Wednesday 7th August 2013

Volvo V40 T5: Review

A T5 badge on its rump and a warbly 254hp turbo under the bonnet - it's a hot hatch, Swedish style

---

The Volvo V40 is a stylish car, and is attention-grabbing even when not painted in vivid Rebel Blue. Not convinced? OK, when was the last time you saw a BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 or Mercedes A-Class and thought 'Mm, there's a really good-looking car."

Polestar influence only extends to the paint

It's a theme that carries over (largely) to the V40's interior also. The TFT instruments are cool and crisp, whilst the floating dash is still an attractive design. Unfortunately, as far as ergonomics are concerned, that's the end of the V40's positives.

The centre console is a SNAFU of buttons, dials and switches that prove largely unfathomable prior to proper acclimatisation. Furthermore, even when familiar with their functions, the buttons are too small to hit at speed. Adding to the frustration is that the individual systems, particularly the navigation and radio, actually operate very well.

All in a (long-winded) name
But what is a Volvo V40 T5 R-Design Geartronic like when infotainment doesn't matter and fun is the sole aim? Again, it's a mixed bag. The engine is really strong, powerful across the rev range and with a discreet (probably too muted) five-cylinder warble.

Paint looks lairy, driving experience less so

Unfortunately, its strengths are undermined by the dire six-speed auto. Upshifts are smooth enough at lower speeds, but are frustratingly slow when pushing on. There are no steering wheel paddles either, plus changing on the shifter requires 'wrong' movements. It doesn't really need to kick down given the torque but, when it does, it's too slow.

But in one gear and with a few corners, the V40 feels good. It's rather aloof, with little sense of connection through the steering, but it doesn't feel wholly dictated by that engine out front. You don't need to Harris-like senses to note the decent sense of agility that eventually collapses into a predictably soft cushion of understeer and overall the V40 isn't dissimilar to the S60 T6 Polestar. Competent and strong without ever being truly involving, in other words.

Crash, bang, wallop
No discussion of the latest V40 is complete without reference to its ride. Our T5 was on a standard set-up and certainly wasn't flawless; the 225/40R18 tyres generate a lot of noise, marring the high overall refinement levels. But of greater note is just how crashy it can feel, wheels thumping down into potholes and lacking the composure of rivals.

It does warble, just quite modestly

And what rivals they are. Without a single option, the T5 R-Design is £31,390, which places it squarely against that BMW and the Audi S3 Sportback is expected at around that price too. A five-door Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance is £3,000 cheaper if not quite as fast. To compound the Volvo's problems, our test car came with options such as a £1,000 sunroof that pushed the total cost to £38,115. That's A45 AMG money.

The unfortunate reality is that the V40 simply cannot compete at the price. However, on our trip to Spa, it was a great companion; the ride was smoother at higher speeds, the seats are wonderfully comfortable and the (optional) stereo was great.

The point is these are traits available on lesser V40s, which must surely offer a more complete package. Smaller wheels combined with a lighter kerbweight (the 1.6-litre turbo is 120kg less than the T5!) can only improve the dynamic balance, and the price would be closer to its direct rivals. As a competitor for the lesser Golfs and A-Classes of this world, the V40 would definitely warrant serious consideration. As a hot hatch though, it simply can't cut it.

---

VOLVO V40 T5 R-DESIGN
Engine: 2,497cc 5-cyl, turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 254@5,400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 265@1,800-4,200rpm
0-62mph: 6.1sec
Top speed: 155mph
Weight:1,500kg
MPG: 35.8 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 185g/km
Price: £31,390 (£38,115 as tested)

 

 

 

 

[MikeG88]

Peak power @5400rpm...... Christ. Might as well drive a diesel.

Polestar should have done this. Why Volvo haven't used Polestar like Merc use AMG/ BMW use Aplina yet I do not know.

[MycroftWard]

Certainly seems very capable in terms of engine performance, but based on the pictures, info and above report I don't find it particular exciting or desirable. The thought of a Volvo FWD auto hatchback doesn't exactly set the pulse racing.

It looks okay compared to some of the competition (1 Series, etc), but prefer the look of the mk7 Golf.

