2012 Paris Motor Show: Volvo unveils R-Design and Cross Country versions of V40 which hits Middle East dealerships early 2013

A short while ago we had to the chance to test-drive the all-new Volvo V40 on the roads in and around the beautiful city of Verona.

During this short test-drive it was quite obvious that the elegant and modern-looking Volvo V40 has some very good chances to compete strongly against the competitors, such as the established BMW 1 series, the new Mercedes A-Class and the new Audi A3, not only because of its beautiful Scandinavian design but also and mainly due to its modern technology and latest active and safety features, such as the pedestrian airbag.

At the 2012 Paris Motor Show Volvo unveiled the cross-country version of the V40, which I personally think could be a big hit in the Middle East and North Africa region, and especially in Egypt if offered with suitable engines. The Volvo V40 is expected to hit dealerships across the Middle East with the most eclectic features all wrapped into one compact hatchback, which Volvo says are truly one of its kind.

Several new high-tech features make the all-new Volvo V40 R-design and Cross Country versions, the most intelligent and safest car in the segment including Park Assist Pilot, Lane Keeping Aid, Pedestrian Airbag Technology, Enhanced Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Pedestrian Detection, and many more.

“The Volvo V40 will beat out competition flawlessly with its advanced features and sleek design coinciding with the �Designed Around You’ strategy,� said Emre Karaer, Sales and Marketing Director of Volvo Cars Middle East.

“It is more than just a compact hatchback perfect for the family; it can be personalized to fit your needs. Most importantly, the V40’s high performance will certainly impress consumers providing connectivity and mobile features which allows you to take control of the car.�

Park Assist Pilot - making parallel parking easy:
The new Park Assist Pilot makes parallel parking easy and precise by taking over and operating the steering wheel while the driver handles the gearbox and controls the car's speed.
The parking manoeuvre is based on front, rear and side-facing ultrasonic sensors.

Lane Keeping Aid - active help to stay on course:
The new Lane Keeping Aid in the V40 helps the driver stay in the intended lane. This feature applies extra steering torque to the steering column when the car gets close to a lane marking and is about to leave the lane. The system is active at speeds between 65 km/h and 200 km/h.

Pedestrian Airbag Technology - a world first:
In order to mitigate the consequences if a collision with a pedestrian is unavoidable, the Volvo V40 features newly developed Pedestrian Airbag Technology, a world first.

Sensors in the front bumper register the physical contact between the car and the pedestrian. The rear end of the bonnet is released and at the same time elevated by the deploying airbag. The inflated airbag covers the area under the raised bonnet plus approximately one third of the windscreen area and the lower part of the A-pillar. The raised bonnet and airbag will help reduce the severity of pedestrian injuries.

Enhanced Blind Spot Information System - for better visibility:
The V40 is the first Volvo to offer the enhanced Blind Sport Information System (BLIS), which is radar-based. The technology can now also monitor and alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 m behind the car. Of course it still informs the driver about vehicles in the blind spots on both sides of the car.

Cross Traffic Alert - covering your back:
Cross Traffic Alert uses the radar sensors at the rear end of the car to alert the driver to crossing traffic from the sides when reversing out of a parking space. This is especially helpful in tight and crowded areas where the side view might be limited due to infrastructure, vegetation or other parked cars.

Pedestrian Detection - unique in this class:
Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a technology that can detect if a pedestrian steps out into the road in front of the car. If the driver does not respond in time, the car can warn and automatically activate the brakes. No other car in this class features a similar technology.

Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor of Volvo Car Corporation said, "The all-new V40, the most compact car in our V-range, has class-leading safety. Yet another important step toward our vision that nobody should die or suffer serious injuries in a new Volvo car by the year 2020."

The Volvo Group has its origin in 1927 when the first Volvo car rolled off the production line at the factory in G?¶teborg, Sweden. The brand Volvo has come a long way since then, covering about 100 countries, comprising some 2400 sales outlets and service workshops around the world, including about 1500 in Europe and 400 in North America. The brand Volvo exudes road safety, quality, excitement and environmental control. Being the pioneers of technologies such as dual-stage airbags, seat-belt pretension and the innovative BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) has enhances the brands own vision to “be the world’s most desired and successful premium car brandâ€?, aiming to “create the safest and most exciting car experience for modern familiesâ€?.

So, will the Volvo V40 and the Volvo V40 Cross-Country be able to compete or even outperform its strong competitors like the established BMW 1 series, the BMW X1, the new Mercedes A-Class, the new Audi A3 and the Q3 in terms of performance, reliability, comfort and safety?

Only a long-term test with the V40 and V40 Cross-Country will enable us to find that out.

MS
02.10.2012
Paris - Dubai - Cairo