Volvo will show its all-new V40 hatchback at the Geneva auto show on March 6, 2012. It’s the car, the automaker says, to overtake the competition in the premium hatchback segment.

Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo Car, said: "The all-new Volvo 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 will definitely give our toughest competitors a headache.”

The V40 is described by Volvo as a modern car with a Scandinavian look-and-feel and “meticulous” attention to detail.

SAFETY RECORD

According to Volvo, the hatchback boasts class-leading driving dynamics via a chassis designed to be agile.

Both petrol and turbodiesel engines are on offer and mated to either manual or automatic transmissions. All motors feature start-stop technology and brake energy regeneration.  

Occupant safety is, in typical Volvo form, a main concern and safety features such as the automaker’s Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake, a lane assistant feature with auto steering and a revised City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system are offered.

Among the new features are a world-first pedestrian airbag.

BUILT IN BELGIUM

Håkan Abrahamsson, V40 vehicle programme manager, said: "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."

The car will be revealed at a press conference at the Geneva auto show in March, 2012, before the start of production in May, 2012, at Volvo’s plant in Ghent, Belgium.

In South Africa, the all-new Volvo V40 is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2013. Local pricing and specification will be available closer to the time, the automaker said.

For more information on the Volvo V40 click here!