Volvo V40 Euro NCAP crash test

5 stars. Overall excellent performance in crash protection and well equipped with comprehensive and robust crash avoidance technology

The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings in the frontal test indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the front seat occupants. Volvo showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier impact, good protection was provided to all body areas and the car scored maximum points. Even in the more severe side pole test, maximum points were scored. The seat and head restraint provided good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision.

Both child dummies were sat in rearward-facing, Volvo-branded child restraints. In the side impact, both dummies were properly contained by the shells of their restraints, minimising the risk of contact with parts of the car interior. The passenger airbag can be disabled by a Volvo dealer to allow a rearward-facing restraint to be used in that seating position. Alternatively, an airbag switch is available as an option, with clear information being provided to the driver about the status of the airbag. The dangers of using a rearward-facing restraint in the passenger seat without first disabling the airbag are clearly explained in the car.

The V40 is equipped with an under-bonnet airbag system. This detects when a pedestrian has been struck and lifts the bonnet to provide greater protection to the head. The airbag also covers the windscreen pillars to provide better protection in those areas. Volvo demonstrated that the system would operate over a range of speeds and would detect different pedestrian statures. The system worked well, the bonnet offering good protection in all areas likely to be struck by a pedestrian's head, making the V40 the first car to score maximum points in this area. The front edge of the bonnet provided poor protection in most areas tested while the bumper was predominantly good. The V40 is equipped with a pedestrian-detection AEB system as an option. This system applies the brakes independently of the driver if a pedestrian is likely to be struck by the car.

Electronic stability control is standard equipment on the V40 and met Euro NCAP's test requirements. A driver-set speed limitation device is also standard and was rewarded. A seatbelt reminder system is standard for the driver, passenger and rear seats.