Viking Cars, the official distributor of Volvo vehicles in the country, has quietly brought into its showrooms the all-new V40 five-door hatchback, a car that has the characteristics of larger Volvo models "wrapped in a sleek, compact package." The local launch comes over a year after the car debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
The V40 echoes the look of its midsize sibling, the V60, from the low and wide high-gloss grille to the wide shoulder line that stretches back from the headlamp. Its dynamically sculpted rear fender emphasizes the car's width and muscular stance, with the blacked-out lower area further embellishing the V40's low, wide and athletic look. An added option to the V40 is the availability of a fixed panorama glass roof that stretches from the front windscreen to the backrest of the rear seats.
The V40 also features a full-graphic instrument cluster with personalized layout and information. And thanks to Volvo's Sensus system, all in-car infotainment settings are presented on a five-inch color screen in the upper part of the center console.
Of course, being a Volvo, the V40 comes with numerous safety features. Besides Volvo's City Safety automatic braking system, the car is also equipped with driver alert control, park assist pilot, lane keeping aid, blind spot information system, cross traffic alert, and pedestrian detection. The most significant new safety feature, however, is the world's first pedestrian airbag.
Powering the V40 is a 1.6-liter, in-line-four GTDi T4 engine that produces 180hp and 240Nm of torque, with an overboost feature that adds 30Nm to the mix. Putting all that power down to the V40's front wheels is a six-speed Powershift transmission.
"We are happy that the all-new V40 has finally arrived," said Viking Cars first executive vice president Roselyn Dimalanta. "With keen attention on vital aspects such as design, functionality, engine performance, chassis and driving dynamics, the V40 is set to create a whole new level of fun driving experience."
The Volvo V40 can now be ordered at an introductory price of P2,288,888.