Vehicle review: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design

Volvo’s new V40 will appeal to fans of quickly-paced motoring. But efficiency like this doesn’t come inexpensive, writes reviewer Tim Barnes-Clay.

The normal Volvo V40 appears low, squat and capable.

It appears even greater with the R-Design body kit.

Subtle but stylish exterior

This exterior comes with a host of subtle but cool traits such as twin-exhaust tailpipes and 5-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels.

The cabin also gains from unique features such as embossed R-Style upholstery, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and aluminium inlays.

It is a small disappointing then that the hot-hatch T5 R-Design and style version, on test right here, looks the very same as each and every other R-Design dressed V40.

But, it is what’s beneath the bonnet that counts – and the tuned T5 engine effectively sets it apart from all the other V40s in the range.

Sleeper hit

A muscle-bound 2.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine churns out 250bhp, yanking the machine from -62 in 6.1 seconds.

Top speed is an even far more impressive 155mph.

In some methods it tends to make the excellent sleeper automobile.

If you’re not sure what that is, a sleeper or Q-automobile is a vehicle that has high performance and an exterior that looks small or no different from a common motor.

‘Pulls like a train’;

In other words it’s a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Behind the wheel you soon realise what hooligan-like behaviour the V40 T5 is capable of.

Bury your right foot in the carpet and it pulls like a freight train.

Direct it into a bend at speed and you come out the other side questioning how on earth you did it.

Take care in wet conditions

The way it hangs on to the tarmac and turns in to corners is, by and big, superb.

On the damaging side, if you’re at reduce speeds and determine to stamp on the accelerator you’re going to encounter torque-steer.

The front-wheel-drive V40’s tyres will grapple and struggle for a firm footing as they twitch left and appropriate.

Also, in wet situations under aggressive driving you do get the front understeering, but lift off the throttle and the Swede soon pulls back into line.

Exciting in town and nation

By the way, if you are unsure what understeer is, it is fundamentally what happens when your vehicle steers significantly less than the quantity commanded by you.

Another slight gripe is that the T5 comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and no flappy paddles, as they’re recognized.

These are mounted on the steering wheel and you shift from one gear to the subsequent, but with your thumb. With paddle shifters, the V40 T5 would be even far more entertaining to drive.

Most of the time although, the Volvo makes winding nation roads fun, and with its precise, nimble moves it has all it requires to keep on best of busy urban site visitors also.

But the negative news is…

Alas, the potent overall performance of the vehicle comes at a expense.

The V40 T5 starts at £31,900 and my test vehicle had even much more cash chucked at it.

Additional bells and whistles included a Driver Support Package which came with lane-change alert, blind-spot help, driver-alert manage and collision warning.

The Volvo was also kitted out with a full length glass sunroof, bringing the grand total to an eye-watering £38,450.

Pros & cons

• Rapidly √


• Fun √


• Nimble √


• Create quality √


• No flappy paddles X


• Pricey X

Quickly information

• Max speed: 155 mph


• -62 mph: 6.1 secs


• Combined mpg: 35.8


• Engine: 2497cc 5 cylinder, 20 valve, turbo petrol


• Max. power (bhp): 250 at 5400 rpm


• Max. torque (lb.ft): 265 at 1800 rpm


• CO2: 185 g/km


• Price tag: £31,900 on the road

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Vehicle review: Volvo V40 T5 R-Design