VOLVO hasn’t had a five-door hatchback for a while.

But now it is back in the segment with a V40 that essentially serves as a new range entry point in place of the discontinued C30 three-door.

However, don’t make comparisons with the C30. The V40 gets some big improvements, including a world-first pedestrian airbag tucked away under the bonnet.

The range kicks off at $34,990, but we’re testing the mid-range T4 Luxury, one of three petrol models sold alongside similarly kitted diesel versions.

It is priced from $45,990 and powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre five-cylinder engine that, on paper, would only a few years ago have looked more at home in the engine bay of a performance model.

Happily, it appears the Volvo also has the on-road cred to match.