Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, 2013

Some special cars reflect the fundamental attitude of their owners - the new Beetle Cabriolet is such a car. Driving this Volkswagen shows that the people inside really enjoy a sporty design, colours and driving with the top down. Even ordering the new Beetle Cabriolet will be a cult act for most buyers - because many more options are available to express your individual taste than ever before: five standard equipment versions are available ("Beetle", "Design", "Design Exclusive", "Sport" and "Sport Exclusive") as well as three special models ("50's Edition", "60's Edition" and "70's Edition"). This range is supplemented by twelve finishes and two soft top colours, eleven different types of interior textile and leather trim, twelve rims, innumerable technical and visual features as well as efficient petrol and diesel engines with performance ranging from 77 kW /105 PS to 147 kW /200 PS. These are all turbocharged engines, available with optional six and sevenspeed dual clutch gearboxes. Fuel economy range for these efficient, high torque, four-cylinder engines: 4.5 to 7.8 l/100 km.

The Beetle Cabriolet is the lowest priced open-top car from Volkswagen
"The new Beetle Cabriolet", according to Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management Volkswagen Brand, Technical Development, "takes the design of the original open Beetle and New Beetle, transferring the shapes to present times and enriching everything with a high degree of sportiness. In most European countries, the new Beetle Cabriolet can already be ordered, and at attractive prices". In Germany, this four-seater starts with a base price of 21,350 euros - making the opentop Beetle the lowest priced convertible in the Volkswagen range.

Top opens and closes while driving
The new Beetle Cabriolet has become larger and more majestic. It has an elongated, wider appearance, the roof is flatter, the proportions more dynamic. Beyond any performance figures and fuel economy values, the most important figure for a convertible: The time required to put down the top. Only 9.5 seconds with the Beetle Cabriolet, and thanks to its electric motor, this is an almost noiseless process. It even works while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. When retracted the soft top is stored compactly behind the rear seat where it does not restrict the view to the rear. The soft top on the Beetle Cabriolet can be closed in 11.0 seconds; the additional 1.5 seconds are required to allow the electric drive to automatically lock the roof to the windscreen frame.

Even a new car is a collector's item
The day they are delivered, purchasers of the new Beetle Cabriolets receive cars destined for a long service life. That's the way it has always been with the convertibles in this series: First new cars kept by the original owners for a long time, then classic and, finally, vintage cars. And used cars? Granted! Multitudes of the 565,000 convertibles under the Beetle label have taken this route. And that's the way it will be in the future.

Exterior
The design of the Beetle Cabriolet retains the distinctive charisma of the coupé, demonstrating, in open as well as closed state, the unmistakable and timeless character of the original Beetle Cabriolet. In both cases, it is the soft top that gives this car its very special style. In spite of all its modern features, with the top up, it is reminiscent of the early period of the automobile when all cars had rag tops. And the top of the new Beetle Cabriolet can be put down in only 9.5 seconds, allowing you to enjoy it as a pure summer car. When closed, the Beetle is automatically converted into a multi-talented companion for all seasons.

The roof in detail
Thanks to the so-called K-fold feature of this roof covered with multiple layers, weather-proof fabric (in "black" or "nutria beige"), the entire roof system can be put down in a very compact space. Result: Even with the top down, the boot volume (225 litres) remains the same as when the soft top is closed. The outer surface of this top consists of one centre section and two side parts; the seams between the centre section and sides also serve simultaneously as rain gutters. Volkswagen uses foam-bonded fabric for the headliner on the inside. An acoustically insulating fibre mat is located between the outer surface and headliner to bring the acoustic characteristics up to the same level appreciated in the Beetle with a metal roof or panoramic sunroof.

Soft top remains in optimum position even at high speed
The folding frame and tensioning structure form the basic design of the soft top. The top frame consists of the front section (interface to windscreen frame), two lateral frames with seals, the movable rear tensioning structure, one main pivot on each side, four arched elements (to which the soft top is also fastened) and the heated rear glass window. The attachment points between the soft top and roof frame ensure that the outer surface remains in its optimum position even at high speeds. Classy: As on the New Beetle Cabriolet, a circumferential chrome strip below the soft top and side windows separates the top from the body area.

Design and dimensions
With a length of 4,278 mm, the new convertible is 152 mm longer than the New Beetle. It is also 84 mm wider (1,808 mm, not including exterior rear-view mirrors). Since the convertible is 29 mm flatter, with a height of 1.473, the proportions alone give this Beetle a very sporty appearance.

Rear spoiler as standard feature

The style itself follows the Volkswagen design DNA. This is clearly demonstrated by the horizontal layout of the rear bumper, the front air inlet, the straight bonnet edges, the precisely drawn line between the A-pillars and soft top C-pillars or the design of the taillights. One thing is certain: All of the styling characteristics of the Beetle and New Beetle have been preserved - which is little surprise, because cars like the Beetle have had a decisive influence on Volkswagen's design DNA. Of course, other design features of the Beetle Cabriolet include the extending wings and clearly marked taillights, the shape of the bonnet, the rocker panels and door sills and - more than ever - the capability to integrate large wheels (up to 19 inch). An entirely new feature on the Beetle Cabriolet is the rear spoiler, which is homogeneously integrated into the design as a standard feature and helps to maintain high speed stability. The bottom surface of the rear spoiler is always finished in black, while the top is painted to match the colour of the car.

