Volvo Car Corporation presents Scandinavian Style and Luxury with the all-new Volvo V40

Volvo Car Corporation presents Scandinavian Style and Luxury with the all-new Volvo V40

Volvo Car Corporation officially revealed its all-new premium five-door, five-seat hatchback, the Volvo V40 to the world's media at a press conference held during the Geneva Motorshow today (6^th March). The all-new Volvo V40 enters the Premium Hatchback class featuring a luxury look and feel that emphasises the aura of a compact car with large-car content and characteristics.

"The all-new V40, a five-door, five-seater sibling to the Volvo C30, is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy. Fully charged with a class-leading set of high-tech features it is ready to give our toughest competitors a real headache," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

"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," he added.

Prices and specification will be announced at the end of March with customers able to place orders by the end of April.  Production starts in May, with customer cars being delivered in September.

Scandinavian Design

Low and wide front design

The classic V-shaped bonnet is further enhanced by bolder expressive lines. The high-gloss grille is low and wide in order to create a sporty, close-to-the-ground feel. The lower opening is surrounded at the corners by sculpted bodywork, stretching from one wheel arch to the other. The sculptured corners not only add character, they also direct the airflow to improve aerodynamics. Daytime Running Lights are set into the lower corners of the front end, sweeping upward if viewed directly from the front. The "blade design" of the front headlights creates an attractive light pattern in the dark.

Wide shoulder and dynamic profile

The wide shoulder line stretches back from the headlamp with a sharp line to echo the rising beltline. As it reaches the end of the rear door it sweeps up into an integrated "hook", inherited from the legendary P1800. The highlight continues rearward into a very full powerful section that leads into the tail lamps.

The roof silhouette contributes to the impression of a car leaning forward - eager to set off. The car is finished with a dynamically sculpted rear to further emphasise its width and muscular stance, with the lower area "blacked out" to achieve an athletic, low and wide look.

The distinctive design of the tail lamps is part of the Volvo DNA. They are positioned high and follow the curvature of the shoulder. The hexagonal tailgate, first introduced on the C30 and inspired by the P1800ES, is also a Volvo signature.

Exterior styling kit

The buyer of the all-new V40 can personalise the car with an exterior accessory styling kit. The kit creates an exclusive, sporty aura and improves aerodynamic efficiency.

The exterior styling kit includes deflectors, a twin-coloured rear diffuser, a striping kit and enlarged rectangular, chromed twin tail pipes. Diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels with contrasting grey detailing and a roof spoiler can be added separately.

Light technology

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) give the car an individual style and a high-tech look. Optical light guides are used to obtain light patterns that emphasise the design. LED is used in the following areas:

• Front position lights
• Turn indicators in the door mirrors
• Rear position lights
• Rear number plate illumination
• High positioned brake light
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Door mirrors

Integrated LED turn indicators offer improved visibility and give the car a modern look. The door mirrors can be automatically retracted when locking the car. There is also an automatic tilt function to make the kerb visible when reversing.

Panorama glass roof - an enlightening experience

The all-new Volvo V40 is available with a fixed panorama glass roof that stretches from the front windscreen to the backrest of the rear seats. The panorama roof improves the feeling of spaciousness inside the car. It is tinted and designed to reduce infrared radiation into the passenger compartment.

An electrically controlled fabric curtain is located under the roof. The curtain opens from the rear, which means the rear passengers can enjoy the light of the sun while the driver and front passenger are still shaded.

Interior - designed around people

The interior of the all-new Volvo V40 is designed around people with a strong emphasis on ergonomics, comfort and an engaging driving experience.

The wide instrument panel, together with the fluidity of the door design, creates a spacious, "large-car" feeling. The interior is designed to offer the driver and passengers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere with a true Scandinavian flavour. The choice of materials and colours emphasises the luxurious feeling of quality and craftsmanship.

Seats with comfortable side support

Ergonomics and comfort are key words in Volvo Car Corporation's seat development. Just like the front seats, the outer rear seats are comfortably sculpted.

The foldable two-cup holder integrated in the centre of the rear seat cushion is a smart feature that is discreetly hidden in the seat cushion when not in use, without affecting comfort for the middle rear seat passenger.

Electrical heating is available in both the front seats and the outer rear seats.

The interior programme has three main colour themes: Charcoal, Charcoal/Blond, or Espresso/Blond. Leather seats are also available in a new Azure Blue accent colour.

