As if we weren't already jealous enough about Europe getting one of the safest and most stylish Volvo cars ever made, the Swedish automaker goes and drops the R-Design treatment on its new hatchback/wagon. Unlike some other R-Design models, the 2013 Volvo V40 R-Design doesn't get any additional power under the hood, but it does come with a more aggressive styling and a lower, firmer suspension setup.
Looking like the world's edgiest Smurf, the V40 R-Design receives restyled fascias, some slick five-spoke alloy wheels and this exclusive paint color, Rebel Blue – although this model is also available in six other colors. Opting for the Sport chassis gives the five door an even sportier look and feel with a suspension that has been lowered by 10 millimeters. Volvo has made sure to give the V40 R-Design a cabin design that fits the upgraded exterior styling with features like embossed seats with a blue R-Design logo, blue background on the interactive gauge cluster, unique aluminum dash inlays and a black headliner. All of the black leather throughout the cabin is also accented with contrasting white stitching.
The V40 R-Design does carry over the same engine outputs compared to the regular V40 models, but this isn't exactly a bad thing about the car. Buyers can still get the car with the efficient 115-horsepower diesel engine or they can choose the 254-hp turbocharged inline-five. For improved handling, the springs, shocks and sway bars have all been tuned specifically for the V40 R-Design in cooperation with the Volvo Polestar Black R race team.
With the V40 already targeting younger buyers, Volvo expects this sporty new R-Design model to account for about 10 percent of the model's sales.