Uncompromising safety
Just like the New Beetle Cabriolet, this new open-top Volkswagen is equipped with a rollover protection system as a standard feature. This design of this invisible rollbar has been advanced in many respects, making it possible now to equip the convertible with symmetrically divided rear seat backrests and thus allowing transport of long items. Within milliseconds of the vehicle exceeding a defined lateral acceleration or vehicle inclination threshold, the rollover protection system shoots up behind the rear headrests. This mechanism is controlled by the central airbag actuating unit. For the newest version of this rollover protection system, use of high tensile strength steel and aluminium have made it possible to reduce the weight by nearly 50 per cent in comparison to other solutions.

Reinforced body shell
The rollover protection system is part of a comprehensive safety package, which ensures the highest level of passive safety for the convertible. Other specific modifications include a stable tubular member in the top edge of the door, reinforced A-pillars (additional 0.5 mm sheet metal thickness) and particularly strong rocker panels. On the Beetle Cabriolet, the A-pillars also consist of extremely stable, hot-shaped sheet metal. These features also serve to protect passengers in a head-on collision or when the car rolls. In side-on collisions, the function of the most important structural components are assumed by the reinforced B-pillars, the floor cross-members and the doors. The passive safety features are completed by the front airbags and side head-thorax airbags. The entire reinforcement and the rollover protection system results in 114 kilograms of additional weight for the convertible in comparison to the coupé.

Extreme torsional rigidity
Simultaneously, the body reinforcement improves the car's static and dynamic torsional rigidity. The resonant torsional frequency has an excellent value of 17.8 Hz. For this reason, the new Beetle Cabriolet does not require any vibration dampers, such as are frequently used on other convertibles.

Interior
What the Beetle Cabriolet has in common with the cabriolet of the New Beetle range is the truly "open" convertible feeling without the need for an extremely long windscreen frame. Both driver and passengers enjoy every millimetre of space to the roof frame, which is simply missing on other convertibles. Moreover: The additional exterior length of 152 mm in comparison to the New Beetle Cabriolet becomes very evident in the interior and boot. This impression is intensified by the fact that all four passengers enjoy generous headroom even with the roof closed; an additional 12 mm in comparison to the New Beetle Cabriolet.

Folding rear seat backrests as standard feature
Even when put down, the soft top does not limit the space in the boot; in comparison to the New Beetle Cabriolet, the volume was increased by 24 litres for a total of 225 litres. In contrast to the New Beetle Cabriolet, the symmetrically divided rear seat backrest can be folded down thanks to a newly developed rollover protection system.

Wind deflector eliminates drafts
The convertible can also be ordered with a wind deflector, which can easily be fastened above the rear seat, allowing you to take long trips with the roof open. When the wind deflector is in use, the two rear seats offer additional storage space. Perfection in detail: When not in use, the wind deflector can be stored in its own special compartment in the boot, where it is protected and takes up only minimal space.

Charismatic interior
Many details make the interior of the Beetle Cabriolet pleasantly unique. For instance, as already described, the relatively upright windscreen, reminiscent of classic sports cars. And the instrument panel - the Dash Pad - combining innovative technology and controls with an enamel finished surface and glove compartment similar to that in the air-cooled Beetle. It offers a great deal of space and comfort for four passengers. It has seats just as well-suited for a ride over the north loop as a trip from London to Lisbon. And there are shapes that are not an end in themselves but always have a functional purpose as well. For instance, the shape and colour of the instrument panel, which creates a visual bridge back to the time of the first Beetle, but is not retro.

Ambient illumination in red, white or blue
Next to the steering wheel, the Beetle Cabriolet not only has a small wheel for regulating the brightness of the instrument panel; it also has an (optional) second wheel with the scale markings "0", "r", "w" and "b". This wheel allows selection of the colour for the ambient illumination: Red, white or blue. Indirect illumination is provided on the top rail of the door, while direct illumination emanates from around the outer circumference of the door speakers in the form of a light ring. The multi-coloured ambient illumination is offered as a package in combination with the also optional Fender sound system. A single colour version (white) without light ring around the speakers is offered as a standard feature in combination with the "Sport" and "Sport Exclusive" versions.

Information and systems within easy view of the driver
In front of the driver, three round instruments (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide all significant information; a multi-function display is also integrated in the centre of the middle speedometer. Beginning with the "Design" version, the adjustable air vents and instruments also have chrome trim. This also applies to the audio/navigation system, which is located optimally in the centre of the dashboard, in the driver's field of vision. And beneath: the control for the air conditioning, a central switch strip for the hazard warning flasher and finally the shift lever with the start button for the engine located in front of it (optional).

Second glove compartment in Beetle style
Like the air-cooled Beetle, the Beetle Cabriolet has an additional glovebox with top-hinged lid integrated into the front trim on the passenger side (the standard glove compartment also integrated into the dashboard is hinged at the bottom). Other interesting features include the auxiliary instruments above the audio/navigation system with oil temperature display, stop watch and charge pressure indicator above the centre console on the instrument panel.

Equipment versions and special models
The new Beetle Cabriolet is being launched with five equipment versions: "Beetle," "Design," "Design Exclusive," "Sport" and "Sport Exclusive." Moreover, three special models are being offered for a limited time especially for this open version of the Beetle: the "50's Edition," "60's Edition" and "70's Edition," each with the flair of the decade after which it is named. Each of these eight different models has its own particular character.

