Volvo V40 R-Design - pictures

This is the V40, Volvo’s rival for the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. 

The V40 is a handsome car, with distinctive yet reserved looks. 

The interior space and practicality of the Volvo V40 can't quite match its rivals.

The Volvo V40 is offered with three diesel engines and four petrol engines. 

The dash inside the Volvo V40 is cluttered with plenty of climate control and multimedia buttons. 

The gearbox in the Volvo V40 is sadly not up to the mark - the manual is clunky and the automatic is a bit slow and jerky. 

When it comes to safety, the Volvo V40 scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP tests and is fitted with the latest in road safety equipment. 

Despite its large exterior dimensions, the Volvo V40 is rather small on the inside and the rear seats lack headroom thanks to the sloping roofline. 

The not-so-impressive 335-litre boot is smaller than its rivals and lacks a certain level of practicality due to its tall and narrow dimensions.