Volvo V40 Hatchback (2012 - 2019) D3 SE Lux 5d Owner Review

I have part exchanged my previous V70 as I no longer need the huge space. Stuck between this and the V60 and I have gone for this V40 for number of reasons - upgraded City safety activates below 30 mph and also the panoramic sunroof. Coming from a heavy car V70 around 1820kg, to this V40 at 1430 kg it feels a lot nippier combined with the D3 5 cyl engine with 150bhp, beating the V70 with a PSA sourced 2.0D with 136bhp. The performance is very good as well as giving great fuel economy with stop start. Having test driven the 1 series and Golf, the ride is comparable to the golf, and although the handling is not as good as BMW I find it fun to go around bends and corners, possibly with thanks to its focus chassis. The car feels so well built and oozes quality in the cabin. The dash is well laid out and the infotainment takes a bit of time to get used to, but its not rocket science. The panoramic sunroof is really a must as it brings light to the cabin like a green house. The seats are not as plushy as the ones in V70 but it fits the body much better. I hate the way that there are little security flaps for the fuel tank which makes it so difficult to add any fuel additives, but overall it is really a very good hatchback for a young adult who wants an understated motor that is reliable and comfortable.