Electrically operated top standard on every model
Standard features on every Beetle Cabriolet include an electrically-operated soft top, a soft top cover for use when the top is down (dust protection), electric windows all round, RCD 310 audio system (eight speakers, CD player, MP3 function, double tuner, AUX IN interface), daytime running lights, electronic stabilisation programme including electronic differential lock plus brake assist and hill climb assist, airbag system with front and side head-thorax airbags and active rollover protection system.

Bi-xenon headlights and Fender sound system
For the first time, the optional features available for the Beetle Cabriolet include details such as bi-xenon headlights, a keyless starting and locking system (Keyless Access), multi-colour ambient illumination, a Fender sound system (400 watts of pure power including subwoofer), automatic climate control, radio/navigation system, auxiliary instruments on the dashboard (stop watch, oil temperature, charge pressure) and alloy wheels up to 19".

"Beetle," "Design / Exclusive," "Sport / Exclusive"
Engine / equipment combinations. The two entry level engines (diesel and petrol each with a power output of 77 kW / 105 PS) can be ordered in combination with the "Beetle," "Design" and "Design Exclusive" specifications; the "Sport" and "Sport Exclusive" versions are not available with these engines. All five versions can be combined with the intermediate performance engines (103 kW / 140 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS). The top engine (147 kW / 200 PS) is available exclusively with "Sport" and "Sport Exclusive" specification.

"Beetle" equipment version
"Beetle" / exterior. The basic version of the Beetle Cabriolet can be distinguished by its black exterior trims - air intake grilles, door handles and the protective side trim as well as 16 inch steel wheels. As usual at Volkswagen, the side indicator lights have been integrated into the painted exterior rear-view mirror housings. One invisible Volkswagen standard: all relevant body parts are galvanised to prevent rusting. By contrast, very visible: the rear spoiler is a standard feature.

"Beetle" / interior. The so-called "Dash Pad" has an unobtrusive black finish on this version. Other standard equipment includes a three-spoke steering wheel, shift gate and cup holder with chrome trim, black door liners, large stowage compartments in doors, Easy Entry aid, symmetrically divided, folding rear seat backrests and height adjustment for front seats. The seats are upholstered with breathable fabric in "Beetle" design. Moreover, the parking brake lever button, heater controls, door pull handles as well as the clip on the light knob are all refined with chrome trim or are solid chrome.

"Beetle" / functions. Always included are features such as the electric drive for the soft top, the hill climb assist system, electric windows and electric rear-view mirror adjustment, convenience flasher (press 1 x - flashes 3 x), vertical and axial adjustment for the steering column, make-up mirrors in sun visors, plus multi-function display, RCD 310 radio/CD system with eight speakers, electro-mechanical and speed-dependent power steering, warning tone when lights are not switched off, as well as visual and audible warnings for unbuckled seat belts (system senses all seats), two reading lights and central locking system with RF remote control.

"Beetle" / safety. Every Beetle Cabriolet is equipped with Volkswagen's electronic stabilisation programme (including ABS, brake assist, EDS, ASR and counter-steer assist), daytime running lights, three-point seat belts (with tensioners on front seats), ISOFIX fixtures in the rear bench seat for use with compatible child seats, front airbags, combined head-thorax airbags for driver and front passenger, reflectors in doors and automatic hazard warning flasher (for emergency braking manoeuvres).

"Design" equipment version
"Design" / exterior. The "Design" version is based on the "Beetle" version but offers even more exclusive features. These start outside with body-coloured door handles and protective side trim (latter with chrome strip). The black air inlet grilles at the front are accentuated by chrome trim. 16-inch light alloy "Whirl" rims with wide 215 mm tyres complete the appearance.

"Design" / interior, functions, safety. Inside, the attractive dash pad is also painted to match the colour of the car. Integrated into the dash pad in front of the front seat passenger is the so-called "Beetle compartment" located behind a top-hinged lid and also painted to match the colour of the car. It is latched with a silver-coloured catch. Also painted to match the colour of the car: The top door rail. Stowage compartments on the rear of the front seats as well as a chrome clasp for the light knob and chrome trim around the controls for the ventilation system or optional air conditioning are also standard. Also chrome: the trim around the instruments, the decorative rings around the side air vents and the radio module, plus the trim on the electric window switches. Moreover, the "Design" version includes comfort front seats, "Design" seat covers, a three-spoke steering wheel with trim to match the colour of the car, carpet mats (front and rear), fog lights with static cornering feature as well as indirect background lighting in the area of the two reading lights between the driver and front passenger.

"Design Exclusive" equipment version
"Design Exclusive" / exterior. Those choosing the "Design Exclusive" version of the Beetle Cabriolet automatically benefit from 18-inch light alloy "Twister" wheels (with black, high gloss surface), wheel locks for improved anti-theft protection and 235 mm wide tyres.

"Design Exclusive" / interior. In comparison to the standard "Design" version, the interior of the "Design Exclusive" model gains a black dash pad, stainless-steel door sill panels with "Volkswagen Exclusive" monogram, ornamental seams in "Art Grey" as well as a leather cover for the steering wheel, shift lever handle and parking brake lever, a centre armrest (front), sport seats (front), leather seat mid-section and sides ("Nappa" cool leather) as well as carpet floor mats with coloured edging (front and rear).

"Design Exclusive" / functions. The Design Exclusive version of the Beetle Cabriolet also includes standard features such as heated seats and lumbar supports (front seats) as well as a tyre pressure indicator.

