Volvo V40 R-Design Review: Sexy Smurf

Under the hood

"Da blue bomb" is the grammatically-dubious name I gave to the last Volvo that looked something like this. You see - with a meaty, tuned engine - the Volvo C30 Polestar was one of the sweetest FWD hot hatches I tested in 2012 with its hairy-chested nature. But I knew it was about to become extinct.

Well that time has now come. The C30 has been assigned to the history books (or if you're anything like me, Wikipedia) and in its place is the V40. And it's already barged its way into this premium segment, racking up some pretty sales figures against stiff German competition.

So when I caught wind of an R-Design, T5 version of the luxury hatch, I simply had to plant my cheeks in its 251 horsepower frame. With a top speed of 155mph, a 2.5-litre engine and the ability to sprint to 60mph in 5.7 seconds it really looks 'the biznizz' on paper.

Behind the wheel

But what's it like to drive? As with all modern Volvos, you need not faff around with keys to get cracking. So long as they're in your pockets, you can enter your V40 steed and push the stop/start button to get 'er purring. Instantly, you'll recognise the 5-cylinder burble, but it's a little more subdued at rest than you'll want.

Slot the auto, Geartronic 'box into D and away you go. Far from being a driver's car, this in fact, is a more relaxing, easy drive. Tickle the accelerator and the car is quite happy to switch cogs and let you enjoy a surge of power. Where things start to get a little tricky for this Rebel Blue Smurf though, is when you fancy letting rip on your local twisty stretch of tarmac.

For starters, the automatic shifts are lazy and the 'box does a mindless job of mucking around trying to jump down gears. For mains, there's a rodent-like scurry for traction from the front-wheels resulting in some unnerving twitching of the steering wheel. And for pudding, there's an unfortunate lack of excitement in comparison to the banter I had with the C30.

Right, so the T5 is not the engine you'll want. But what about R-Design in general? Well, there's no doubt in my mind that Volvo have created a beauty. She sits 10mm lower to the ground if you opt for sport suspension with twin exhausts and a new, more aggressive front bumper. Each R-Design comes with 17", diamond cut alloys as standard but you can also upgrade to 18" rims. And on the inside, you'll catch R-Design branding and aluminium pedals.

Where the V40 continues its power play, is in the Department of Engine Wizardry. You see aside from the T5, you can also lay down moolah for the popular D2 diesel, or get more grunt from a D4 unit. The D2 will spit out under 100g/km of polluting rubbish with oodles of juicy torque and your ride will squeeze out more miles from a visit to Shell.

Splash the cash?

I had it pretty easy with the Toyota GT86 last week, and as it happens, I've got another easy wrap-up this time too.

The cheapest R-Design V40 you can buy costs £22,295. For a premium car (remember, this is up against BMW's 1-series, Merc's A-class and the Audi A3) with 5 seats, stunning looks, a good intro engine and solid handling, this is an easy sell. You're always going to have a hard time convincing the 'yoof' that you've got any 'swag' when you tell them about your family's Volvo.

But when they see you coming in your Rebel Blue beauty, they'll sure as hell rue the day they ribbed you over your V40. Your sexy Smurf.