V40 is Volvo's new sparkling gem

Volvo is bringing 16 variants in two trim levels to South Africa, so you will be spoilt for choice.

In fact, this new range of Volvo premium hatches move even closer to the Teutonic Threesome than the latest Lexus and Infiniti offerings, that's how good they are. The V40 is funky, sexy and so beautifully sculpted that it has a rather special presence that makes it seems larger than the VW Golf and Ford Focus, even though in reality they are about the same size. Simply put, it draws attention wherever it goes.

The living quarters, too, ooze the kind of laid-back classiness, comfort and elegance that others in its class fail to match.

Now this is NEW

The V40 is so new that the cars we drove during the Media launch at Knysna were all pre-production models but by the time you read this some of the new models may already be on sale in dealership showrooms. In fact, a few countries, including the UK, only received their first consignment of V40's in September

Volvo is bringing 16 variants in two trim levels to South Africa, ranging from the entry-level T3 Manual Essential at R281,200 all the way to the flagship V50 Geartronic R-Design at R397,100.

Although Volvo used to be perceived as a carmaker for the older and more conservative segment of the market, those days have long gone, as proved yet again by these new V40 hatches which are guaranteed to attract a younger, more switched-on market, not only because of great looks and dynamic drive but also because of its extensive range of bang-up-to-date, standard on-board kit which offers wide choice of settings to please individual tastes.

There's a list of extras to excite any gadget fanatic.

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Of the new V40's, the key focus is probably going to be the environmentally-friendly, economical and competitively priced entry-level D2 model which might well become the biggest seller because of its combination of pretty looks and 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 84kW and 270Nm while keeping fuel consumption and emissions down to impressive levels.

This was then also the first of the V40's that I drove at the Media launch in the vicinity of Knysna and although one warms instantly to its pretty looks and cosy interior, its go doesn't quite match the rest of the show. To get it off the mark takes a bit of pedal and whip and although it trots along quite gamely once the speed is up it does need revs to get to pace. On undulating stretches it also requires quite a bit of soup spoon stirring to find a cog that suits the car's power band. However, it is a real diesel-sipper and also bears the medal for being Volvo's first diesel with CO2 emissions of just 94g/km.

Not quite his cup of tea

The vehicle I drove was decked out in Excel trim and boasted some optional trim including High Performance Sound, a seven-inch screen and 17-inch Mannan wheels which pushed the price up to R301,300.Like the rest of the new V40 clan (both automatic and manual) this entry level car comes with start-stop and braking energy regeneration as standard. Along with many other heavy traffic commuter travellers who feel the same way, stop-start is also not really my cup of tea. It's irritating and I have my doubts whether in the long run it doesn't do more harm to the car than good for the welfare of the polar bears.

Although Volvo used to be perceived as a carmaker for the older and more conservative segment of the market, those days have long gone.

The new range offers the choice of two chassis set-ups and although the D2 has the Dynamic (as opposed to the Sport) set-up, its road-holding is really good. The suspension is fairly stiff, but not so that it becomes bumpy and unpleasant on uneven roads.

The steering is electronically assisted and can be adjusted to suit individual driving style, whether it be comfortable cruising, difficult parking or enthusiastic driving. The D2, like all V40 cars, is equipped with a sophisticated Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system that contributes to the car's sporty character and is also an important safety feature. Like many other features of the new range, this, too is technical and difficult to explain fully in this article, so ask the Volvo person to earn his salary by explaining it in detail, including the functioning of the Corner Traction Control.

And now to the T3

After my stint in the D2 I slipped behind the wheel of the T3 which is armed with a 1.6-litre turbo-fed petrol engine which produces 110kW and 240Nm. This car felt peppier than the oil-burner and it was also dressed out to slightly smarter Elite level plus optional extras such as tinted rear windows and 18-inch Taranis wheels which pushed its price up to R313,200.

This could be a gem - make that, will be...