"Sport" equipment version
"Sport" / exterior. On the exterior, the Beetle Cabriolet Sport is equipped with large 17-inch light alloy "Spin" rims and 215/55 tyres, giving it a dynamic appearance. Also standard are the red-painted brake callipers (with 147 kW / 200 PS engine), black-finished exterior rear mirror housings and protective side trim (latter with chrome application), chrome trim on the air intake grille, chrome-plated exhaust pipe tips (with 147 kW / 200 PS engine) and anodised aluminium trim strips.

"Sport" / interior, functions, safety. Inside, the Beetle Cabriolet Sport offers a dash pad with sporty carbon look plus "Beetle compartment"; customers also have the option to order the dash pad in black or body colour. Standard equipment also includes ambient illumination (single colour), sport seats with lumbar support (front) in "Sport" design (with stowage pockets on front seat backrests), a three-spoke steering wheel with black-finished decoration, leather parking brake lever and gear knob, aluminium-look pedals, chrome trim on controls for air conditioning (standard in this case), black-finished upper door rails and carpet mats. Also standard: Fog lights with static cornering feature and front indirect background lighting.

"Sport Exclusive" equipment version
"Sport Exclusive" / exterior. The "Sport Exclusive" version of the Beetle Cabriolet is equipped with 18-inch light alloy "Twister" rims (with black, high gloss surface) including locking wheel bolts and 235 mm tyres.

"Sport Exclusive" / interior. In comparison to the "normal" "Sport" version, the interior of the Exclusive model also has a black dash pad, stainless steel door sill panels with "Volkswagen Exclusive" monogram, ornamental seams in "Art Grey" for the steering wheel, gear knob and parking brake lever, a centre armrest (front), leather seat mid-section and sides ("Nappa" cool leather) as well as carpet mats with coloured edging (front and rear).

"Sport Exclusive" / functions. The Sport Exclusive version of the Beetle Cabriolet also includes standard features such as heated seats and lumbar supports (front seats) as well as a tyre pressure indicator.

Special "50's", "60's" and "70's" models
Homage to original Volkswagen Beetle convertible. As previously mentioned, some cars reflect the characters of their owners. Anyone who attempts to capture the spirit of a certain era with his or her clothes, hairdo or décor will also transfer this preference to their car. The new Beetle Cabriolet makes this possible for the first time. Background: For the market launch of the open-top Beetle, Volkswagen has devised three special edition models: the stylish "50's Edition," the cool "60's Edition" and the elegant "70's Edition". Each of these three editions reflects the character of its specified decade - and also pays homage to the legendary original VW Beetle convertible.

Special "50's Edition"
Classic black exterior. The exterior is distinguished by the 17" light alloy "Circle Black" rims (basic colour black with chrome-plated rim edge and also chrome-plated hub caps), chrome-plated exterior rear mirror caps, "50's" badges in chrome, black soft top, fog lights with cornering feature and "Uni-Black 50's Edition" paintwork. The interior features provided as standard on the "50's Edition" include items such as heated sport seats with lumbar support (front), black dash pad and door trim, "Vienna" leather trims - as contrast to black in light "nutria beige" or two-tone "salsa red / titanium black" - carpet mats (front and rear), three-spoke leather steering wheel, air conditioning, exclusive RCD 510 audio system (incl. full colour TFT touchscreen, CD changer, MP3 function, AUX IN interface and double tuner) with eight speakers, plus multifunction display as well as cruise control.

Up to 160 PS. The "50's Edition" can be ordered in combination with all TDI and TSI engines available for the Beetle Cabriolet up to 118 kW / 160 PS.

Special "60's Edition"
Statement in light blue or cool white. The "60's Edition" captures the flair of the sixties with high quality sport seats (front, with lumbar supports) in two-tone "Vienna" leather ("Atlantic blue / titanium black or "salsa red / titanium black"), choice of "Denim blue" or "Candy white" paintwork, black soft top, "60's" badges and auxiliary instruments (charge pressure, oil temperature and stop watch). Also matching: 18" light alloy "Twister" rims (base colour black with five high gloss spokes) and black exterior rear mirror caps. Also included as standard features: Cruise control, carpet mats (front and rear), three-spoke leather steering wheel, plus multifunction display, RCD 510 top audio systems (incl. full colour TFT touchscreen, CD changer, MP3 function, AUX IN interface, double tuner and eight speakers), MEDIA IN as USB interface, fog lights with cornering feature and chrome "Volkswagen" monogram on boot lid.

With 140 PS or 160 PS. The "60's Edition" is offered with a 118 kW / 160 PS TSI engine (petrol, with optional seven-speed DSG) and TDI (diesel) with 103 kW / 140 PS (with optional six-speed DSG).

Special "70's Edition"
Noble in toffee brown or platinum grey. The "70's Edition" is designed for elegance - with "toffee brown metallic" or "platinum grey metallic" paintwork, each matched to the beige-colour soft top and the leather seats ("Vienna" in "nutria beige," front sport seats with lumbar supports). Chrome dominates the large 18" light alloy "Disc" wheels and the exterior rear mirror housings. Other standard features on the new "70's Edition" Beetle Cabriolet include fog lights with cornering feature, "70's" badges, cruise control, multi function display, carpet mats (front and rear), three-spoke leather steering wheel and the high quality RCD 510 audio system (incl. full colour TFT touchscreen, CD changer, MP3 function, AUX IN interface and double tuner) with eight speakers.

Volvo V40, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

•  Volvo V40, 2013

The all-new Volvo V40 is a sporty five-door hatchback that sets new ride handling, fuel efficiency and safety standards in its class.

