The V40 shares its platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma
1.8-litre V40 is powered by a four-cylinder version of the five-cylinder powerplant that drives the larger V70
The 1.8-litre all-alloy engine features 16-valves and twin camshafts
Engine develops 90kW at 5800rpm and 170Nm of torque at 4000rpm
The engine drives through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox
The automatic transmission, which features economy, sport and winter settings, is borrowed from the V70
Suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear
Suspension improvements include a redesigned MacPherson strut that separates damper and spring forces
A new stay on the front cross member improves suspension rigidity
Shock absorber settings were changed to improve ride quality
The multi-link system features upper and lower links and incorporates a degree of passive rear-wheel steering to improve cornering
Dynamic Stability Assistance, Volvo's traction control system, is optional
Four-wheel discs with anti-lock brakes are standard
Dual front and front-seat mounted side airbags are part of the safety package
The V40 is produced in the Nedcar plant in Born, Holland. It is a joint-venture operation between Volvo, Mitsubishi and the Dutch government
The V40 wagon has far more rounded lines than previous Volvos