Textiles are certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Leather surfaces are chrome-free. The "Clean Compartment" scheme is recommended by the Swedish Asthma & Allergy organisation

Slim, floating centre stack

The all-new V40 features Volvo's iconic ultra-slim centre stack, now in a more sculpted version than in previous models. The centre stack comes as standard in charcoal. Modern Wood, Shimmer Graphite and Centre Court (tennis-inspired look with a red stripe) are options.

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.

Frameless interior rear-view mirror

Another interior gem is the new, frameless interior rear-view mirror, inspired by modern smartphone design.

Smart storage

Below the armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items. It also features a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX, depending on the audio system specified. The armrest can be adjusted to provide extra support for the driver. Two cup holders and a 12V power outlet are integrated in the console in front of the armrest.

The glove compartment includes space for two soft-drinks cans or bottles that are kept cool with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system.

Other convenient features are a 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.

Seven different mood light options

The interior lighting is designed to give a "theatre lighting" feel. 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 knob

The gearshift knobs for the automatic and manual transmissions are transparent and LED-illuminated from inside. The pattern is reflected to create an exclusive 3D illusion. There are also LED lights in the door panel storage pockets.

Two-level luggage floor

The two-piece, 40/60, rear seat backrest can be easily folded in different ways when carrying long objects. There is a practical hanging load net in the load compartment.

A soft safety net is optional and a steel version is available as an accessory.

The V40 can be equipped with an "extra" floor in the load compartment, making the floor flat when the rear seat is folded. The front passenger seat can be folded forward to create even more space.

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 and in order, as well as a "Load Organiser" that includes a load compartment divider, a load belt and two floor rails.

Smart fuel filling

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

Interior

An uncomplicated driver experience is a key factor in the continuous development of the high-tech Volvo Sensus infotainment system.

In the Volvo V40, the driver-centric approach is enhanced with a new, fully graphic instrument cluster that allows the driver to personalise instrument layout and the information provided.

The connectivity features include a mobile application that keeps the driver in touch with the car when it is parked.

Fully graphic display

The V40 is available with a new, fully graphic instrument cluster. This active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display brings the interaction between car and driver into a new dimension.

The instrument cluster expresses emotional functionality, always displaying the most important information in any given situation right in front of the driver.

The driver can choose between three graphic themes:

The Elegance theme has amber illumination that creates a traditional and calm aura.

The Eco theme features green background illumination, designed to create an environmentally inspired look. An Eco meter is displayed on the left. The current and accumulated fuel consumption figures are displayed - and the driver is rewarded with a green light when eco-driving is optimal.

The Performance theme has red background illumination, creating a sporty atmosphere. In the centre a tachometer scale replaces the speed scale displayed in the Elegance and Eco versions. Vehicle speed is shown digitally in the centre of the display. The right display includes a power meter - a gauge that informs the driver how much power is available and how much power is being used at any given moment in time.

The Standard Line cluster is a refined version of the traditional instrument cluster. The gauges are electro-mechanical with indicator needles.

In control via the steering wheel

In Volvo Sensus, all information is presented on a five-inch or seven-inch colour screen in the upper part of the instrument panel. The integrated screen makes it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

All the functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen. In addition there is a separate remote control.

"My Car" offers access to a wide range of settings, such as 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 Sensus 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 so on.

Bluetooth with music streaming

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 music streaming throughout the entire vehicle range. Integrated navigation with voice commands is available as an option.

Electronic Climate Control

The all-new V40 is available with Electronic Climate Control. The system provides automatically controlled interior temperature and ventilation with individual settings for the driver and front seat passenger.

The windscreen, rear window and door mirrors are automatically heated at temperatures below +9°C. The driver chooses the auto function in My Car mode.

Navigation turn-by-turn

The optional navigation system is integrated into Volvo Sensus. The voice control function allows safe and convenient handsfree use. A new feature is the turn-by-turn guidance, which is presented to the driver in the instrument cluster's centre dial.

World-class audio experience

The most advanced audio unit has a class D digital 5x130W amplifier, Dolby Digital in combination with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, the latest MultEQ from Audyssey Laboratories and 10 loudspeakers.

The market-leading MultEQ technology from Audyssey Laboratories eliminates the distortion that might otherwise be caused by the passenger compartment's particular acoustic properties. The result is crisper and clearer sound for everyone in the car.

Dolby Digital provides a more distinct surround-sound audio experience from Dolby Digital soundtracks. The result is perfect concert quality when listening to live-recorded music. Of course the system also features Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, which transforms ordinary stereo content into rich, full-range surround sound.