Its eye-catching coupé design, which uses styling cues from the C30 coupé and classic P1800ES Volvo, is sportier and sleeker than the homogeneous class norm.

Special attention has been given to handling, steering feel, agility and ride comfort. Volvo engineers believe that the Volvo V40 is now the class benchmark for dynamic fineness.

Volvo's reputation for safety leadership has not been overlooked. A new innovation, Pedestrian Airbag Technology, joins a previous Volvo world-first, Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, which was first shown on the Volvo S60. Together, they ensure the all-new V40 offers unrivalled protection for pedestrians, as well as for the car's occupants.

The new Pedestrian Airbag, which makes its world debut on the Volvo V40, inflates from under the rear edge of the bonnet when the car detects that it has hit a pedestrian. The raised bonnet better cushions the unfortunate pedestrian, and the airbag also protects the pedestrian's head from the "hard points" at the base of the windscreen and the lower A-pillars.

In Europe, 14 per cent of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians. In China, it's over 25 per cent.

City Safety, an innovation first shown on the Volvo XC60 to avoid noise-to-tail urban accidents, has been further improved for the Volvo V40. It now works at up to 50 km/h (31 mph), instead of 30 km/h (19 mph). Insurance claims involving the Volvo XC60 show that City Safety has reduced personal injury claims by 51 per cent, while vehicle repair costs have been lowered by more than 20 percent. Little wonder that many insurers now reduce premiums for Volvo drivers.

Pedestrian Airbag Technology, Pedestrian Detection and City Safety are all part of Volvo's IntelliSafe safety philosophy. Other new safety features on the Volvo V40 include a Cross Traffic Alert radar system - which helps you reverse out of a parking space and see traffic coming from the side - and an improved Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). This new radar-based technology still warns of vehicles in the blind spot, on both sides, but in addition now warns of vehicles approaching rapidly from the rear - making it safer, for example, to change lanes on the motorway.

Volvo also has a time-honoured reputation for environmentally friendly motoring - the three-way catalytic converter with lambda sensor is among Volvo's many green innovations. The all-new V40's 1.6-litre D2 engine emits only 94 g/km (when fitted with 205/55 R16 wheels) of CO2, a class-leading figure. This also offers major company car taxation, road tax and residential parking savings. Little wonder the Volvo V40 is so good in this area: one third of Volvo's entire research and development budget is earmarked for cutting CO2 emissions.

The design is particularly striking. The exterior was styled by Volvo's Californian studio in Camarillo by American Chris Benjamin. "I wanted an emotionally engaging car that looked like a coupé but had the practicality and functionality of a five-door hatchback," he says. The Pedestrian Airbag Technology allowed him to lower the bonnet line and lower the whole car. It's actually 29 mm (just over an inch) lower than a C30 coupé, one of the lowest hatchbacks on the road. The rear styling is based on the C30, which in turn took cues from the classic P1800ES of the '70s.

The cabin design priorities were to give, "a large car feel inside a small car". The dash is wide - accentuating the big car feel - while a new high-tech TFT (thin film transistor) instrument digital display is available. Three different instrument displays can be selected, including an "eco" setting to help you drive more economically and a "performance" mode to better suit more spirited driving. There is also a more classical "elegance" mode. TFT instrumentation is available as an option on all models in the Volvo V40 range.

The Volvo V40 comes with Bluetooth music streaming and handsfree mobile connectivity as standard. A navigation system with directions in the main instrument cluster, and a mobile app that can find your car in a large car park, lock or unlock doors and even give you a journey log.

These choices are all part of Volvo's innovative infotainment system, giving outstanding connectivity, security and personalisation.

The seats are new and continue Volvo's fine reputation for occupant comfort. The rear seat is prominently sculpted to offer maximum support for two and sees them positioned slightly more inboard than is the norm, improving comfort and forward visibility. Nonetheless there is room for three in the rear, and a trio of three-point seat belts (a Volvo invention, of course) in the back seat.

An optional panoramic glass roof improves the "big car feel" of the cabin. Another unusual and stylish design touch is the rimless rear view mirror - further proof of the Volvo V40's design focus and crisp, uncluttered detailing.

Driving pleasure was a priority. "We sought dynamic leadership in this class and I'm confident we have achieved it," says Stefan Karlsson, Manager of Vehicle Dynamics and Calibration. "Our goal was to offer a truly connected feel, to give great driver confidence. If a driver feels well connected, he or she feels in control. This not only improves driving enjoyment, it also improves dynamic safety."

Ride comfort was also crucially important. "We just don't accept that agility should come at the expense of comfort. It is not necessary."

The damping - a key quality in comfort and driver interaction - was mostly calibrated by testing on British B-roads, "the best real world testing ground," says Stefan Karlsson. "They are extremely demanding roads, which is why so many cars struggle on them. They are brilliant for damper tuning, which in turn improves ride comfort, steering response, handling and agility."

The all-new Volvo V40 comes with three different diesel engines, and three petrol engines. They include a 1.6 diesel, which gives an outstanding and class-leading CO2 figure of 94 g/km (equivalent to 78.5mpg on the combined cycle), a sporty 177hp 2.0-litre five-cylinder diesel, and the high performance T5 petrol, good for 254hp. All engine and gearbox versions have start/stop technology, to boost economy and reduce emissions.

Volvo Car UK expects the D2 to be the big selling engine, with 63 per cent of UK sales.

