The new generation Volvo V40 was officially unveiled back in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, so it seems fitting that a more powerful version of the hatchback will be unleashed at another major auto show in the same year. The new V40->ke4155 R-Design model will make its presence known when it rolls onto the Paris Auto Show at the end of September.

The V40 R-Design will be launched in a very cool Rebel Blue and promises to deliver an intense, agile driving experience thanks to its impressive high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 254 HP. When compared to a standard V40, the new R-Design version will be distinguished by a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille, an ironstone diffuser, silk-metal finished details, and twin exhaust tailpipes.

The V40 R-Design was built on a special chassis developed in cooperation with Volvo->ke188's Polestar Black R team. This chassis can be ordered in a standard "Dynamic" version which adds a rigid body and a low center of gravity or an optional "Sport" version if the customer wants to lower the ride height by 10 mm.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Volvo V40 R-Design.

Exterior and Interior

Just like with all of the other R-Design models, the new V40 R-Design will be distinguished by a truly stylish and dynamic look. Customers will see this distinction in its silk-metal framed high-gloss grille, ironstone diffuser, silk-metal finished details, and twin exhaust tailpipes. There will be a choice of 17" or 18" five-spoke diamond-cut wheels, and next to the Rebel Blue livery seen on the show model, there will also be another six exterior colors available.

On the interior, the driver will enjoy an interactive dash board which will be offered in three layouts with different configuration and functionality: Elegance, Eco, and Performance. The seats will be offered in the same Scandinavian design as the V40, but they will be wrapped in black Nubuck textile and perforated leather. Other R-Design elements include specially designed steering wheel, gear shifter, handbrake, and sport pedals.

Engine

Under the hood, customers will enjoy all of the engines available in the all-new Volvo V40: starting with the D2 diesel with its 115 HP and up to the very impressive high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 254 HP.

The chassis can be ordered in two different configurations: Dynamic and Sport. The first version will ensure a rigid body and low center of gravity, while the Sport will lower the car's ride by 10 mm.

The new V40 R-Design also gets front McPherson struts with 25 mm piston rods and monotube dampers featuring compression and return damping via the same valve.

Prices

The new Volvo V40 R-Design will be offered in all markets that sell the Volvo V40. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Despite its exterior and performance changes, the list of competitors for the new V40 R-Design will remain unchanged. This means that customers will be looking at the same Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series as they would when buying a standard V40. The new A3 is offered with a range of 1.2, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.0-liter turbo petrol units with power going from a standard 105 HP up to 210 HP. The 1-Series is offered with a choice of the two latest-generation four-cylinder petrol engines and three radically redesigned four-cylinder diesel units.