Edited by MycroftWard on Wednesday 7th August 12:00

[anonymous-user]

I find it odd that some Volvo T5s use that 240bhp four pot, and now this uses a direct injection 5 pot. In the UK our S60 T5 is a 4 cylinder and in the US it's a 5. I'll be looking to replace my P2 V70 soon, and if the new V70 finally arrived with a 5 cylinder petrol option I'll give it a good look.

[CedricN]

Havent driven the T5, but the normal one is apretty neat car. Really like the new infotainment with touchscreen (spotify, calendar+outlook sync etc)...Apart from the most basic versions it feels quite good and modern inside and outside (not so much headroom in the back though), I prefered it to many of its competititors. R design is really well specced, but up at that price range the competition is pretty stiff ! The old 5 pot volvo lumps is getting a bit old aswell, would also probably be better mated o a 6MT than the slow AT.

[kwak]

Am I the only one that, reading this, has to think of reviews of most Audi's?
Good looking, not great to drive, crashy ride,...

[RJP001]

I thought the early third Gen V70 were the last to see the T5 engine? And the T range was just a spec of trim these days?

[GranCab]

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

[Tomatogti]

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

Er, I did (albeit at £600) on my new hatch. Why do you think no-one orders them these days?

[NGK210]

So, to sum up: the V40 T5 looks OK but considering its rivals, it's sadly inept and chuffing pricey. Why does Volvo bother?

[PHMatt]

dme123 said:

I find it odd that some Volvo T5s use that 240bhp four pot, and now this uses a direct injection 5 pot. In the UK our S60 T5 is a 4 cylinder and in the US it's a 5. I'll be looking to replace my P2 V70 soon, and if the new V70 finally arrived with a 5 cylinder petrol option I'll give it a good look.

I thought all T5's were called T5's because they have a turboo charged 5 cylinder engine.

As for the original artical - "when was the last time you saw an A class or 1 series and thought that was a nice looking car"
I havent.
I having seen the S40 I dont think thats a nice looking car either.
The C30 was way better looking.

[GranCab]

Tomatogti said:

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

Er, I did (albeit at £600) on my new hatch. Why do you think no-one orders them these days?

I would have thought almost universal adoption of a/c or c/c in anything more than poverty spec. new cars has rendered the heavy and not very good in a rollover sunroof fairly redundant. The last car I bought with a sunroof fitted was a new 944S in 1989 ...

[gdelargy]

GranCab said:

Tomatogti said:

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

Er, I did (albeit at £600) on my new hatch. Why do you think no-one orders them these days?

I would have thought almost universal adoption of a/c or c/c in anything more than poverty spec. new cars has rendered the heavy and not very good in a rollover sunroof fairly redundant. The last car I bought with a sunroof fitted was a new 944S in 1989 ...

When buying my new daily runabout in April I specifically hunted down a car with a sunroof. First car I've had in years that had one, and all the better for it. Lots more light in the cabin (even when it's closed if you get a glass one), fresh air... what's not to like? Thank gawd there's people like Tomatogti, so that a few years down the road I can get the benefit in the used car market. Cheers, Mr T!

[Prawnboy]

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

i would if i was buying a new car, cant find sunroofs on 2nd hand cars much any more beacause of the air-con.
i loooooove a sunroof, and aside from the odd freaking summer find air con pointless. (in the UK)

[Dr G]

GranCab said:

Tomatogti said:

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

Er, I did (albeit at £600) on my new hatch. Why do you think no-one orders them these days?

I would have thought almost universal adoption of a/c or c/c in anything more than poverty spec. new cars has rendered the heavy and not very good in a rollover sunroof fairly redundant. The last car I bought with a sunroof fitted was a new 944S in 1989 ...

Sunroofs are making a massive resurgence and in a lot of models are incredibly desirable now. They are one option that makes a tangible difference to used car prices also.

The nonsense about 'don't need one, got aircon' is just that, nonsense.

[PunterCam]

Dr G said:

GranCab said:

Tomatogti said:

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

Er, I did (albeit at £600) on my new hatch. Why do you think no-one orders them these days?