Three trim levels are offered - ES, SE and SE Lux. Prices start at £19,745 for the D2 ES. The cars are all extremely well equipped. The entry level ES has City Safety, Pedestrian Airbag, Bluetooth hands-free, High Performance Audio, Electronic Climate Control, leather steering wheel and a cooled glovebox as standard.

Taking into account equipment levels, the Volvo V40 is not only less expensive than the equivalent Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series, but also undercuts many mass-made rivals too.

Just over 12,000 are likely to be sold in the UK during the first full calendar year (2013). That would make the UK the V40's biggest market worldwide.

UK customer deliveries begin in September 2012, with the high-performance T5 coming later in 2012. The Volvo V40 is a new class entrant for Volvo, but it will also replace the S40 and V50.

DESIGN
Low, sleek and sporty, the Volvo V40 is one of the most eye-catching Volvos ever. It looks like a two-door car, thanks to the low roof (29 mm or 1.1 inches lower than a C30) and bonnet lines. In fact, it's a five-door hatchback with all the functionality and practicality you'd expect from a Volvo.

Exterior designed in Volvo's Californian studio

The exterior was designed by Chris Benjamin, Design Director at Volvo's Californian studio in Camarillo, north-west of Los Angeles. "I wanted a car with a wedge shape, a high tail and wide shoulders. I see it as a combination of coupé and a sports wagon. Volvo has always done estates well and has had some classic coupés too." He describes it as, "a 3D piece of art you can drive".

The sleek exterior profile is accentuated by the low and wide high gloss grille that accentuates the car's ground hugging qualities. Daytime LED running lights are set into the lower corners of the front end, giving a "blade design" appearance. LEDs are also used in the door mirror turn indicators, rear position lights, high position rear brake light and in rear number plate illumination.

Volvo's classic V-shaped bonnet has bolder edging. The wide shoulders stretch from just behind the headlamps. They, too, are sharp edged, echoing the rising beltline. At the end of the rear door it sweeps into an integrated "hook", a design legacy from the P1800 coupé.

Dramatic wedge shape with wide shoulders
The roof silhouette is also wedge shaped, and contributes to the lean-forward stance. Rear tail lamps are positioned high, for maximum visibility, and follow the curvature of the shoulders. The broad-shouldered look is another Volvo design trademark, which goes back to the Amazon models of the '50s and was reintroduced by Volvo's British-born design boss Peter Horbury on the S80 and V70.

The Volvo V40 was designed under the leadership of Steve Mattin, Volvo's then Vice-President of Design. As is usual for new models, Volvo's design satellites in Camarillo and Barcelona pitched ideas against the head office in Gothenburg. (Since then, a new design studio has been added in Shanghai.) Chris Benjamin's Camarillo proposal was eventually chosen. Benjamin then spent two years working and living in Gothenburg, finishing the car.

Some pleasing small details: it is the first Volvo with body colour washer jet nozzles and is the first Volvo that uses hemmed wheel flanges, which allows the use of bigger wheel and tyre combinations.

Another practical new detail is that the fuel-filler pipe is self-closing. This is a "smart" design that makes refuelling easier as there is no longer a need for a fuel-filler cap.

At 4369 mm in length, the Volvo V40 is slightly longer than an Audi A3 or BMW 1-Series, and slightly wider too. The drag co-efficient varies from 0.29 to 0.31 depending on tyre and wheel choices.

Personalisation is a key aspect of "Designed Around You", the central theme of all new Volvos. This includes an exterior styling kit, which further improves aerodynamic efficiency and gives an even sportier aura. The kit includes deflectors, a twin-coloured rear diffuser, a striping kit and enlarged rectangular chromed tail pipes.

Panoramic glass roof improves feel of spaciousness

A fixed panoramic glass roof, stretching from the front windscreen to the backrest of the rear seats, improves the feeling of light and space in the car and makes the cabin even airier and brighter. The roof is tinted to reduce infrared radiation into the cabin. A fabric curtain, under the roof, provides shade, and can be used to block out the sun for part of the cabin. So the rear passengers, for example, can enjoy sunshine while the driver relaxes in shade.

The all-new Volvo V40 comes with a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on trim level and customer specification.

INTERIOR DESIGN
Nowhere is Volvo's "Designed Around You" philosophy better manifested than in the cabin. It is comfortable, simple in design (like all good Scandinavian design), intuitive and visually pleasing. "The interior of the all-new Volvo V40 is designed around people and puts a strong emphasis on ergonomics, comfort and an in-command driving experience," says Sven-Olof Persson, Interior Design Manager.

Adds President and CEO Stefan Jacoby: "The all-new V40 has the most intuitive driver interface ever in a Volvo. We believe that the ultimate luxury is to own a car that fits you, understands you and evolves together with you. You jump in behind the wheel for the first time. You take a look at the dashboard ­ and you find everything so functional and obvious that you are ready to take off directly.

Volvo is renowned for the quality of its car cabins, its ergonomics and its seating comfort. The all-new Volvo V40 takes all these qualities to a new level.

"Big car" feel
The large and wide instrument panel accentuates the "big car" feel, as does the airiness offered by the deep windscreen and panoramic glass roof (when fitted). Instrumentation is classy yet simple. Intuitive design is a Volvo hallmark.

The cabin is full of easy-to-use technology, all part of Volvo's high-tech but easy to use HMI (Human-Machine Interface). The infotainment system - combining audio, navigation, mobile phone and other functions - is presented on a five- or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the centre console. It's set high to make it easier for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. All functions can be controlled from the steering wheel, or by controls directly below the screen.

