The 'Iron Cross' has long been synonymous with middle-aged professionals such as history teachers, accountants, surgeons and also those with a grasping phobia of car accidents. Engineering cars that people purchased for emotional appeal instead of safety ratings has never quite been Volvo's modus operandi for the general public.
Volvo seems to be following in the footsteps of companies like Lexus and started tweaking the image of its fleet. This is done as the generation of car buyers that appreciated the once boxy Swedish offerings are now replaced by one that demands fancier shells and a sportier drive.
If you are part of that latter generation that is in search for something that will do more than just get you from one point to another safely - Volvo is listening and has answered by injecting that bit of style and zest into its lineup. The V40 T2 is that case in point.Up close and Personal
The V40's sheet metal is a clever piece of design with the aggressive wedge shape of the car achieved with a low bonnet enhanced by expressive lines and complemented by a high-gloss grille that sits low and wide.
A rear end reminiscent of the XC60 is characterised by the curved tailgate section. Those arches then merge into an understated rendition of Volvo's signature 'shoulders' that run forward towards the headlamps - these sculpted corners not only add character to the V40 T2 but also direct airflow to improve the car's aerodynamics.
The Swedish marque's strong emphasis on ergonomics and comfort is emulated on the inside as well. Although its interior architecture isn't as ornamental as the Germans - the seats are comfortable and there is little to grumble about apart from the distasteful two-tone leather upholstery and cut-priced cluster display (no 8.0-inch Adaptive Digital Display).
The Drive
Driving the T2's front wheels is an all new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers a strong blend of performance and refinement. Even with such modest figures, it goes from 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 190km/h.
But the real fun behind the T2's wheel begins on twistier roads where sharp directional changes are necessary. Its solid chassis creates a balance of excellent body control and decent ride quality - the all new four-cylinder engine doesn't weigh as much and turn-ins are much sharper than before.
In addition to the athletic chassis is a light but sharp steering that enhances the feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road. Credit for this is owed to the T2's increase torsional rigidity from the steering column's thick tubing and stiff insulator.
Driving the T2's front wheels is an all new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers a strong blend of performance and refinement. Even with such modest figures, it goes from 0-100km/h in 9.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 190km/h.
But the real fun behind the T2's wheel begins on twistier roads where sharp directional changes are necessary. Its solid chassis creates a balance of excellent body control and decent ride quality - the all new four-cylinder engine doesn't weigh as much and turn-ins are much sharper than before.
In addition to the athletic chassis is a light but sharp steering that enhances the feeling of direct contact with the wheels and the road. Credit for this is owed to the T2's increase torsional rigidity from the steering column's thick tubing and stiff insulator.
All that hot hatch handling does however have its trade-offs. The T2's firm suspension is tuned towards spirited driving and this means that its bump absorption abilities or lack thereof may be a little too stiff for most to accept. But that is a minor concession to make for the hours of fun the T2 will otherwise present.
Conclusion
It seems that the Swedes are set on conquering a piece of the Category A premium hatch market with the introduction of a T2 variant into its V40 family. At an asking price of $145,000 (as of 21st January 2016), it's pretty good value considering how well-put together and appointed the car is.
The T2 also makes for an interesting alternative if the Audi A3 Sportback, the BMW 1 Series Hatch and the Volkswagen Golf aren't quite your cups of tea.
