Volvo’s hot-hatch – 257kW Heico Sportiv Volvo V40 T5 HPC

Volvo seems determined to shed it boring image. Following the recent launch of the company’s BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG contender, the S60 Polestar, a new proposal has now emerged in the form of a Heico Sportiv’s tuned V40 T5 HPC (High Performance Concept) with 257kW of power.

Heico Sportiv is a Volvo-approved tuner and supplier of sports and performance parts. Based on the recently launched Volvo V40 hatchback, the tuner combines the all-wheel drive chassis of the Volvo V40 Cross Country (all V40 comes with a front-wheel drive system) with a tweaked version of the brand’s 2.5-litre turbocharged in-line five engine.

Thanks to a revised turbocharger, intercooler, exhaust system and a water-ethanol injection system, power is boosted from the standard 187kW to 257kW, while torque is up from 400Nm to 510Nm.

As a result, the V40 T5 HPC launches from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds towards to vmax of 265km/h. This puts it squarely in the hot-hatch segment.

Other modifications include a modified suspension that drops the car by 30mm and a set of 370mm front discs clamped by six-piston calipers.

Inside, a pair of body-hugging bucket seats, sports steering wheel, bespoke paddle shifters and Alcantara upholstery with green stitching jazzes things up.

The car is currently in development stage but all of the parts and accessories are set to appear on Heico Sportiv’s shelves soon.