The human-machine interface is a crucial quality of any Volvo. The controls are so intuitive that Volvo's goal was to make reading the instruction manual unnecessary.

"My Car" button typical of easy-to-use technology
The "My Car" button on the dashboard offers easy access to a wide range of personalised settings for City Safety, Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, Driver Alert System, Active Cruise Control, lighting, door mirrors, climate unit, central locking and audio system.

If the customer chooses a Multimedia audio system, Volvo's infotainment system comes upgraded with the larger seven-inch screen that also displays information and images from the navigation system, phone, reversing camera, DVD player, digital TV and more.

The Bluetooth connection has been upgraded to allow not only hands-free phone conversations but also music streaming from your preferred Bluetooth-enabled portable music player. Volvo is the only brand to offer Bluetooth throughout the entire range as standard. Integrated navigation with voice commands is available as an option.

High-tech TFT instrumentation available
The TFT (thin film transistor) instrument display is new for Volvo and also a class-first. It offers excellent legibility in all light conditions, can prioritise information in emergency situations, and also allows the display to be personalised - all part of Volvo's "Designed Around You" philosophy.

There are three settings:
    The "Eco" theme has a green background and includes an economy meter to allow you to drive as economically as possible. A green light is illuminated when your eco driving is optimal.
    The "Performance" theme has red background illumination and includes a power meter that tells the driver how much power is being used and how much is available. In this mode, the tachometer is centralised on the instrument display, and speed is shown digitally. This is the setting of choice when spirited driving is preferred.
    The "Elegance" theme has an amber illumination and gives a more conventional dash display. It's perfect for a calm, relaxing drive, and will probably be the everyday setting of choice.

The instrument display also includes navigation instructions, when satellite navigation is fitted.

The V40's cabin is designed around the driver, but never to the exclusion of passenger comfort. "It's driver oriented," notes design director Chris Benjamin. "You feel you're in a real cockpit. But the passengers never feel isolated."

Improved iconic centre stack
The floating centre stack, first seen on the S40 and V50 in 2003 has become a Volvo design trademark and is the centrepiece of the Volvo V40 cockpit. It was inspired by Swedish furniture and its tendency to "bend wood". The depth of the stack gives the effect that it "floats".

On the V40, the centre stack is even more sculpted. "It's larger at the top and tapers down. This helps to increase knee room for driver and front passenger," notes Chris Benjamin. The centre stack comes as standard in charcoal, upgrading to Shimmer Graphic in the higher trim levels. Modern Wood and Centre Court (tennis-inspired look with a red stripe) are available as an accessory.

The centre stack has a Silk Metal Chrome finish frame that enhances the décor. The same finish is also found in the doors and on the instrument panel as well as around the centre display, outer air vents, start button and gearshift gaiter.

A design highlight is the unusual yet classy rimless rear view mirror - without an unsightly plastic surround. It was inspired by classic '50s and '60s cars, many of which had dainty rimless rear view mirrors.

Sculpted seats, including in rear
Volvo is famed for its seating comfort. On the Volvo V40 the seats are new. Like the front seats, the outer rear seats are also noticeably sculpted, to offer greater comfort and support. You sit slightly more inboard than the norm, moving you further from the doors and allowing greater forward visibility. The rear seat is ideal for two people, although there is ample room for three.

Front and rear seat heaters are available. The latter is an unusual Volvo speciality, an upshot of our chilly home market.

There is extensive storage space. Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also has a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX. Two cupholders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest.

The glovebox has space for two soft-drinks cans or bottles. It is refrigerated with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system.

Other convenient features include an accessory supplied sunglass compartment above the driver's door, a pen holder in the glove compartment and handy storage compartments under the instrument panel and on the outside of the outer rear seats. Another smart detail is the specially designed, drained storage unit for an ice scraper in the driver's door panel.

The interior lighting is designed to give a "theatre lighting" feel. This adds to the luxury feel of the interior. LED lamps are used to light up strategic areas. The driver can enjoy a red-to-blue setting that adapts the light to the interior temperature - or choose between another seven mood themes. The reading lights front and rear can be dimmed.

Illuminated gearshift
There is an optional gearshift knob for the automatic and manual transmissions which is transparent and LED-illuminated from inside. There are also LED lights in the door panel storage pockets. This is another example of elegant imaginative design, boosting the quality feel of the cabin.

There is a practical hanging load net in the load compartment. A soft safety net is optional and a metal version is available as an accessory.

Twin floor boot
The V40 can be equipped with an "extra" floor in the load compartment, making the floor flat when the rear seat is folded. In addition to the two permanent hooks, the extra floor integrates hooks for grocery bags. Between the upper and lower floors there is a concealed storage area.

The accessory range includes a "Cargo Mat Organiser" that keeps smaller items secure, as well as a "Load Organiser" that includes a load compartment divider, a load belt and two floor rails.

High quality upholstery and trim
Luxury materials, including leather, aluminium and high-quality fabrics, are used throughout. The leathers are tanned organically, which means they age better, and develop a patina as they mature. Quality stitching is a feature, even on the man-made fabrics. Buyers have a choice of leather, sporty T-Tec (a synthetic "skin" inspired by wetsuits and other durable outdoor gear) and Lorensburg textile (a finely woven fabric that feels very modern and durable). Real aluminium inlays are also a highlight.

Charcoal upholstery is, of course available, but Sweden is famous for its lighter hues - an upshot of those long, dark winters. So charcoal and blond, as well as espresso and blond themes are also available.

