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Volvo V40 re-design: Open up, say R

Singapore — The Volvo V40 is the Swedish brand’s first attempt at a five-door hatch, and this is the high-performance version of it, the V40 R-Design.

Singapore — The Volvo V40 is the Swedish brand’s first attempt at a five-door hatch, and this is the high-performance version of it, the V40 R-Design.

Unlike its off-road-styled brother, the V40 Cross Country, the R-Design is a tribute to going faster: Loud blue paint, a body kit and rear diffuser, special 18-inch alloys plus upgrades to the steering and chassis.

How does it drive?

It doesn’t let its appearance down, for one. It has the supportive, direct feel of a proper sporty hatchback, one which has a firm ride and is great fun to pilot through corners, but doesn’t turn things into a grimacing pain over rough roads.

The 1.6l engine is generous with its torque. Although the gearbox can be lurchy at low speeds, the drivetrain is exemplary of a modern turbo engine/dual-clutch transmission pairing.

Why should I buy one?

The V40 R-Design packs a lot into its basic, practical five-door layout: It has a panoramic sunroof, active cornering lights and lots of safety gubbins, like the City Safety auto-brake system. You can even opt for a Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection System, and Pedestrian Airbag.

The V40 R-Design is a great example of the new, modern Volvo, one that looks and is exciting, has lots of extra features and, in this case, has an obviously naughty side too. Derryn Wong

Volvo V40 R-Design

Engine: 1,598cc turbo i4, 180bhp & 240Nm

Performance: 225kmh, 0-100kmh 8.5 seconds, 6.1L/100km, 143g/km CO2

Price: S$205,000 with COE

On Sale: Now

+: Looks and feels a proper performance hatch, elegant cabin, features

- : Gearbox can be jerky at low speed

Also Consider: Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport, Volkswagen Golf GTI

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