Adding some sporty flair to the V40’s blend of safety, comfort and convenience, Volvo greenlit production of the V40 R-Design. As is the case with R-Design Volvos, the V40 gets a subtle body kit, bigger wheels, sport-tuned chassis, and upgraded interior, as well as some new colors. The performance remains more or less the same, as the engine lineup is untouched.

Visually, the R-Design V40 gets a revised front bumper with new LED lights and a silk-metal framed high-gloss grille, and an ironstone rear diffuser, silk-metal finished details and twin exhaust tailpipes. It also comes with 17-inch five-spoke diamond-cut wheels, which are also available in 18-inch size. The color of choice for this car is the Rebel Blue you see here, but six other finishes are also available.

As for the interior, features like embossed R-Design leather/T-Tec upholstery, TFT instrument display, sports steering wheel, sports pedals and unique aluminium inlays add up to available features like full leather-faced upholstery, active bending xenon headlights with headlight cleaning system, rain sensor, cruise control, keyless start and rear theatre lighting to create a very nice place to be in.

Volvo has been careful with compromising on the V40’s ride quality. So while they offer a sport chassis, it’s an optional extra for the V40. It’ll get you a 10mm lowered suspension, stiffened springs and shock absorbers, and larger antiroll bars. They will make the car a little less comfortable, but much better through the corners.

Volvo V40 R-Design can be had with all the engines in the range, from the D2 diesel with 115 horsepower and CO₂ emissions at 94 g/km, to the high-performance T5 petrol turbo with 254 horsepower.