The Volvo V40 was first introduced in 1996 as a compact estate. That model continued through 2004, until it was discontinued from the lineup. The company remade the V40 in 2012, but this time as a premium hatchback. There was also a V40 Cross Country model, which featured SUV-inspired styling, added to the lineup later in the car's lifecycle, and both were in production until 2019.
First Generation
In partnership with Mitsubishi, Volvo produced the first generation V40 and S40. The original design was an estate with a curved body and integrated fog lights in the lower bumper. Even though the rooflife extended beyond the rear doors, it looked more like a hatchback than an estate.
A facelifted V40 was introduced in 1999. The company added new taillights, headlights and bumpers to modernise the design. New safety technology and lighter alloy wheels were also added before the V40 was first discontinued in 2004.
Second Generation
The V40 nameplate was reintroduced in 2012, but this time as a premium compact hatchback, rather than an estate. Volvo hoped to compete against the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While it had typical Volvo design cues, it featured a sportier grille and a trapezoidal-shaped lower air intake.
A 2016 refresh improved the look with updated taillights and reduced its emissions. A new lineup of powerplants also offered more efficiency.