Of the two 1.6-litre models, I preferred the petrol version of the two 1.6-litres, BUT then all changed when I swapped carriages again and this time round I found a diesel that I really liked very much - the D3 2.0-litre turbo-charged baby that growls delightfully and moves rather rapidly with an instant, rather un-diesel enthusiasm as it muscles out 110kW and 350Nm.

What a lovely little car and one of the first diesels I have ever driven that I could easily have a long-term relationship with. The fact that its additional fancy equipment included a sunroof, rear parking camera, Park Assist, rather bling wheels and snazzy lights also added to its appeal.

This a real playful beast and on a smooth, twisting road with a couple of long, fast bends it was delightful to drive while its smooth-sounding five-cylinder engine revved along happily. Particularly noticeable was the extra tarmac grip provided by the top of the range Sport chassis which is 10mm lower than the Dynamic set-up and stiffer springs and shock absorbers.

The bells and whistles are all fine - so long as you know how to use them

Across the range the myriad of features are nicely balanced by the understated, but elegant and luxurious look and feel of the cabin, the airiness, the comfortable seats, good visibility, the high grade material and trim, generous leg space and a very practical boot, particularly when the back seats are folded forward.

However, one needs to have good, hard look when you enter the whiz and bang arena with which the V40 is decked out from floor to ceiling. Mastering it all won't be quick and easy, in spite of Volvo's claims that it's all user-friendly and intuitive. Put simply - it's not. It's a lot more complicated than the suits would want us to believe and it is likely to polarize opinions. While some features are cool, others are over the top, quite daunting and even intimidating - and not only to techno-Luddites.

Some features are cool, others are over the top, quite daunting and even intimidating - and not only to techno-Luddites.

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It certainly is not recommended for fiddling with while driving, even once you are in a comfort zone with it, (which will undoubtedly require some burning of the midnight oil with the owner's handbook). The one thing in its favour though is that most things can be set according to individual tastes or even turned off altogether.

Just ask - it will be much easier in the long run

To even just skim over the stuff is an impossible task, so best ask the Volvo salesperson to guide you through the minefield of fancies such as the fully graphic instrument cluster, connectivity features including a mobile application that keeps the driver in touch with the car when it is parked, the three graphic "themes" (Elegance, Eco and Performance), the links on the steering wheel and below the screen, the "My Car" settings, such as City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System, Active Cruise Control, lighting, door mirrors, climate unit, central locking and audio system, the multimedia audio system (including displays of information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, DVD player and digital TV), Bluetooth music streaming, Electronic Climate Control, the optional navigation system with voice control and turn-by-turn guidance (which is presented to the driver in the instrument cluster's centre dial), the details and functioning of the class D digital 5x130W amplifier, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, the latest MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories, 10 loudspeakers and MultEQ technology that eliminates distortion, Dolby Digital, how to optimise the audio system for the best possible enjoyment in different areas of the car, the various different speaker options, how to hook up a portable MP3 player, iPod (from Generation 3), iPod Touch or iPhone and features such as an AUX (Performance) or USB connection which also supports Video Div-X.

Some might think of Swedish products as being top quality, unbeatably reliable, but a bit... you know... conservative when it comes to styling and design. Not anymore.

I did warn you, didn't I?

From my launch impressions and initial acquaintance with Volvo's latest range I reckon these hatches are good enough to make current owners of Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and others reach for their wallets as they contemplate a badge change...and don't be surprised if even some BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and owners of entry-level Mercs follow suit.

Certainly in terms of styling the V40 has set the bar at a level which others in its class can only envy at this stage and I reckon it's going to take the others a while to catch up. But it's more than just looks; the astonishing trim and specification levels of the V40 and the comprehensive safety and comfort kit, plus all the additional driver assistance equipment and set-up options make these cars quite special.

The V40 could well become the gem with the biggest sparkle in the modern Volvo line-up. The company was already heading the right way with its three-door C30 hatchback but with the five-door V40 it has come up with a real winner.

Volvo V40 review - CarBuyer

New Volvo V40 2012 - Active TFT Display at instrument cluster

Volvo V40 first drive