2013 Volvo V40 R-Design Unveiled in Paris – Should It Come to US?

Volvo’s recent product consolidation chopped two wagon models from its lineup, the V50 and V70 wagons. The only wagon-ish model remaining in the Swedish brand’s U.S. lineup is the XC70, which is best thought of as a more upscale Subaru Outback, as that model was a more ruggedly-styled version of the Legacy wagon. Whether deliberate or not, Volvo’s unveiling of the V40 R-Line at the Paris Motor Show is a poignant reminder of some of forbidden fruit models sold overseas that we don’t get in the U.S.

True, we get the sporty, and somewhat practical C30 hatch, but many of its rivals are also offered, or exclusively offered in 5-door form, such as the Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus ST and Mazdaspeed 3. Conceptually, the V40 is best thought of as a 5-door version of the C30.

The R-Design package is available with any of the Volvo V40  engine choices in Europe, from a modestly-powered 115-hp turbodiesel all the way up to a 2.5-liter turbocharged I-5 producing 254 hp.

Would such a model fit in the U.S. Volvo  lineup? Does it fill a needed niche, or is it just enthusiast eye candy that a small handful of customers would purchase, but would otherwise languish on dealer lots as customers snap up the brand’s crossover and SUV offerings? Take a look at the photos of the Swedish supermodel below and let us know your thoughts.

Source: Volvo

Of course it should but the bottom line is it will probably stay in Europe and we’ll get yet another overweight and underpowered crossover instead since Americans’ fragile egos can’t stand the thought of driving a (horrors!) station wagon, no matter how much better it is than a crappy crossover !!

No. Volvo’s are just so boring to drive. Remember the original S60R? I don’t blame you if you forgot. Superfluous turbo lag, heavy clutch, pancake syrup in the steering and, uh… not fast. It was the rich mans WRX.

I worked for an Audi dealer for many years and in 2006, we got a Volvo franchise. Up until then, we employees thought that Audi’s, while exceptional cars, were very unreliable. Then there was Volvo. Terrible! So now, keep this thing on your side of the pond. Volvo just can’t get “sporty” right.

Damn Volvo’s are starting to look good!

Give us back a real station wagon please! Oh if only we could get the V70R back on our shores!

if it does, please equip with awd!

Absolutely! The car has looks, and an engine to match. I love it. As long as the price isn’t too high it’ll sell. It’s a Golf R competitor.

Yes! Bring it to the U.S.! It’s another handsome model that will help project a better image of what Volvo’s really capable of. People searching for a slightly more upscale niche vehicle would gobble this up.

it should be offered in low volumes, both the regular and r-design models, to not seem as a failure

i really wish this car were sold here….

Source : wot[dot]motortrend[dot]com