Sporty cut, with a relatively tight chassis, the V40 is the sporty compact alternative from the far north. How does the Volvo perform during main inspection and breakdown safety?
Berlin (dpa / tmn) - At Mercedes, BMW or Audi they are called A-Class, 1 Series and A3 - at Volvo customers in the so-called premium segment of the compact class were addressed with the V40. The model is no longer produced. But even as a used car, the Swedish mobile often drives without defects - except for a common problem during the main inspection (HU).
Model history: The Volvo V40 was launched in 2012 as the successor to the S40 (notchback) and the V50 (station wagon). The model was updated in 2016: modified grille, optional LED daytime running lights, more connectivity and a new petrol engine with 140 kW / 190 hp. In 2019, Volvo discontinued the V40 without replacement, even though the model had become the manufacturer's best-selling model in Europe.
Body variants: The V40 is a compact model with a hatchback and five doors. Real body variants were not built, but from 2013 onwards the higher-lying cross country version, optionally available with all-wheel drive, and a sports model in R design with elements such as a specific front and rear apron, diffuser and double exhaust.
Dimensions: 4.37 mx 1.80 mx 1.45 m (LxWxH), trunk volume: 335 l to 1032 l.
Strengths: The V40 is a compact car in the typical Volvo design with long-distance qualities, powerful engines and good durability. His performance at the HU points to the latter: "With the introduction of the V40 in 2012, the quality became noticeably better," writes the "Auto Bild Tüv Report 2020" in contrast to its predecessor. There are above-average grades for chassis, lighting and brake components and their function.
Weaknesses: the oil loss. It occurs five times more frequently in the compulsory check than in the HU average. Not every driver may like the tightly tuned chassis. Although this fits the sporty cut of the V40, it also limits the space and all-round visibility.
Breakdown behavior: With regard to its breakdown statistics, the ADAC describes the older years as mixed. "2015 and younger are consistently good." The main flaws of the cars with first registration in 2013 include covers on the body as well as defects in batteries (2012 and 2014) and injection injectors (2012).
Engines: petrol (four- and five-cylinder with front and all-wheel drive): 88 kW / 120 hp to 187 kW / 254 hp; Diesel (four- and five-cylinder with front-wheel drive): 84 kW / 114 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS.
Market prices (according to the "DAT Markttspiegel" by Deutsche Automobil Treuhand, each with statistically expected kilometers):
- V40 T3 1.5 Kinetic (2015); 112 kW / 152 hp (four-cylinder); 71,000 kilometers; 12,450 euros.
- V40 T5 R-Design (2013); 187 kW / 254 hp (five-cylinder); 96,000 kilometers; 15 050 euros.
- V40 Cross Country T4 AWD Momentum (2014); 132 kW / 180 hp (four-cylinder); 84,000 kilometers; 14,450 euros.
