Now families are important, so how is the Volvo V40 going to match up to the spontaneous, dynamic lifestyle of an average size family?

Looking down with a bird’s eye view on the new Volvo V40, you’ll see right inside through a vast panoramic glass roof. Scandinavian leather seats make for sumptuous seating that is soft and so ready for a long journey with the family. Safety is first-class, and the style of the Volvo V40 exterior will have you sweeping into view. When you eye up the beauty of the new Volvo V40, it’s little wonder that Volvo is now the fastest growing European car maker.

Of all the wagons on the road, except for the bigger V60, the Volvo V40 has one of the lower profiles you’ll find anywhere on four wheels. A long graceful bonnet line starts as an integral part of the V40 bumper design. If you follow the bonnet down over the low V40 nose, it actually extends into the front air dam. This gives the Volvo V40 a very sleek, forceful appearance that makes for a big presence on the road. Daytime running lights grace the lower corners of the front air dam, while the tear-shaped headlamps wrap around with exquisite grace. Low profile lines run over the A-pillar, along the extensive roofline and sweep down over the wagon’s tailgate, stopping to skip over the tucked spoiler to plunge down and over the moulded rear bumper. Triangulated taillights are bold, and they tastefully fit into the V40 rear-end detailing. The taillights tuck around to join the V40’s high waistline. Dual chrome exhausts finish the back end off.

Of all the big European brands, the Volvo V40 has one of the best dash displays. Yes there are a few buttons, but the simple, clear layout of the centre console makes for a refreshing change. Chrome surrounds for the trimming on the dark black dash looks very elegant and smart. A clear dash mounted multi-media display screen is one of the better models out there, and the unit displays useful journey information, satellite navigation and other audio system information onboard.

Now, for a special touch, Volvo has equipped the V40 with three dial displays: Eco, Elegance and performance. The speedometer, and associated gauges, all change depending on which of the three themes you prefer to be looking at. Now that’s a first, and is definitely a class beater!

From a driver’s point of view, the Volvo V40 is wonderful to pilot from a seating position that is in touch with all the switchgear and instrumentation. A lovely chunky steering wheel is the perfect size for controlling the Volvo’s progress, and the foot-to-pedal arrangement lines up nicely with the seating position to make a very comfortable driving pose. Let’s just say that the Volvo V40 ergonomics are outstanding.

Safety is an important area for any family, and so it’s nice to be able to inform you that this is a five-star pedigree wagon boasting all of the latest safety technology present on the market today. Parking assist is so good on the Volvo V40 that you can swing up to a vacant car park and let the car take over the parking manoeuvre! There is also a pedestrian airbag – just in case someone gets it into their head to walk out in front of you.

Volvo has provided the Volvo V40 with a number of brand new engines. A four-cylinder, 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine (350 Nm) with Start/Stop technology and engine brake energy charging technology is one of them. A five-cylinder, 2.0-litre high performance turbo-diesel engine (350 Nm) is another. A more powerful V40 D4 five-cylinder, 2.0-litre high performance turbo-diesel engine (400 Nm) is another. A V40 T3 four-cylinder, 1.6-litre direct injection turbo-petrol engine with 240 Nm and Start/Stop technology is another. While a definite performance model is the 135 kW, V40 T4 four-cylinder, 1.6-litre direct injection turbo-petrol engine with 270 Nm available on over boost. Flagship material goes to the Volvo V40 T5 which packs an amazing 187 kW of raw power. With traction control put through to the FWD system, the V40 T5 is exceptionally quick and can sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in around six seconds!

Agile and ready for the road, the family-friendly Volvo V40 is the wagon of choice for the discerning driver who indulges in performance.

The current Volvo V40 models are perfect for the small family and include the:

• V40 T4
• V40 T5
• V40 D2
• V40 D4

For any more information on the Volvo V40 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volvo dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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