2013 Volvo V40 Unveiled With Six Engines: 2012 Geneva Auto Show

The Volvo V40 small hatchback debuted at the Geneva Auto Show yesterday, but as we reported last week, it won’t be heading to the U.S. market.

The stylish five-door featured a range of six engines, three gasoline and three diesel. The range-topping T5 gas engine actually gets as much torque as the most powerful diesel option in the line at 295 ft-lbs of torque but is more powerful with 254 hp to the diesel’s 177.

Despite that, the oil-burner is sure to be more efficient and probably a better seller as a result, though there are more efficient options on both the gas and diesle sides. The low-end options are a 1.6-liter inline four in either gas or diesel making 150 hp and 240 ft-lbs of torque or 115 hp and 210 ft-lbs respectively.

The V40 would be a tight-fitting car to some, and probably more expensive than currently-available competition.

Size aside, the Volvo is available with the range of safety features customers know the brand for. Drivers may choose such flagship features as blind spot detection, lane assistance and pedestrian detection among the long list of others.

Drivers more concerned with what’s happening inside their car than on the road will probably appreciate those features. Perhaps more so than that, they might also enjoy the car’s seven mood light settings which are good for adding an extra, though totally unnecessary customization.

The exterior features distinct Volvo style with a wide front, sharp lines and the typical pinched tail lights we’ve come to expect from the brand.

It’s unfortunate that there won’t be any of them for sale in the U.S., but the niche they meet is already well-filled by economy cars like the Ford Focus which offer more interior room and luggage capacity with similar styling.

Sure, it’s not a Volvo, but history has shown us time and time again that luxury hatchbacks struggle in America more often than not.