You, that exciting-looking race-breed blue Volvo and the open road. The scene may only appear in your wildest dreams - or the next Hollywood movie. But now, it can become a reality.
And that is only because for the longest of time, we have seen race-inspired Volvos, but was never able to lay our hands on them. The reason being either they haven't been caned into production or are kept out of our bay - think the S60 Polestar.
We'll come clean with this - Volvos aren't exactly the most exciting breed of cars you see in town. Best remembered for their statesman image and peculiarly squarish overalls, they have been, for the most part of history, sedated-looking family commutes. That is, if you discount the marque's motorsport ventures.
If Volvo's road cars are daily staples like your peanut butter toast, the race-triumphing variants are like Sunday greats, such as Roti Prata (with the taste bud-stirring thick curry on the side, of course), or Hong Kong Dim Sum at an upclass Chinese restaurant.
But now, it seems that Volvo has injected that bit of ingenuity (or excitement) into one of their latest offerings - the V40.
ExteriorFor a fresh look, there wasn't a need for the V40 to shed its iconic shape. The hatchback still retains a slightly square-ish overall, which has become the styling signature of Volvo cars.
And that is only because for the longest of time, we have seen race-inspired Volvos, but was never able to lay our hands on them. The reason being either they haven't been caned into production or are kept out of our bay - think the S60 Polestar.
We'll come clean with this - Volvos aren't exactly the most exciting breed of cars you see in town. Best remembered for their statesman image and peculiarly squarish overalls, they have been, for the most part of history, sedated-looking family commutes. That is, if you discount the marque's motorsport ventures.
If Volvo's road cars are daily staples like your peanut butter toast, the race-triumphing variants are like Sunday greats, such as Roti Prata (with the taste bud-stirring thick curry on the side, of course), or Hong Kong Dim Sum at an upclass Chinese restaurant.
But now, it seems that Volvo has injected that bit of ingenuity (or excitement) into one of their latest offerings - the V40.
ExteriorFor a fresh look, there wasn't a need for the V40 to shed its iconic shape. The hatchback still retains a slightly square-ish overall, which has become the styling signature of Volvo cars.
The 'Rebel blue' paintwork on our test car does wonders. Other than providing a direct link to the marque's Swedish heritage, it shakes up the already sporty-looking sheet metal, which was penned by R-Design. As a result, there is some real-thrill to be felt even before you sit in the car.
Up close, the makeovers can be more dramatic than in pictures. We especially love the rear diffuser, which is flanked by two tailpipes, giving an utmost purposeful look when viewed from the rear end.
People will tell you that R-Design to Volvo is what S-Line is to Audi. That holds some truth to it, except that the R-Design is mere cosmetics. The real deal under the bonnet, though, is left to the people at Polestar.
That said, like its Cross Country stablemate, there is little doubt that the V40 R-Design is one of the most tantalising models from Volvo of late.
Up close, the makeovers can be more dramatic than in pictures. We especially love the rear diffuser, which is flanked by two tailpipes, giving an utmost purposeful look when viewed from the rear end.
People will tell you that R-Design to Volvo is what S-Line is to Audi. That holds some truth to it, except that the R-Design is mere cosmetics. The real deal under the bonnet, though, is left to the people at Polestar.
That said, like its Cross Country stablemate, there is little doubt that the V40 R-Design is one of the most tantalising models from Volvo of late.
Interior
In true Swedish fashion, the interior of the V40 reeks of Scandinavian design. While much of the bits and pieces are taken straight out of other offerings in the lineup, the people at Volvo have not forgotten that this was meant to be something more special.
As such, they went about putting in R-Design badges (casted on the steering wheel, embroided into the leather seats, etc). Then, there is still the mood-emoting interior ambience lighting (also found on the Cross Country), which makes the cabin a more pleasurable place to be in when dusk falls.
In true Swedish fashion, the interior of the V40 reeks of Scandinavian design. While much of the bits and pieces are taken straight out of other offerings in the lineup, the people at Volvo have not forgotten that this was meant to be something more special.
As such, they went about putting in R-Design badges (casted on the steering wheel, embroided into the leather seats, etc). Then, there is still the mood-emoting interior ambience lighting (also found on the Cross Country), which makes the cabin a more pleasurable place to be in when dusk falls.
To keep the proportions of a proper hatchback, Volvo probably had to rein in the dimensions of the V40. As such, the cabin is better described as plush and cushy than widely spacious. The rear will fit three adults with a snug, while saving the best for two.
Still, there is a full length glass roof to alleviate any sense of 'claustrophobic-ness'. Elsewhere in the cabin, there are also a number of cubbyholes, which provide decent storage spaces.
There is also 324 litres of luggage space at the boot - while not the best in class, it will suffice for groceries. As a whole, the V40 is still practical enough to be a proper urban getabout.
Still, there is a full length glass roof to alleviate any sense of 'claustrophobic-ness'. Elsewhere in the cabin, there are also a number of cubbyholes, which provide decent storage spaces.
There is also 324 litres of luggage space at the boot - while not the best in class, it will suffice for groceries. As a whole, the V40 is still practical enough to be a proper urban getabout.
The Drive
The V40's 1.6-litre powerplant puts out a potent 180bhp and 240Nm of torque in its inherent form. Things, however, get sweeter with Polestar, which bumps power and torque up by 20bhp and 45Nm respectively.
While the slight hike in figures will unlikely call for more bragging rights, it does make this V40 here a more eager performer. For an engine this size, it pulls strongly, especially in the mid-range where most of the torque is available. The low end can be better, as there is still a slight lag before the power comes to play.
Winding the rev meter round the range, however, will not inspire any throaty intake or exhaust note - reminding you that it is still a four-cylinder chump underneath the front hood.
That said, the gem of the car does not lie in its straight-line sprints, but in the way it tackles twists and turns. Like a needle pulling thread, the V40 poses great ease through winding roads, and while at it, leaves you chuckling for more.
With 18-inch rollers, however, the ride on the V40 tips towards the firmer side. And like most keen performer, it is the rear passengers who will feel it better (or worse in this case) with their bums.
Conclusion
The V40 R-Design is a keen, tidy handler - and one with good looks to match. That doesn't come without compromise. The firmer setup and squat rear quarters, for instance, may not score with those who are after a more conservative ride. In short - drivers should love it, passengers less so.
By any measure, the V40 R-Design is still a fine car. And in more ways than one it truly attracts - the way two opposite poles do.
Conclusion
The V40 R-Design is a keen, tidy handler - and one with good looks to match. That doesn't come without compromise. The firmer setup and squat rear quarters, for instance, may not score with those who are after a more conservative ride. In short - drivers should love it, passengers less so.
By any measure, the V40 R-Design is still a fine car. And in more ways than one it truly attracts - the way two opposite poles do.
