The all-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.
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"The all-new V40 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.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
The all-new Volvo V40 is a modern, expressive car with a Scandinavian luxury look and feel, a high-quality aura and meticulous attention to detail. The new, fully graphic instrument cluster with personalised layout and information enhances the intuitive and uncomplicated driver experience.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
"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.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
Class-leading driving dynamics
The all-new V40 boasts class-leading driving dynamics thanks to focused attention to a number of vital areas. The chassis is 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 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. All engine versions feature start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.
"The all-new V40 wraps you in a super-comfortable cockpit with outstanding ergonomics and technology that make you feel informed, focused and relaxed. This driver-centric approach is what modern Volvos are all about," says Stefan Jacoby.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
Outstanding safety and support package
The all-new Volvo V40 features a class-leading safety and driver support package, including Volvo Car Corporation's groundbreaking Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake and several other new features.
Among the new features are a world-first pedestrian airbag, Lane Keeping Aid with haptic auto steering, and an ingenious Park Assist Pilot that makes parallel parking easy.
The City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system has been further developed and it now operates at speeds up to 50 km/h.
"The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations," says Håkan Abrahamsson, Vehicle Line Director C Cars & V40 Vehicle Programme Manager. He adds:
"With this class-leading safety package, including enhanced focus on pedestrian protection, the all-new V40 aims for a full star rating in the new, sharpened 2012 Euro NCAP safety tests."
2013 Volvo V40 photo
Sales target 90,000 units
Volvo Car Corporation expects to sell 90,000 units per year of the all-new Volvo V40. A massive 85 percent of the total volume will go to European customers.
The car will be revealed at a press conference at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Production of the all-new Volvo V40 starts in May 2012. The car will be built in Volvo Car Corporation's plant in Ghent, Belgium.
"The all-new V40 makes an instant impression with a dramatic design that stands out from the crowd. And what you see is what you get. The car boasts sharpened features and characteristics from larger Volvos - wrapped in a sleek, compact package. The car also has so many new features that it has an exceptional "density". It has pretty much everything," says Håkan Abrahamsson.
DESIGN
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.
It is charged with all the elegant yet functional Scandinavian design virtues: clean, elegant lines, high-end materials and finish as well as intuitive cutting-edge technology.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
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 from direct front view. 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 resolves into the tail lamps.
The roof silhouette contributes to the impression of a car leaning forward - eager to take 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.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
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 featues 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.
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.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
DRIVING DYNAMICS
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 100 km/h 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.
The Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS) 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 0-100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.9 l/100 km (EU Combined).
The T5 is also available in a 2.0-litre version with 213 hp and 300 Nm of torque. 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 lugging ability 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 5.8 l/100 km in the V40. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 134 g/km.
A 2.0-litre five-cylinder T4 engine with 180 hp and 300 Nm of torque is available on certain markets.
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 0-100 km/h takes 8.3 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.6 sec with manual). Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is 4.5 l/100 km (119 g/km) with a manual gearbox and 5.3l/100 km (139 g/100 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 3.6 l/100 km. 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.
SAFETY
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 City Safety further developed low-speed collision avoidance system which now operates at speeds up to 50 km/h.
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 65 km/h and 200 km/h.
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 arake can avoid a collision with a pedestrian at speeds up to 35 km/h 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 35 km/h.
Collision Warning and auto brake was considered the best auto braking system in the world in a test by German organisation ADAC in 2011. In the all-new V40, auto brake performance at higher speeds has been improved compared to previous versions.
City Safety - now active up to 50 km/h
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 50 km/h (previously 30 km/h).
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 15 km/h. If the speed difference is between 15 and 50 km/h, 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.
2013 Volvo V40 photo
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.
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