Currently reading: Paris motor show: Volvo V40 R-Design
Volvo’s R-Design range of styling and trim upgrades is extended to the V40 hatchback

Volvo has launched a new R-Design version of its V40 hatchback at the Paris motor show, with both exterior and interior trim upgrades. Exterior styling changes over the standard V40 contribute to a more aggressive overall appearance, including a re-framed lower grille design and new five-spoke diamond cut wheels available in 17 or 18-inch diameters.

At the rear, the R-Design edition is distinguished by twin exhaust tailpipes and a central diffuser section. Six exterior colour choices are available, including the show car’s ‘Rebel Blue’ paintwork.

Inside, the new model also gains a unique steering wheel, gearlever, handbrake and pedals. The seats, available in either full leather or black Nubuck textile and leather, carry blue embroidered R-Design logos. A series of aluminium inlays offset the predominantly black interior colour scheme, whilst the V40’s interactive dashboard mode layouts are highlighted in blue for this model.

The R-Design trim is available for all V40 engine options, starting from the 113bhp D2 diesel and ranging to the 251bhp turbocharged T5 petrol unit. As with the standard V40, two chassis options are available, the standard ‘Dynamic’ spec or the optional ‘Sport’ with a lower ride height and firmer dampers.

Volvo forecasts around 10 per cent of V40 buyers will specify the R-Design version. Vice President of Product Strategy Lex Kerssemakers suggests that the model will appeal to younger buyers. He said: "Previous R-Design models have played an important role for increasing our sales and for lowering the age of our customer base. We believe that the new V40 R-Design will give this trend another boost."

James Taylor

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Flash Harry 13 September 2012

Volvo have a great line up of

Volvo have a great line up of cars at present and this version of the V40 only strengthens that.This is one of the more interesting cars in the class imo.

kcrally 13 September 2012

Well I think this V40 has

Well I think this V40 has some great styling. Volvo has come forward in leaps and bounds in the past ten years with regards to automotive design.

Zedboy 13 September 2012

Swedish Alternatives

kcrally wrote:

Volvo has come forward in leaps and bounds in the past ten years with regards to automotive design.

Totally agree... my fleet manager is nagging me to get a C-Class / A4 / 3 soon, but an S60 is so much more different and the D5 has great figures (230bhp with polestar, plus still only 119 CO2s). Cheapest leasing rates by a country-mile at the moment too

Peter Cavellini 13 September 2012

Ihope so.

Volvo's been short of a tasty car for ages.