Volvo V40 T3: Smooth, supple and stylish

By Ghaith Madadha - Mar 19,2018 - Last updated at Mar 19,2018

Photo courtesy of Volvo

Launched back in 2012 as Volvo’s gambit into the more premium end of family hatchback segment, the V40 effectively replaced its erstwhile C30 coupe/hatchback stablemate.

A larger, more practical and mainstream car than the stylish and leftfield C30 it effectively replaced, the V40 competes with cars like the Audi A3, Infiniti Q30, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1-Series.

Updated with new engines since first launched with Ford-derived power units, the V40 is available in Jordan in T3 guise with Volvo’s in-house developed turbocharged 1.5-litre engine.

Snouty and sophisticated

The last Volvo built using a modified Ford Global C platform since the Blue Oval brand sold the Swedish auto maker to China’s Geely, the V40 will remain the last. Sharing its underpinnings with the superb handling and highly acclaimed current generation Ford Focus, the Volvo V40, however, carves out a separate identity, with an emphasis on refinement, comfort and luxury. A more mature counterpoint to the edgy Focus, the V40’s design is stylish and sophisticated, with an urgent wedgy and jutting demeanour.

Framed by an x-like crease lines converging from the base of its A-pillars and front bumper lip, the V40’s snouty fascia features a slim wide grille flanked by wraparound headlights recessed further back. With a sharply rising waistline, sculpted bodywork and rakishly descending roofline with prominent tailgate spoiler, the V40’s urgent stance alternately, but vaguely, remind one of both a sporty coupe and muscular SUV. From rear view, its blacked out lower and upper fascias, boomerang-like light clusters and jutting bodywork further lend to its dramatic disposition.

Frugal and flexible

Powered by Volvo’s in-house developed turbocharged direct injection 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, the V40 T3 develops 150BHP at 5000rpm and 184lb/ft torque throughout a broad 1700-4000rpm rev band. Comparatively low revving, despite a typically high-revving over-square design with bigger bore and shallower stroke, the V40 T3’s engine is efficient, smooth and versatile in mid-range. Accelerating through the 0-100km/h benchmark in 8.3-seconds and good for a 210km/h maximum, it returns low 5.5l/100km fuel consumption and modest CO2 emissions on the combined cycle.

Small but potent, the T3’s provides quicker and more responsive performance than expected, and carries its approximate 1.4-tonne with confidence when operating in its flexible mid-range sweet spot. After a brief moment of turbo lag from idling, the T3 comes alive with a muscular shove and tug of the steering as its turbo spools and tyres scramble to put power down to tarmac. Capable of 6000rpm but not particularly eager revving beyond 5000rpm, the T3 is at its best being hustled along in mid-range, where it is welling with torque.

Supple and subtle

A different proposition to the Ford Focus with which it shares a basic platform, the Volvo V40 T3 emphasises comfort and ride pliancy, if not quite the same hard-edged handling directness and steering tactility. Soaking imperfections with suppleness, the V40 is admirably forgiving fluent over some of Amman’s worst sudden potholes once speed picks up somewhat. Smaller, high frequency imperfections are also dispatched very well, but with slightly more firmness. Stable at highway speed, the V40 is smooth, refined and forgiving. Meanwhile, compressions and crests are dispatched with settled rebound control.

Composed and comfortable, yet, alert and balanced threading through winding switchbacks, the V40 leans slightly more than more overtly sporting, harder sprung hatchbacks, but seems adept, eager and adjustable. Turning tidy into a corner with correctable understeer setting in only if pushed too harshly, it seems to respond well to turning early and riding close to an apex. Lifting off the throttle to shift weight rearwards and outwards, the V40 settles nicely into a corner as one points it towards the exit and comes back on throttle early.

Classy comfort

Maneuverable through snaking lanes and city streets, the V40’s quick ratio 2.73-turn steering is well damped, refined and light. Subtle rather than direct or meaty, it weighs up nicely through corners and offers decent intuition and feel. Ample front visibility allows one to easily place the car. Reversing visibility is not as generous owing to a rising waistline and descending roofline, but reversing camera and sensors well compensate. Meanwhile, its six-speed automatic is slick and smooth, but could be more responsive to kickdown at low speed, only when in default driving mode.

Classy and comfortable, the V40 has an ambiance of quality and stylish understatement, with intuitive layouts and functions, good leather finish and equipment levels, including curved “floating” centre console. With clear instrumentation, highly ergonomic driving position and chunky steering wheel, it is comfortable and supportive for long distances. Front space is generous, but rear headroom is not particularly generous — at least not for large, tall adults with panoramic sunroof, as tested. Well equipped, Volvo’s City Safety driver-assistance system is standard, and can detect, brake and prevent frontal collision at up to 50km/h.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1.5-litre, turbocharged, transverse 4-cylinders

Bore x stroke: 82 x 70.9mm

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC, direct injection, variable valve timing

Gearbox: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

Ratios: 1st 4.044:1; 2nd 2.371:1; 3rd 1.556:1; 4th 1.159:1; 5th 0.852:1; 6th 0.672:1

Reverse/final drive: 3.193:1/3.234

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 150 (152) [112] @5000rpm

Specific power: 100.1BHP/litre

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 184 (250) @1700-4000rpm

Specific torque: 166.9Nm/litre