The 2017 Volvo V40 and V40 Cross Country: A Renewed Vision
The automotive world witnessed a commendable transformation in 2017 as Volvo Cars bestowed a fresh identity upon its bestselling models, the V40 and V40 Cross Country. A series of trim updates delineated this metamorphosis, enhancing the visual charm and performance attributes of these vehicles.
Exterior Revisions: The New Face of Volvo
Volvo's facelift initiative for the V40 and V40 Cross Country was both striking and noteworthy. The updates introduced a new grille mesh with the reimagined Volvo Iron Mark, exuding a sense of sophistication and boldness. These models further adopted the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights, a design choice influenced by Volvo’s new 90 Series cars, extending the brand's continuity.
In terms of colour offerings, Volvo played an interesting card. They introduced two brand new hues, Amazon Blue and Denim Blue, alongside three existing colours - Bursting Blue, Mussel Blue and Luminous Sand - extending the palette for prospective customers. An added layer of sophistication came in the form of the new 'rank marks' - first seen on the XC90 - which visually delineate trim levels and variants across the V40 models.
Interior Embellishments: Focused on Comfort
The interior of the V40 witnessed an equally tasteful revamp. Inspired by the highly-praised Volvo Concept Estate, a new upholstery called City Weave was introduced. Other notable features include the addition of a Charcoal/Blond steering wheel option, and various new interior panel trims such as Milled Aluminium, Black Grid Aluminium and Stealth Aluminium. The contrasting stitching on the door inserts and the option for a black headliner raised the bar of elegance within the V40. An updated key fob featuring the new Volvo logo also marked an intriguing element of the interior enhancements.
Emission Control: A Step Towards Sustainability
In its pursuit of sustainability, Volvo showcased an innovative approach to powertrain engineering by limiting the CO2 emissions on its popular D2 manual powertrain to just 89 g/km with the full tyre program. This commitment to reduced emissions indicates Volvo's larger focus on environmental stewardship and its dedication to developing eco-conscious technologies.
Volvo On Call: Enhancing User Experience
Volvo’s On Call smartphone app, designed for remote access and control over a host of in-car features, also received a significant update in 2017. The updated version facilitated greater connectivity, enabling voice-control for specific features when paired with Windows 10-based smartphones. The On Call app also integrated a calendar function that links your personal calendar to the mobile app, allowing it to direct calendar appointment destinations straight to the car's navigation. This holistic approach to in-car connectivity significantly augmented the user experience.
Volvo’s CleanZone Technology: Prioritizing Air Quality
Highlighting Volvo's dedication to providing superior air quality within its vehicles, the 40 Series proudly showcased the CleanZone logo on its instrument panel air vents. This technology ensures outside air is effectively filtered before entering the cabin, thereby eliminating harmful pollutants prevalent in urban areas. Volvo's CleanZone technology epitomises the brand's continued efforts to enhance the in-car experience by addressing incoming air, interior emissions and odours, interior surfaces and contact allergies.
Final Thoughts: A Notable Transformation
In retrospect, the 2017 updates for the V40 and V40 Cross Country illustrated Volvo's commitment to design evolution, technological progression, and environmental responsibility. The reimagined aesthetics, coupled with advanced user-centric technologies, gave these models a confident new look while enhancing the driving experience. As Volvo continues to push boundaries, it will be fascinating to observe how these strides influence the brand's future offerings.