The audio experience can be optimised in three different ways - for the best possible enjoyment in the driver's seat, the two front seats or the rear seat.

Premium Sound can play DVDs, CDs and USBs with music in MP3, AAC or WMA format as well as AVI and Video Div-X. The system also includes Bluetooth capability (A2DP).

In addition to the top-of-the-line Premium Sound Multimedia, two other audio systems are available in the UK:

• High Performance, 8-speaker system
• High Performance Multimedia, 8-speaker system

For hooking up other equipment such as a portable MP3 player, iPod (from Generation 3), iPod Touch or iPhone, all the audio systems now feature an AUX (Performance) or USB connection as standard.

From the High Performance Multimedia level, USB also supports Video Div-X.

Mobile app with a wide range of features

The owner of an all-new Volvo V40 can use a mobile application to stay in touch with the parked car via a smart phone. The mobile application is an extension of Volvo On Call, which originally focused on direct access to a call centre in the event of an accident or other emergency.

The mobile app, which is free and downloaded via the application stores, is designed to offer the owner an intuitive, easy-to-use relationship with the car from a distance. It includes a number of features:

• Car locator. The location of the car is shown on a map. There is also a digital compass that points the driver in the right direction.
• Remote door lock. The status of all doors and windows is displayed - and the driver can lock and unlock the car with a push on the touch screen.
• Vehicle dashboard. This feature gives the driver access to a wide range of information: fuel level, remaining range to empty tank, average fuel consumption, average speed, odometer reading and trip meter reading.
• Car check. The mobile app performs a "health" check of the car; displaying information about lights, brake fluid level, coolant level, oil level and oil pressure.
• Driving journal. Detailed data of each trip during the last 40 days can be downloaded and stored. It is also possible to extract the data as an Excel file - a perfect feature for company car owners.
• Vehicle information. Basic car data such as model, registration number and VIN number are stored and can be displayed.
• Theft notification. If the car alarm is triggered, the driver is alerted via the mobile app.

This upgraded Volvo On Call facility still includes all the safety and security aspects that were part of the first generation.

Engine and Chassis

The all-new Volvo V40 boasts class-leading driving dynamics thanks to focused attention to a number of vital areas.

The chassis has been designed to offer the agile, connected experience that creates true driving pleasure.

The engine range spans everything from Volvo Car Corporation's first diesel with CO₂ emissions of just 94 g/km to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254 hp and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds.

All engine versions have start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.

Dynamic chassis standard

The all-new Volvo V40 has two different chassis setups:

-The Dynamic chassis is standard. The rigid body and low centre of gravity promote an alert, quick-responding character that focuses on the driving experience, yet without compromising ride comfort.

The front McPherson struts have the same 25 mm piston rods as the Volvo S60. The stiffness enables the structure to absorb lateral loads better.

At the rear the V40 has monotube dampers, featuring compression and return damping via the same valve. This gives shorter, faster fluid flow, which in turn means that the damper responds more quickly.

The Sport chassis is lowered 10 mm compared with the Dynamic chassis. Springs and shock absorbers have a firmer setting, resulting in responsive driving pleasure with full control.

Steering with precise response

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

Optional on the V40 is the Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which uses an electrical motor to support the steering rack and the driver can 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 somewhat 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.

Electrical Power Assist Steering enables integration of safety and driver support functions that involve the steering, such as Lane Keeping Aid and Park Assist Pilot.

Roll angle sensor enhances stability

The Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) system in the all-new Volvo V40 includes several sophisticated features that offer a unique blend of driving pleasure and safety.

Advanced Stability Control uses a roll angle sensor that makes it possible to identify any skidding tendency at a very 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 towing hook, 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 - tightening the corners

Corner Traction Control is a new feature that uses torque vectoring so the car corners 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.

Range of eager petrol engines

The five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged T5 engine has a power output of 254 hp and 400 Nm of torque, including 40 Nm overboost delivered during acceleration. To achieve low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, internal friction has been reduced.

The T5 comes with automatic transmission and acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is 35.8 mpg (EU Combined).

The mid-range offer includes two versions of a 1.6-litre GTDi engine: T4 with 180 horsepower and T3 with 150 horsepower.

The 180 hp engine offers maximum torque of 270 Nm, including 30 Nm overboost. This gives excellent drivability throughout the speed range. The torque curve is relatively gentle, resulting in a particularly comfortable driving experience.

