New Volvo V40 valued

It’s not even in the dealers yet, but already industry boffins have been busy predicting the new Volvo V40’s residual value, demand and desirability. And Volvo-lovers will be pleased to know that the future-force seems strong in this one.

Volvo’s all-new V40 hatchback – that’s aimed to compete with the more premium side of the smaller car scale; VW Golf, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 – is due in dealers at the end of July, and wisely, the Swedish manufacturer has kept a close eye on keeping the fleet buyers happy. Fleet sales are more critical to the car industry than ever, with private retail sales quite flat for sometime.

So, the angular new Volvo gets what the brand feels is the right specification for the price, as well as low CO2 engines that pay less tax.

These new model specification details have all helped the aforementioned boffins find the V40 to have a favourable future from residual value, demand and desirability points of view. And that’s all good for private buyers too, with a car’s desirability keeping its used value more buoyant.

Selwyn Cooper, National Corporate Operations Manager, Volvo Car UK, is putting much emphasis on their new hatchback. "It is the most important car Volvo has launched in the past 20 years and much of its design, specification and technology has been developed with the company motorist in mind," he said. Basically, we all want a cool-looking car that’s got the latest frugal engine tech, a quality interior with a few gadgets, and for it not to plummet in value the moment it leaves the dealer’s forecourt. That’s not too much to ask, is it?

"Fleets are now an integral part of our final development of a car before its launch to ensure prices, specification and positioning are all where they should be. This positive feedback from the industry is vital as our brand tries to improve its foothold in the corporate sector," added Selwyn.

And, happily for Volvo, their new car that’s supposed to keep the fleets sweet has had the thumbs up treatment.

Denis Keenan, Managing Director KeeResources said: "The 1.6 D2 115hp engine with CO2 emissions of 94g/km has a strong Whole Life Cost argument. The V40 is a desirable car and with very low initial volumes, we predict RVs (residual values) will exceed its direct competitors by some margin. Even when full volumes come on stream, this is a car that will maintain its position due to its desirability factor.

"What makes the car stand out, though, is its very individual looks and it is a fantastic drive, providing true Volvo comfort with an exceptional chassis. In our terms, it is the most compelling package currently available in the Premium Lower Medium Sector. Add in beautiful build quality, obvious in every aspect of the V40, and the car feels a full rung above the majority of its peers." Praise indeed from Denis there, and while we’d agree that it looks the part, we’ll reserve full judgement until we test drive it.

The order books are open for the new Volvo V40 and dealers will throw open their showrooms on the launch weekend of 21st and 22nd July.








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