For you V40 fans

[Mike 700]

Just received this on an e-mail :


Is Volvo sailing into choppy waters? After more than 15 years, the company is returning to the fiercely fought family hatch class with its all-new V40.

The car is being billed as the manufacturer’s most important model in 20 years, and expectations are sky-high. Yet with upmarket rivals like the BMW 1 Series already established and new versions of the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class on the horizon, the V40 will need to be very accomplished to succeed.

Fortunately, the D2 version – which is expected to make up the majority of UK sales – looks very promising on paper, thanks to its stunning design, generous standard equipment and class-leading CO2 emissions of only 94g/km.

Facing the V40 is BMW’s 116d EfficientDynamics. It’s already been crowned Compact Family Car of the Year at our New Car Awards 2012, due to its blend of a premium badge, sharp handling, decent space and low running costs. And no family hatch test would be complete without the VW Golf. In eco-friendly BlueMotion trim, this car represents a very stern test for any class newcomer.

Verdict

Each of these cars shone in its own way during this test, and the final result was far from certain. In the end, it came right down to the wire, but the BMW just manages to keep its place at the top.

Volvo should take heart, though, as the V40 is the best car it has made in years and was very close to snatching victory. It’s set apart by its quirky, stylish cabin and svelte exterior, while quality is right up there with the very best.

It also offers unrivalled safety technology and is at its best on long trips, where its relaxed character, well equipped interior and brilliant seats come to the fore. It falls just short of the 1 Series due to its small boot and slightly less involving driving experience; the BMW is still the number one choice for keen drivers.

So the Golf brings up the rear. It remains an incredibly accomplished package in many ways, but it’s starting to show its age now.

Winner: BMW 116d ED ★★★★★

Driving thrills and superb economy rarely go hand-in-hand, but the BMW 116d ED delivers both in a classy and understated fashion. Costly options make it the most expensive car here, but it also has the best residuals and lowest running costs, plus its interior is surprisingly practical.

2nd: Volvo V40 ★★★★

The V40 and 1 Series were so closely matched that it feels unfair to place the Volvo second. It’s stylish, well built and good to drive, while the cabin is one of the best in the business. If it had just a little more dynamic sparkle and slightly lower running costs, it would have triumphed.

3rd: Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion ★★★★

The Golf BlueMotion has been winning road tests for years, and it took two excellent rivals to finally push it off the top. It’s comfortable, refined and the cheapest car here to run, but finished third due to its blunted performance and poor level of standard equipment.

[tt82]

From the Auto Express test then.

That mag is completely biased against Volvo, they harldy ever feature in any test or comparisons they do. Its also worth noting the first comment about the BMW is "Driving thrills......", which means they simply like the rear wheel drive as road testers. In the real world, where 80% of 1 series drivers think their cars are FWD it won't really mean anything. Personally I think their reviews are worthless.

[Ninja59]

^ above has summed it up well.

[Paddler Ed]

Autocar's test is out tomorrow...

[Mike 700]

Originally Posted by Paddler Ed

Autocar's test is out tomorrow...

Just read it - identical to my e-mail.

[AcidicDavey]

Originally Posted by tt82

From the Auto Express test then.

That mag is completely biased against Volvo, they harldy ever feature in any test or comparisons they do. Its also worth noting the first comment about the BMW is "Driving thrills......", which means they simply like the rear wheel drive as road testers. In the real world, where 80% of 1 series drivers think their cars are FWD it won't really mean anything. Personally I think their reviews are worthless.

If that is true and 80% of 1ers think they're driving FWDs then BMW's marketing the 1 Series as the only RWD family hatch has failed somewhat!

[tt82]

I doubt many 1ers actually pay attention to the marketing. Seems to be a more of a 'keeping up with the Jones' thing and they're just buying the BMW badge.