The 150 horsepower T3 engine offers 240 Newton metres of torque. Volvo's engine experts have managed to bring fuel consumption down to 48.7 mpg. This corresponds to CO₂ emissions of 134 g/km.

Smooth Powershift transmission

The T5 version comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the T4 is available in combination with the automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox. The T3 comes with a manual gearbox.

Powershift operates in principle as two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, a system that provides quick and fuel-saving gear changes.

Fuel-efficient diesels

The five-cylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel has been optimised for fuel-efficient driving pleasure. The piezoelectric fuel valves keep fuel consumption to a minimum thanks to exceptionally fast and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This results in efficient combustion. In order to give the car better driving properties, the turbocharger has been fine-tuned for high torque from low revs.

This engine delivers 177 hp and has torque of 400 Nm across a wide rpm range. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 8.3 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.6 sec with manual). Fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions is 62.8 mpg (119 g/km) with a manual gearbox and 53.3 mpg (139 g/km) with the automatic (EU Combined).

In addition there is the 2.0-litre D3 producing 150 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.

D2 version with CO₂ emissions of 94 g/km

The D2 version of the Volvo V40 comes with CO₂ emissions as low as 94 g/km - corresponding to fuel consumption of just 78.8 mpg. The 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115 hp and 285 Nm of torque, including 15 Nm overboost. The D2 engine is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function.

Other details such as smooth underbody panels also contribute to low fuel consumption and low emissions.

The 1.6-litre diesel engine can also be mated to the six-speed Powershift gearbox.

Engine range: 

Not all engine and gearbox options will be available from the start of production.

IntelliSafe

Adding several new high-tech features to a full deck of safety and support systems from larger models makes the all-new Volvo V40 the most IntelliSafe Volvo so far.

The new features include world-first Pedestrian Airbag Technology, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, an ingenious Park Assist Pilot, automatic Road Sign Information, Active High Beam and a Cross Traffic Alert radar system at the rear.

The all-new V40 also features the groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake - as well as the further developed City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system which now operates at speeds up to 31 mph.

Park Assist Pilot - making parallel parking easy

A study by global research institute TNS reveals that one-third of European drivers have problems with parallel parking. In a similar study by UK insurer elephant.co.uk, around two-thirds of interviewed drivers stated that they felt uncomfortable in parallel parking situations.

The new Park Assist Pilot makes parallel parking easy and precise by taking over and operating the steering wheel while the driver handles the gearbox and controls the car's speed.

The parking manoeuvre is based on front, rear and side-facing ultrasonic sensors.

When the driver activates the Park Assist Pilot the sensors start to scan the side of the car. When a parking slot measuring a minimum of 1.2 times the car's length is detected, the driver is notified by an audible signal and advised to stop via a message in the instrument cluster.

The display guides the driver step by step via texts and animations in the instrument cluster until the car is correctly parked. Although the driver initially engages reverse gear and continues to control the speed of the car, steering is taken over by the Park Assist Pilot. When parking is completed the driver is notified by an audible signal and a text message.

The all-new Volvo V40 can also be equipped with a rear park assist camera and park assist sensors front and rear.

Lane Keeping Aid - active help to stay on course

Studies show that many accidents take place in uncritical traffic situations and good weather conditions due to driver distraction, drowsiness or illness. Approximately 30 percent of all accidents in Volvo Cars' statistical accident database are accidents with an initial road departure. About 75 percent of these occur on roads with speed limits of 70 km/h or more.

The new Lane Keeping Aid in the V40 helps the driver stay in the intended lane. This feature applies extra steering torque to the steering column when the car gets close to a lane marking and is about to leave the lane. The system is active at speeds between 40 mph and 125 mph.

The forward-looking camera monitors the left and right lane markings. Lane Keeping Aid registers the car's progress between the lane markings and takes action if the driver shows signs of unintentionally drifting out of the lane.

As a first step Lane Keeping Aid applies gentle steering wheel torque to help the driver steer back onto the intended course. If the car leaves the lane, the technology generates a distinctive warning through a haptic vibration in the steering wheel.

Enhanced Blind Spot Information System - for better visibility

The V40 is the first Volvo to offer the enhanced Blind Sport Information System (BLIS), which is radar-based. The technology can now also monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 m behind the car. Of course it still informs the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car.

BLIS helps the driver avoid potentially dangerous lane-changing manoeuvres.

The enhanced BLIS is based on radar sensors located in the rear corners of the car, behind the bumper cover. The radars continuously scan the area behind and alongside the vehicle.

