Automotive
Volvo introduced a new chapter in its vehicle lineup in 1995 with the launch of the Volvo V40, a premium compact station wagon that marked a departure from the company’s more utilitarian wagons. Originally developed through a collaboration with Mitsubishi, the first-generation V40 was based on the S40 sedan and built at the NedCar facility in the Netherlands. It catered to customers seeking the practicality of a wagon without sacrificing the elegance of a smaller, city-friendly car.
This first iteration of the V40 was more of a lifestyle vehicle than a cargo hauler. Volvo envisioned it for families with active outdoor lives - there was enough room in the back for camping gear, and roof rails offered space for bikes or a canoe. It was the kind of car you’d take for a weekend in the woods, not just a trip to IKEA. The V40 received a facelift in 1999 after Volvo joined Ford Motor Company, bringing slight design enhancements and updates across the range to keep it competitive in a changing market.
However, the original V40/S40 lineup was discontinued in 2004, leaving a gap in the premium compact space for Volvo. Then, in 2012, after receiving backing from Geely, the Chinese automotive powerhouse, Volvo revived the V40 nameplate - but this time as a premium compact hatchback rather than a wagon. It was a bold re-entry into a market dominated by rivals like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Though some customers were initially confused by the new format - the sedan version was still called S40, while the wagon-like sibling was rebranded as the V50 - the market quickly adapted. The 2012 V40 hatchback rode on Ford’s C-Global platform, shared with the Focus, and brought Volvo's new design language into the limelight. With a sleek, forward-leaning grille, smooth body lines, and a sportier stance, the V40 combined elegance with performance.
Volvo gave the V40 a facelift in 2016, introducing new headlights with the signature Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights, a bolder grille, and enhanced efficiency. The updates weren’t just aesthetic - Volvo made sure the new V40 met stricter environmental regulations by significantly improving fuel economy and reducing carbon emissions.
While the V40 didn’t have a direct sedan counterpart during its 2012–2019 run, it carved out its own niche as a premium urban hatchback, ideal for city dwellers and young professionals looking for a stylish yet practical alternative in the segment. It brought Volvo’s hallmark safety features into a compact package, including City Safety, pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alerts, and a full array of airbags and collision mitigation systems.
Owning a Volvo V40 means valuing both style and safety - and maintaining that balance requires locksmith support you can trust. Whether you’ve lost your key fob, locked yourself out, or need a high-security Volvo key replacement, SherlockLock is the name Volvo owners across Massachusetts rely on. Our team of certified locksmiths specializes in European vehicle security systems, including the latest Volvo smart key and remote start systems.
From emergency lockouts to key programming, ignition repair, and advanced transponder reprogramming, SherlockLock provides fast, mobile service designed to match the premium experience of Volvo ownership. We understand the sophisticated locking systems inside the V40 - from early mechanical versions to late-model smart keys - and guarantee seamless, professional solutions every time.
SherlockLock: Secure your Volvo V40 with the locksmith team trusted by Boston’s premium vehicle owners.