I would have thought almost universal adoption of a/c or c/c in anything more than poverty spec. new cars has rendered the heavy and not very good in a rollover sunroof fairly redundant. The last car I bought with a sunroof fitted was a new 944S in 1989 ...

Sunroofs are making a massive resurgence and in a lot of models are incredibly desirable now. They are one option that makes a tangible difference to used car prices also.

The nonsense about 'don't need one, got aircon' is just that, nonsense.

Totally. Sunroofs aren't for air, they're just so lovely on a warm summers day, or a cold and bright winter morning. My current car is the first I've owned in ten years of driving without a sunroof, and I really miss it.

I think this volvo looks so great. It just has the wrong engine (too thirsty compared to everything else now, and doubtless more to tax), and the wrong gearbox (anything that isn't a manual is the wrong gearbox in a hatchback). And it apparently rides poorly. Oh well, maybe it's just a duffer.

A shame, because otherwise I'd be very interested in a second hand one in a few years.

[kpb]

A good idea badly executed.

Nice design, engine and left-field choice, saddled with the kind of ride quality even Audi are admitting doesn't work - and a premier league price for a Championship division car.

Real shame actually, as they could have harnessed much of the character and kudos that the 5-cyl gave the mk2 Focus ST, but instead they've chased 'premium' and launched their car right at the point where every single one of its competitors looks better value for money, and arguably better dynamically too.

What's more - even the base level cars have a comically small boot, so as a fast family hatchback it is seriously compromised.

I doubt many dealers will be requesting demo models of this version.

[dasherdiablo1]

So you talk in detail about the interior console layout and then don't show us a photo - very poor journalism.

Edited by dasherdiablo1 on Thursday 8th August 11:22

[s m]

PunterCam said:

Dr G said:

GranCab said:

Tomatogti said:

GranCab said:

Sunroof ??? Who orders a sunroof (especially at £1000) as an option nowadays ...

Er, I did (albeit at £600) on my new hatch. Why do you think no-one orders them these days?

I would have thought almost universal adoption of a/c or c/c in anything more than poverty spec. new cars has rendered the heavy and not very good in a rollover sunroof fairly redundant. The last car I bought with a sunroof fitted was a new 944S in 1989 ...

Sunroofs are making a massive resurgence and in a lot of models are incredibly desirable now. They are one option that makes a tangible difference to used car prices also.

The nonsense about 'don't need one, got aircon' is just that, nonsense.

Totally. Sunroofs aren't for air, they're just so lovely on a warm summers day, or a cold and bright winter morning. My current car is the first I've owned in ten years of driving without a sunroof, and I really miss it.

I think this volvo looks so great. It just has the wrong engine (too thirsty compared to everything else now, and doubtless more to tax), and the wrong gearbox (anything that isn't a manual is the wrong gearbox in a hatchback). And it apparently rides poorly. Oh well, maybe it's just a duffer.

A shame, because otherwise I'd be very interested in a second hand one in a few years.

I'd always pick a car with a sunroof if I had the choice - I like aircon too though. All three of my cars have a sunroof

[thejudderman]

Assuming the gear shifter movement the wrong way round comment means backwards for up shift and forwards for down shift, I actually prefer that movement myself.
But given that it's just a switch anyway I don't know why manufacturers don't let you select whether you want forward/up, backwards/down or visa versa in the cars settings menu.

[athol]

I have a V40 D3 R-resign geartronic as my company car ( I have a Maserati Gransport that makes me a PHer!) - and it's a really fantastic daily driver. Build quality is very very high, standard equipment is good, looks cool compared to the usual German stuff, ride is fine, gearbox is fine although it has a pointless sport Mode that is really a waste of time, engine power as a mid diesel version is very similar to the golf gtd and Leon fr which I also considered. Overall is a super car and for me, much more interesting that the usual boring company car choices.

We have a T6 xc90 too and although I haven't driven the T5 v40, I can imagine it to be a little weak compared to more modern engines. The majority will look at the d2 version and its 99g co2 or the d3 that I bought so I'm not really sure. Why Volvo bother making a t5.

I invite any PH journo to have a day in my car to compare as I think looking at the T5 only is doing the v40 a disservice.