Can the Volvo V40 impress Auto Express readers? (Sponsored)

Sponsored video: The Volvo V40 is a stylish premium small car that stands out from the crowd, is good to drive and packed with the latest technology.

In fact, we’re very fond of it here at Auto Express, so we thought it would be a good idea to invite some of our readers along to show them round the car and try it for themselves.

Watch the video to find out what they thought.

The 2015 Volvo V40 is a very distinctive car that really stands out, especially in the range-topping R Design Lux trim. It gets directional Xenon headlamps and some extra styling treatments such as 17-inch alloy wheels and silver door mirrors.

The interior boasts contrasting aluminium trim, full leather sports seats and two digital screens – including one for the driver. Go for the Nav version and you'll find a navigation upgrade with a DVD player and Internet connectivity.

Volvo has always been famous for building safe cars and the V40 is no different. It achieved the highest score of any car ever rated in the Euro NCAP crash tests and even has a pedestrian airbag that pops out of the bonnet.

The safety kit doesn’t end at a tough body and lots of airbags, though. The V40 also has a range of safety systems that can prevent an accident happening in the first place. All V40s have something called City Safety, which can automatically brake the car to prevent a crash at low speeds. You can upgrade this so it can spot cyclists – and even pedestrians.

The V40's safety kit doesn’t just help you in town, either – it can assist you at higher speeds, too. For instance, the Driver Assistance pack can monitor the road 150 metres ahead and provide full automatic braking, if necessary, to minimise or even prevent a collision. It also includes Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System, which warns if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot.

And if you do start to weave out of lane without putting your indicator on, the Lane Keeping Aid will automatically steer you back on track.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination safely, the V40 can also park itself at the touch of a button thanks to Park Pilot: all you have to do is work the brakes and the accelerator. The system takes care of the trickiest part – the steering.

If you think that's impressive, then what about the V40's satisfying blend of high performance and low running costs? The 2.0-litre diesel engine in the D4 model can return 74mpg and emits less than 100g/km of CO2, so it won’t cost you a penny in road tax. Plus, because it has 187bhp, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in a little over seven seconds.

But what will our readers think? Our video reveals all.