With just a few days before the car's official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo->ke188 has finally decided to reveal the official details on the new generation V40. The new V40 will be replacing two existing models - the S40->ke410 and the V50->ke414 - and will compete with models like the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series.

"The all-new V40->ke4155 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Charged with an outstanding set of high-tech features it definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

The new five-door hatchback's engine line-up starts with the brand's very first diesel engine that boasts CO2 emissions of 94g/km. The lineup then extends to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254 HP and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds.

UPDATE 02/28/2012: This review has been updated with the official details and images for the Volvo V40.

Hit the jump to read more about the new Volvo V40.

2013 Volvo V40

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Volvo V40
  • Horsepower: 254
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The company paid meticulous attention to every detail on the new VOlvo V40 so that the final product would be modern, sleek, and sporty. The interior was designed around the driver and features a new, fully graphic instrument cluster with personalized layout and information.

"Thanks to input from customers all over the world our most compact V-range model features an outstanding blend of design, safety, and versatility. The car is loaded with features that buyers of modern luxury cars want," explains Stefan Jacoby.

Engine

The Volvo V40 is powered by a wide range of engines, starting with the brand's very first diesel engine that boasts CO2 emissions of 94g/km. The lineup then goes to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254 HP and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. All engine versions feature start-stop and braking energy regeneration, whether they are fitted with a manual or an automatic gearbox.

The safety systems for the V40 include Volvo Car Corporation's groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake, the world-first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, and an ingenious Park Assist Pilot that makes parallel parking easy.

Prices

The new Volvo V40 will go on sale in May 2012, with prices being announced at a later date. Volvo plans to sell about 90,000 units a year.

Competition

Volvo has promised that the new "V40 is ready to overtake the competition in the Premium Hatchback class with sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos wrapped in a sleek, compact package."

This means that models like the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series will have to face a new, serious competitor. The new generation Audi A3 will also make its world debut on Geneva's show floor. It will be built on an entirely new platform, featuring a completely new design and a range of 1.2, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.0-liter turbo petrol units. These engines will deliver between 105bhp and 210bhp. Audi will also include 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI engines producing up to 170 HP. The BMW 1-Series has also been refreshed for the 2012 model year. It comes with a choice of two latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engines and three radically redesigned four-cylinder diesel units.