V40 suitable for a family of four?
 

Is there anybody on this forum with the typical 2.4 children? I am not talking really little kids that need booster seats. I am wondering how suitable the V40 is for typical family life.

I have had my grandson (aged 10 months) in a rear facing car seat behind the driver's seat, I had to slide the driver seat forward from its normal position to accommodate the child seat. I suspect that the WHIPS system would not have been effective in the event of a rear end shunt. Other than that it worked fine, plenty of room and the boot accommodated all the normal clutter of a young child, my wife and my daughter.

Depends on how often you carry them and how much stuff you take.

A V60 might be better suited for a family of 4.

It's your average sized family hatch - never going to be mega comfy with 4 in it, but sound for short journeys or occasional longer stuff. If you went away on holiday in it, you'd need a trailer or roof box though.

That sounds like a no :).

If it's your main car, and you can get a V60 for similar money, then it's a no for me, even if dropping a year older to afford the V60.

Most hatches are the same tbf, but the V40 isn't the biggest out there.

I just think a family of 4, you're going to need the next sector up. I've a family of 4, but the V40 is the smaller 2nd car. Ok for 4 people pottering around, but big shopping trips, a family day out or a holiday and you'll struggle boot wise etc. And when the kids get older, leg room will also become an issue in the rear.

The V60 is not exactly massive, so driving and parking isn't much different, but you'll get more boot space and slightly bigger interior - which is identical looks wise to the V40 anyway.

I have a V60 and its a bit of a squeeze with 4 of us (two kids 9 and 7).
The V70 would have been a better option for me :thumbs_up:

Yes I am not convinced that the V60 offers enough space either. That is pretty disappointing when you think manufacturers like BMW have redesigned models like the X1 to ensure they maximise space for families.

Yes I am not convinced that the V60 offers enough space either. That is pretty disappointing when you think manufacturers like BMW have redesigned models like the X1 to ensure they maximise space for families. In theory the V40 should be competing with models like the new X1, but it is way off the pack when it comes to space.

I loved my V40 D2 CC, but it had to go. Why? Shortage of space. Even though there's just me and my partner the back seats were down for a basic dump trip and the back seats were full for a weekend away. Admittedly, I had the space saver dual floor which took space from the boot, but as my last two punctures in previous cars were sidewall gashes, I felt the spare was needed.
If only Volvo hadn't forgotten their roots and had took the opportunity to produce a V50 type variation.
I replaced it with a 2016 Vitatara SX5 petrol auto! Shorter but more space with an incredible amount of kit. Great value motor.

It's like an "anti-tardis" effect. With each successive marque, cars get heavier and externally bigger, internally smaller. Had a MkII fiesta 20 years ago, an old car even the, a great little go-kart but I wouldn't want one now.

Our old V40 is brilliant as a family car. It will carry all of us satisfactorilly, and luggage. I've seen the new ones. When they fall into my price range, I won't be buying one. It's just my opinion, but to me the new V40s are a classic example of putting form before function, look ridiculous with those utterly absurd rear lights, they are a discredit to the V40 badge.

It is perfectly obvious they're aiming at stealing the BMW customers, who ten years earlier abandoned years of heritage for a butt-ugly styling. The die-hard traditional Volvo owners stick to the faithful designs, but will innevitably have to move on eventually. I don't fancy any of them much, if I'm honest. But, horses for courses, and all that.