is, it's easy to understand why Volvo went with this choice.

Its front end borrows some cues from the more accomplished S60 - mostly around the general area of the hood, grill, and headlights. What sets it apart though is its radically-aggressive front bumper that's ready to cut anything that stands in its path. But as inventive as the Swedes are with their furniture, the all-new V40's squiggly LED daytime running lights sadly fails to impress.

Inheriting the C30's vertical tail lights and stretched rear window, the V40 received a fresh pair of twin tailpipes and a small diffuser at the back. And to add to its already voluptuous contours, no surface on the all-new V40 was left untouched. They've pinched the bonnet, side panels, and rear quarters, plus mounted w-shaped panoramic sunroof and finned rear spoiler for that extra sex appeal.

There's nothing out of the ordinary inside the V40, as it carries over Volvo's traditional dashboard and interior layout... that is until you discover that the entire instrument cluster has been replaced by a fully-customizable LCD screen.

The planned engine options for the all-new V40 would be Volvo's first ever diesel powerplant and the 254 hp turbocharged T5 petrol unit - both of which will come with start-stop and braking energy regeneration technology on either manual or automatic gearbox's.

Of course, it wouldn't be a Volvo without its long list of safety features. Besides the Pedestrian Detection system that is already present in Volvo’s lineup, it'll have the world's first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, and a Park Assist Pilot that should make parallel parking a breeze. Likewise, City Safety has been improved to operate at higher speeds of up to 50 km/h from the previous 30 km/h.

With the all-new 2013 V40, Volvo has proven that their models too can be seductive. Get ready to flirt with this hot hatch when production starts in May 2012.

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Volvo dares to go sexy in 2013 with the all-new V40 (w/ video)