Volvo V40 Hatchback (2012 - 2019) D2 R Design 5d (2013/13) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It is sensible and I'm 31 years old so it probably makes me older than I am. The R-Design trim is a little bit more sporty but still quite classy so I'd like to think it says I've got decent taste but still like to have some fun.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My other half is a hardcore Audi fan and likes the car. We take it in turns to drive and there are never any grumbles.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd definitely buy the car again because the build quality is actually excellent. The aluminium trim in the car is real metal not plastic. The leather and suede seats are gorgeous and really comfy. Sound system is the best I've ever heard and the glove box is air conditioned to keep stuff cold in summer. You can even shut the windows from the key by holding down the lock button if you forget to close one. I love my Volvo.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another Volvo, probably a V40 D4 next time. I'd pay more for parking sensors and the built in sat nav next time round.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£15,400

When did you buy the car?

March 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got a reasonable deal, the car only had 10,000 miles on and was one owner previously who traded it in on a brand new one.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a reasonable sized, well built hatchback without buying anything from the VW group.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer hasn't been great. I had to take the car back because the heated seat didn't work, despite them supposedly checking the car. It had to go back a second time for a terrible interior rattle, something loose inside the driver door and they couldn't offer me a courtesy car. Finally the car had a service plan and 2 free services left that they failed to tell me about until after I paid for a service.

What's it like to drive?

The car is lovely to drive, feels firmly planted on the road. Steering is responsive but not overly light. The brakes are excellent and the city safety system will brake for you if you don't respond. It is incredibly comfortable, we drove 1000 miles to Cornwall and back and no back aches, entirely relaxed the whole journey. Above all else it feels safe but is still fun to drive.

What's it like to park?

I wish mine had parking sensors. The rear mirror is deceiving and things look a lot closer than they are. Folding side mirrors are handy if the spot isn't very wide.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The heated seat on the driver side didn't work when I collected the car. I noticed and took it back and the dealer arranged a repair under warranty. They had to replace the seat base to fix it I advise to test heated seats if your car has them fitted. They are brilliant in winter and heat quickly.

What's most practical about your car?

The car has a good sized boot which is normally occupied by my dog. It is on the whole very practical though, very fuel efficient. I get about 45mpg even in crawling traffic through Leeds. On the motorway on the M62 to Liverpool I've had 78mpg. Average on 1000 mile round trip to Cornwall was 58mpg, mix of city, country and motorway with an enthusiastic driver.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The premium sound system is incredible. Good bass, really nice clear sound and doesn't distort on loud. It is simply awesome.