Once again the internet has ruined the slow, planned release of an all-new car. The victim this time is the Volvo V40. Due at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, we've seen trickles of this one in the form of one backlit shot and one shot with the V40 covered in nothing but a thin, semi-transparent sheet, but this is our first full frontal of the new V40 and we're impressed. A number of styling elements up front are taken from the S60 while the overall shape is that of a squat, dropped XC90...and I mean that in the best way possible.
You'll remember that the Volvo V40 departed our market at the end of 2004 and that the V50 was removed from America in 2011. This new hatch is said to be 177 inches long, or just shorter than the old V50. Could this V40 come to America and replace two wagons with one hatchback? And will we see a three-door version of this as the C30 on our shores? It's got the looks, for sure, but is Volvo willing to risk a big ad campaign to remind Americans that Volvo wagons still exist?
coolb944 says:
10:04 AM, 02/22/12
Very very attractive actually. And I'd say the shape is more squat, dropped XC60 than XC90, especially the greenhouse and taillights.
filmjr says:
10:22 AM, 02/22/12
I like it, but it looks like a more sculpted Focus. I don't mean that as an insult, but resembling a lower-market car could influence perceived value, especially with Volvo's sagging popularity.
hotrodw says:
11:59 AM, 02/22/12
The wheels in the second pic are hideous, but otherwise I'm pleasantly surprised. It incorporates some obvious V60 and XC60 styling cues without looking like a miniature version of either. I think there is an opportunity for at least one Volvo wagon in the US. (Personally, I would prefer the V60 with turbo five and AWD.) And while I'd prefer a traditional wagon, I suppose there is potential for an XC40 as well.
e90_m3 says:
12:51 PM, 02/22/12
Wow that's one seriously good-looking car, those weird wheels in the 2nd photo notwithstanding. Nicely done, Volvo!
duck87 says:
01:04 PM, 02/22/12
Very attractive car! And as a functional hatchback, with good proportions, and (hopefully) the same level of attention to detail as IL's own S60, it sounds just about perfect actually...
Which of course means that it won't be coming to NA.
rex21 says:
04:39 PM, 02/22/12
Good Job Volvo!!
cardrvr says:
08:55 PM, 02/22/12
Very beautiful exterior design! I agree that teh wheels are awful, but I doubt that it's the "production model" wheels, and if they are - they can easily be changed.
cr_driver says:
09:41 AM, 02/23/12
2nd pic shows hybrid-like wheels.
garrym says:
04:23 PM, 02/23/12
Nice looking car even though the back end mimics the new Focus hatch.
amcoautoglas says:
09:02 PM, 02/23/12
Very beautiful design! But as usual the price will be in BMW Audi territory and seriously why would anyone get a Volvo over those 2? Unless I'm saving 10,000 or more I'll pay a bit more and get the good cars.
lincolnman3 says:
09:21 PM, 02/23/12
I agree - it looks nice, but I'm not sold it's 100% accurate. Somehow that character line on the side that kicks up at the rear door doesn't seem like something Peter Horbury would pen......he's more "fluid"..... and the rear hatch looks a little too overly complex also.
All that being said, Volvo's CEO has already stated it won't be coming to the US - and that's a huge mistake IMHO.......
This car, with AWD, a turbo 4 or 5 cylinder with 250 or more hp, with a Volvo interior - yes, I think quite a few folks looking at Audi's or BMW's would consider it.......
ttbuyer says:
10:21 AM, 02/24/12
Nice.