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Want a stylish and luxurious European runabout? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to buy German. The Swedes will sell you something much more unique – and in our eyes, even more appealing. It’s the 2017 Volvo V40, and this year it’s come in for a facelift and some interesting new engine options – including the closest thing we’ve seen to a Volvo V40 Polestar.
Our Denim Blue V40 might have started life as a mid-range diesel Inscription model, but an additional $10,000 spend meant it was delivered with the optional Polestar Performance Kit that transforms the character of the car.
First, it’s meaner – the snowflake Polestar wheels and fierce rear-end exhaust and diffuser treatment takes care of that.
Second, it’s meatier. The Polestar pack isn’t just visual – it takes this two-litre D4’s outputs to 147kW of power – up 5% on stock, and the torque to 440Nm – a substantial 10% boost.
Performance diesels are a rarity in Australia, and this “Polestar diesel” immediately conjures up memories of the now-gone Volkswagen Golf GTD. Come to think of it, the V40 with Polestar Kit would be a compelling upgrade for GTD owners lamenting Volkswagen’s decision to kill the fast diesel here.
It’s well established at Chasing Cars that we like the V40. It’s an antidote to the A-Class, 1 Series and A3 that seem to be everywhere. With new turbo engines, a great cabin and handsome looks, the smallest Volvo has already gained our trust.
But the new question is whether a steep $10,000 Polestar upgrade on a $45,000 car is money well spent. Over ten days with the car, this question was at the heart of our testing.
Key specs (as tested)
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The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
^Conditions Apply
Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.
Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.
^Online Discounts Terms & Conditions
1. Discounts apply to the premium paid for a new Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance, Third Party Property Only or Third Party Property, Fire & Theft Insurance policy initiated online on or after 29 March 2017. Discounts do not apply to optional Roadside Assistance.
2. Discounts do not apply to any renewal offer of insurance.
3. Discounts only apply to the insurance portion of the premium. Discounts are applied before government charges, taxes, levies and fees, including instalment processing fees (as applicable). The full extent of discounts may therefore be impacted.
4. We reserve the right to change the offer without notice.
