New Models

2017 Volvo V40 facelift revealed: Australian debut due later this year

The updated 2017 Volvo V40 facelift has been revealed today, with an official premiere set to occur at the Geneva motor show next week.

Mike Stevens

11:2425 February 2016

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As expected, the small V40 hatch has been given only a light exterior update for the new model year. With an all-new replacement due in the next couple of years, a more extensive change was never likely.

For the new model year - likely to be badged 2017 by the time it arrives here - the little hatch picks up a subtle but key update at the front end, with Volvo’s new “Thor’s Hammer” daytime lamps working to bridge the design gap between the older V40 and the brand-new XC90 SUV and S90/V90 twins.

Other less obvious changes include the introduction of new grille meshes and the recently updated version of Volvo’s ‘Iron Mark’ logo. The shape of the grille, headlights and bumper styling remain otherwise unchanged.

Depending on the market, the V40 will be offered with a range of trim levels and variants, along with eight wheel designs, across the V40, V40 R-Design and high-riding V40 Cross Country lines.

Those trim options will include a new ‘City Weave’ upholstery lifted from the 2014 Concept Estate concept - which ultimately became the newly revealed S90 and V90 models - along with a combination charcoal/blond steering wheel design.

Accent panels in the doors will get contrast stitching for the first time, and an optional black headliner will also be a first for the range.

New treadplates for the R-Design and Inscription models will feature, and a refreshed key fob with the new Volvo logo will round out the visual changes.

Changes to the V40’s engine range are still to be detailed, although Volvo promises an improvement for CO2 emissions to 89g/km in the manual-equipped D2 diesel model - although Australia’s D2 can only be had with an automatic transmission.

Watch for more details to come at next week’s Geneva motor show.