Volvo has revealed the first official images of its new V40 which will go into production in Belgium in May this year.

The new hatchback will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week and it’s the first model from the Swedish brand that has been fully developed according to its new “human-centric, Designed Around You” strategy.

See AM's gallery page for all the official images of the new V40.

Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, said: “It definitely will give our toughest competitors a headache.”

The engine range will include Volvo’s first diesel with CO2 emissions of just 94 g/km to the turbocharged T5 petrol engine with 254bhp and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds.

All engine versions feature start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.

Specification features will include pedestrian detection with full auto, pedestrian airbag, lane keeping aid with haptic auto steering, and park assist pilot for parallel parking.

Volvo expects to sell 90,000 V40 units per year. A massive 85% of the total volume will go to European customers.