As before, prices sit in the £20,000 to £35,000 bracket. Buyers also get the option of finding a £1,000 model-for-model premium for the 'Cross Country' variants with their SUV-style bodystyling. To put the V40's overall pricing into perspective, for one of these, you're looking at a comparable model-for-model premium of around £1,500 over what you'd pay for a mainstream Focus or Astra in the family hatchback sector. It's not these cars that Volvo is really targeting with the V40 though. The brand would prefer to be stealing sales from much posher so-called 'premium' compact hatches, cars like the BMW 1 Series, the Audi A3 and the Mercedes A-Class. That's quite a big ask as this V40's pricing isn't really much different to any of these cars. What is different though, is the spec you get as part of the deal.
All models come with alloy wheels, electronic climate control that also cools the glovebox, plus leather-trim for the gear knob and for a steering wheel that has audio controls for an eight speaker stereo with USB and iPod inputs, operable via the same 5-inch colour screen you can use to set up the Bluetooth connection for your 'phone. This display can also use Volvo's Sensus infotainment and navigation system. Within the range, you can also opt for a 'Cross Country' trim level, offering mildly SUV-style looks for a modest premium. Either way, safety-wise, there's a world first - an under-bonnet airbag that springs out to protect pedestrian in the event of an impact.
Plus of course, you get all the usual basics. That means dual-stage front airbags on both sides, side airbags, a knee 'bag for the driver, inflatable curtains, ISOFIX childseat fastenings, a Roll-Over Protection system, the WHIPS anti-whiplash system and, to hopefully make sure you'll never need all that, the DSTC Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system, the usual ABS braking assistance, Corner Traction Control, Engine Drag Control to stop the wheels from locking during engine braking on a slippery surface and even a Trailer Stability Assist system if you've fitted a towbar. If you want the safest car in the family hatchback class, you're looking at it right here.