• 2014
• Hatchback
• 110056
• Manual
• 1.5L Diesel

The Volvo V40 is a compact premium hatchback that's been around since 2012 but still remains a popular choice for those looking for a posh-ish badge. It's a fiercely-fought market sector, but brings Swedish cool, a refreshingly left-field image, and the kudos of coming from a car manufacturer that's on the way up. If you're tempted by a V40, it's likely that your shopping list will also contain the Audi A3 Sportback, Volkswagen Golf, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series, and all of them are much younger, and packed with much more up-to-date technology. But there are a lot of conservative buyers who like the Volvo's old-fashioed simplicity. It also offers slick styling, a comfortable interior and excellent value – especially when you consider how much safety equipment is available and how it manages to blend an enjoyable drive with impressive comfort. Much in the same way the Volkswagen does.It's really rather good drive, as you'd expect from a car that car trace its ancestry back to the second-generation Ford Focus. The V40 flies under the radar compared with its rivals but it feels very similar to the accomplished Volkswagen Golf from behind the wheel. That's to say it's quiet and refined with nicely weighted steering, a comfortable ride even on larger alloy wheels and good body control in the bends. On the motorway it's relaxed and very quiet, and makes for an excellent all-rounder. The only black marks on the move are the restricted visibility when manoeuvring – the windows at the back are quite small and the pillars at the rear of the car are chunky, so it's a good thing parking sensors and cameras are available to assist here.Despite having been around for a while, safety is high on the list with all manner of cutting-edge active systems available as standard or as optional extras. To ensure the greatest pedestrian safety the company has crammed an airbag under the bonnet. This system features a bank of sensors in the front bumper that activates the airbag

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