Warnings are displayed in LED indicators located in each A-pillar. A steadily glowing LED indicates when the radars cover a vehicle in the zone. The second warning level - LED flashing - occurs if the driver uses the turn indicator when the first alert is active.

Cross Traffic Alert - covering your back

Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view might be limited due to infrastructure, vegetation or other parked cars.

The function warns of traffic up to 30 metres from the car. Smaller objects like bicycles and pedestrians may also be detected, but not always and only at a shorter distance. The alert, which remains active as long as the target is present in the zone, is delivered to the driver as an audible signal and a warning in the centre screen.

Road Sign Information - an extra "eye" on the traffic environment

High speed is a contributory cause behind a significant part of all fatal road accidents. European Road Safety Observatory (ERSO) studies show that speed is a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal accidents. A Swedish Road Administration research shows that between 100 and 150 lives would be able to be saved on Sweden's roads every year if drivers kept to the speed limits.

Road Sign Information supports the driver by displaying road signs in the instrument display. The forward-looking camera can detect speed limit signs as well as "no overtaking" signs. The road sign icon is shown until another sign is detected.

Road Sign Information can be combined with the Speed Alert function, which provides the driver with a visual warning in the speedometer if the speed limit is exceeded.

Active High Beam - more relaxed driving in the dark

The new Active High Beam technology in the Volvo V40 helps the driver utilise high beam more efficiently. It also offers automatic switching between high and low beam at the right moment.

The technology uses a forward facing camera together with sophisticated image processing to offer the driver the best possible visibility at night.

The camera monitors other vehicles and their headlamps and tail lamps. Advanced image processing software analyses this data and provides information about the position and direction of other vehicles. The calculation serves as the basis for automatic switching between low and high beam.

The all-new V40 can be equipped with Active Bending Lights - swivelling headlamps that follow the sweeps and bends of the road.

Visibility in poor conditions is also enhanced with the option of an electrically heated windscreen and a rain sensor, which automatically starts and regulates the wipers when it rains.

Adaptive Cruise Control & Distance Alert - keeping the distance

The all-new Volvo V40 can be equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which promotes comfortable driving by using radar to automatically maintain a set time gap to the car in front.

The driver sets the desired maximum speed and chooses a time interval to the vehicle in front. When the radar sensor detects a slower vehicle, the car's speed is automatically adapted to match the vehicle in front.

The Queue Assist function on cars with automatic gearbox maintains the set gap all the way down to standstill, making this comfort-enhancing system extremely useful even in slow-moving queues with repeated starting and stopping.

Distance Alert is a feature that helps the driver keep a safe distance to the vehicle in front. He or she chooses between five different time gaps via buttons on the steering wheel. The selected gap is shown in the speedometer display. A light in the head-up display informs the driver if the gap to the car in front becomes too short.

Pedestrian Detection - unique in this class

Pedestrian accidents occur every day in our increasingly intensive traffic environments. In Europe, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians. The corresponding figure for the USA is 12 percent and in China the proportion is over 25 percent.

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a technology that can detect if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver does not respond in time, the car can warn and automatically activate the brakes. No other car in this class features a similar technology.

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake consists of a radar unit integrated into the car's grille, a camera fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror, and a central control unit. The radar's task is to detect a pedestrian or vehicle in front of the car and to determine the distance to it. The camera determines what type of object it is.

Thanks to the dual-mode radar's wide field of vision, pedestrians about to step into the roadway can also be detected early on. The innovative technology is programmed to trace a pedestrian's pattern of movement and also to calculate whether he or she is likely to step into the road in front of the car. The system can detect pedestrians who are 80 cm tall or taller.

In an emergency situation the driver first receives an audible warning combined with a flashing light in the windscreen's head-up display. If the driver does not react to the warning and a collision is imminent, full braking power is automatically applied.

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 22 mph if the driver does not react in time. At higher speeds, the focus is on reducing the car's speed as much as possible prior to impact.

Statistics reveal that the car's speed has considerable importance for the outcome of the collision. A lower speed of impact means that the risk of serious injury is significantly reduced.

Pedestrian Airbag Technology - a world first

In order to mitigate the consequences if a collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable, the Volvo V40 features newly developed Pedestrian Airbag Technology, a world first.

It works like this:

Sensors in the front bumper register the physical contact between the car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the bonnet is released and at the same time elevated by the deploying airbag.

The inflated airbag covers the area under the raised bonnet plus approximately one third of the windscreen area and the lower part of the A-pillar.

