The styling changes see new all-LED headlights with the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ design, also seen on the XC90, S90 and V90 as well as an updated grille.

The V40 will also receive the new ‘rank marks’ that were first introduced on the XC90, visualising trim levels and variants and a total of eight new wheels across the V40, R-Design and V40 Cross Country models.

Volvo has also reduced CO2 emissions on its D2 manual powertrain to 89g/km across all trim levels and wheel options.

The Volvo On Call smartphone app is also updated. Volvo On Call already delivers wearable connectivity (Apple Watch/Android Wear) and now Microsoft Band 2 connectivity, enabling voice-control for certain features when using Windows 10-based smartphones.

Other updates to Volvo On Call include a calendar integration function. For 2016 Volvo On Call will broaden its scope and provide support for up to 10 Volvo vehicles, giving access to all the usual functions across a fleet of cars.

Volvo will also introduce Flic button compatibility with Volvo On Call, which allows drivers to programme a single physical ‘smart button’ to perform several tasks, such as locking the car or starting/stopping pre-heating and can be used as a shortcut to Volvo On Call services.

Volvo now also offers support for Windows 10 with a new version of the Volvo On Call application that can be used by drivers on regular PCs and tablets to interact with their car.

“The V40 is the best-selling Volvo model in Europe and the second-most popular Volvo model globally, making it a very important car for the company. With the updates for model year 2017 we make this already very successful model even more attractive to customers in the segment,” said Björn Annwall, senior vice president, sales, marketing and customer service at Volvo Car Group.