DRIVING DYNAMICS: CHASSIS
A huge effort has gone into making the Volvo V40 the class leader in all-round dynamics. According to Stefan Karlsson, Manager of Vehicle Dynamics and Calibration, Volvo wanted a "great balance of ride, handling, steering and braking, as well as the driver assistance functions".

He feels the V40's special niche is, "the whole connected feel of the car. The way you are always in charge, never with any nasty surprises. It's the intuitive way the car drives and behaves. If the driver is well informed on the behaviour of the car, he or she will always make the right decisions. He or she will be a better driver, will enjoy driving more, and be a safer driver."

Great steering feel connects you to road

Special emphasis was put into the steering, "the main connector with you and the road. We tried very hard to ensure that the steering provides an intuitive and linear feel between you and the road. That way it's very responsive and very precise. I'm confident we are more 'connected' than rivals. I think we really have an edge here."

The Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system uses electric power on a rack and pinion. Early electric steering systems were sometimes criticised for lack of feel but Karlsson says Volvo has conquered that failing, and claims that feedback and feel is now as "as good as a good hydraulic steering system". A key benefit of electric steering is that, because there is no hydraulic assistance, there are fuel economy savings.

The steering column's thick tubing and stiff insulation increase torsional rigidity. This also contributes to the enhanced feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road.

The electric steering allows you to choose between three levels of power assistance. In Low mode the system provides a high degree of power support, making manoeuvring easier. Medium mode has lower power support to offer more road response at higher speeds. High mode is the ultimate setting for the enthusiastic driver, contributing to the car's dynamic character.

The Electrical Power Assist Steering also allows for the integration of safety and driver support functions that involve the steering, such as Lane Departure Warning and Park Assist Pilot.

Suspension tested in Britain
The damper tuning on the all-new Volvo V40 was done mostly in the UK, on our country's legendary B-roads. "It was Richard Parry-Jones [legendary Ford technical director] who first alerted us to the advantages of using British B-roads," says Karlsson. "They test every possible area of damping, because of their roughness, their camber changes, their undulations and the variety of corners." Karlsson says Volvo now does "90 per cent of our damper tuning in the UK. And the dampers are such a critical part of the suspension. They affect ride, handling, steering - everything."

The dampers include rear monotube designs that have compression and rebound damping done by the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means that the damper responds more quickly.

Karlsson is part of a small (only four engineers) dynamic team that test new Volvos partly "by the seat of the pants". Of course we have tons of people working on CAE [computer-aided engineering]. Our suspension designed is heavily influenced by them. But real-world driving is also crucial. So it's a mixture of subjective testing and objective measurement."

The four chassis dynamic team members each averages 15 years of driving-tuning experience. "My background is as a calculations engineer. One of my team is a Swedish rally driver." Karlsson races a Mazda MX-5 sports car on weekends.

The chassis set up - fully independent suspension front and rear, using MacPherson struts at the front - is complemented by a suite of electronic controls, designed to boost safety but also improve driving enjoyment.

DSTC improves safety and driving enjoyment

The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system in the Volvo V40 includes several sophisticated features that offer a unique blend of driving pleasure and safety. The Advanced Stability Control, that is part of it, uses a roll angle sensor that makes it possible to identify any skidding tendency at an early stage. This means that the stability control system can step in earlier and with greater precision. Advanced Stability Control is a great asset in dynamic driving involving considerable lateral forces, improving handling and rapid avoidance manoeuvres.

Engine Drag Control prevents the wheels from locking during engine braking on a slippery surface.

If the car is equipped with a towbar, Trailer Stability Assist helps dampen the snaking action that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan. The car is stabilised by braking one or more wheels and by reducing torque.

Corner Traction Control improves handling
Corner Traction Control is a new feature of the Volvo V40 that uses torque vectoring to make the car corner even more smoothly. The car's inner driven wheel is braked, causing more power to be transmitted to the outer driven wheel. This allows the driver to corner more tightly while reducing any tendency to understeer.

This system makes it easier to smoothly maintain the desired line on winding roads, in roundabouts and on wet surfaces. Corner Traction Control is a huge asset when exiting from a small side road to merge swiftly with faster highway traffic.

The standard V40 comes with a "dynamic" chassis, but a "sports" chassis is also available. This lowers the ride height by 10mm (just under half an inch), lowering the centre of gravity and offering firmer springs and dampers, to give even more responsive driving.

Comfort is a priority
Although the emphasis is very much on a sporty driver feel, Stefan Karlsson says comfort has not been sacrificed. "That is one of the things we're really proud of - it's a very agile, responsive car, but ride comfort is also excellent."

A dynamic and safe car obviously needs excellent brakes. The all-new V40 comes with four wheel discs, ventilated at the front. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, and so is Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA).

EBA helps the driver stop in the shortest possible time in an emergency stop. The system detects if the driver is in an emergency brake situation and, even if the pedal has not been pushed with maximum force, it applies maximum braking power.

EBD varies the braking pressure to each wheel - depending on speed and road conditions - ensuring maximum stopping power yet full vehicle control.

Both EBA and EBD work in conjunction with the anti-lock brakes.

DRIVING DYNAMICS: POWERTRAINS
The all-new Volvo V40 has a wide choice of turbocharged diesel or petrol engines, both available in four- and five-cylinder forms. In the UK, diesel is likely to account for over 80 per cent of sales, and Volvo estimates the D2 will constitute about 63 per cent of total V40 UK sales.