The V40 shares its platform with the Mitsubishi Carisma

1.8-litre V40 is powered by a four-cylinder version of the five-cylinder powerplant that drives the larger V70

The 1.8-litre all-alloy engine features 16-valves and twin camshafts

Engine develops 90kW at 5800rpm and 170Nm of torque at 4000rpm

The engine drives through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox

The automatic transmission, which features economy, sport and winter settings, is borrowed from the V70

Suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front and an independent multi-link setup at the rear

Suspension improvements include a redesigned MacPherson strut that separates damper and spring forces

A new stay on the front cross member improves suspension rigidity

Shock absorber settings were changed to improve ride quality

The multi-link system features upper and lower links and incorporates a degree of passive rear-wheel steering to improve cornering

Dynamic Stability Assistance, Volvo's traction control system, is optional

Four-wheel discs with anti-lock brakes are standard

Dual front and front-seat mounted side airbags are part of the safety package

The V40 is produced in the Nedcar plant in Born, Holland. It is a joint-venture operation between Volvo, Mitsubishi and the Dutch government

The V40 wagon has far more rounded lines than previous Volvos