The raised bonnet and airbag will help reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries.

Collision Warning and auto brake - with full braking power

Up to 90 percent of all road accidents are caused by distraction. Half of all drivers hitting another vehicle from behind do not brake at all prior to the collision.

Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake is a further development of the Collision Warning with Auto Brake technology already introduced by Volvo Car Corporation. The all-new V40 can also detect, alert and automatically brake if the car risks colliding with another vehicle in front.

The aim of the initial warning is to alert the driver so that he or she can brake or avoid the danger. If the driver does not react in time to the warning, the car automatically activates full braking power.

With automatic braking, the collision can be avoided if the speed difference between the two vehicles is up to 22 mph.

In the all-new V40, auto brake performance at higher speeds has been improved compared to previous versions.

City Safety - now active up to 31 mph 

Rear-end impacts are common in dense city traffic and when driving in traffic queues. About 75 percent of these collisions occur at speeds below 30 km/h and in 50 percent of cases, the driver has not braked at all prior to the collision. In 2011, the benefits of the City Safety technology were documented in another IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) report quoting a reduction of the collision frequency by up to 22 percent. Insurance claims involving the Volvo XC60 show that City Safety reduces the cost of personal injury claims by 51 percent - while vehicle repair costs were lowered by more than 20 percent.

The all-new V40 is the first Volvo that features an upgraded City Safety system. This system is now active at speeds up to 31 mph (previously 19 mph).

City Safety keeps an eye on traffic in front with the help of a laser sensor that is integrated into the top of the windscreen at the height of the rear-view mirror.

The car automatically brakes if the driver fails to react in time when the vehicle in front slows down or stops - or if the car is approaching a stationary vehicle too fast.

The collision can be avoided if the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is below 9 mph. If the speed difference is between 9 and 31 mph, the speed of impact is reduced to minimise the effects of the collision.

A study by Swedish insurance company Volvia shows that Volvo cars equipped with City Safety are involved in approximately 20 percent fewer rear-end accidents than cars without auto brake.

Driver Alert Control - detecting and warning tired drivers

Studies by German insurance organisation GDV show that one out of four accidents on the Autobahn is caused by driver fatigue. Swedish Road Administration accident data indicate that tired drivers are causing up to 30 percent of all accidents.

Driver Alert Control is designed to detect and warn tired drivers. The system can also cover other situations where the driver is distracted.

Driver Alert Control consists of a camera, a number of sensors and a control unit. The camera continuously measures the distance between the car and the road lane markings. The sensors register the car's movements. The control unit stores the information and calculates whether the driver risks losing control of the vehicle.

If the risk is assessed as high, the driver is alerted via an audible signal. A text message appears in the car's information display, displaying a coffee cup symbol to advise him or her to take a break.

Full set of crash safety features - including new knee airbag

The all-new Volvo V40 also features world-class crash safety including a safety cage with effective deformation zones and various grades of high-strength steel.

Safety belt pre-tensioners are standard in the front and outer rear seats and the front seats are equipped with whiplash protection (WHIPS) to help prevent neck injuries. Both the driver and front seat passenger seat have dual stage airbags. There are also side airbags integrated in the front seat backrests.

The driver's side is also fitted with a new knee airbag. It is installed in the dashboard above the pedals and deployed together with the other airbags in the event of a frontal collision.

The Roll Over Protection System includes a robust body structure, seat pre-tensioners and Inflatable Curtains. The Inflatable Curtains cover both sides, from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, and deploy in frontal offset, side or rollover accident situations.

A closing velocity sensor collects information and interprets pre-crash data in order to prepare the restraint systems - belts and airbags - for the expected crash violence in low and mid-severe frontal accidents.

ISOFIX attachments are standard and Volvo Car Corporation offers thoroughly tested child seats that cover ages from newborn up to 10 years.

Personal Car Communicator

The V40 is available with a Personal Car Communicator remote that enables keyless drive. The remote can both transmit and receive signals, providing the driver with locking and alarm information. The positions of the driver's seat and the door mirrors are stored in the memory when the car is locked.

Market

Volvo Car Corporation expects to sell 90,000 units per year of the all-new Volvo V40. It is primarily a car for the European markets. A massive 85 percent of the total volume will go to European customers. The largest individual markets are the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Japan, China, Switzerland and Australia.

The V40 will be built in Volvo Car Corporation's production plant in Ghent, Belgium.

NB: All CO₂ and MPG figures contained within this press release are preliminary.