Ever wondered why Volvo never gave us the V40 Polestar...

If you’re a Volvo fan—or just someone who loves a good hot hatch—you’ve probably asked yourself that question at least once. The V60 Polestar proved Volvo could do performance, but the V40? It never got its moment in the spotlight. Let’s talk about why that was a huge missed opportunity, and how at ALG Performance, we’re working to fill that gap for you.

Volvo’s Missed Hot Hatch Moment

Let’s rewind to 2014. Volvo dropped the V60 Polestar—a 345bhp, AWD, Rebel Blue beast that could embarrass plenty of German rivals. It had Öhlins shocks, massive Brembo brakes, and all the right hardware. It was rare, fast, and practical. People loved it.

So why didn’t Volvo give us the same treatment on the V40? The V40 Cross Country T5 AWD was sitting right there, packing a 2.5 turbo and all-wheel drive. Sure, it only came with an automatic, but imagine if they’d thrown the R-Design bumpers on it, dropped it on Öhlins suspension, and tuned it to a tidy 270bhp. Rebel Blue paint, of course. The only real question: would they have brought back the M66AWD manual gearbox for the die-hards? We’ll never know, but it’s fun to dream.

What the Press Said

It wasn’t just us dreaming. The motoring press was all over the idea. Volvo’s own UK boss, Nick Connor, said he’d love to see a V40 Polestar and admitted there was “clear demand” for it. Auto Express reported on plans for a 320bhp V40 mega-hatch to take on the Focus RS and Audi RS3. Top Gear and Car Magazine both said there was real momentum behind the idea. Even Australia was keen, with CarsGuide saying they’d “happily put up their hand” for one.

But instead of a proper Polestar, Volvo gave us a T5 with some Polestar parts and a mild remap. Nice, but not special. The package cost nearly £5k on top of the car, and for that money, you could buy a real hot hatch with pedigree. Reviewers called it “no hot hatch, disappointing steering, expensive.” Ouch.

What Could Have Been

Picture it: V40 Cross Country AWD, tuned to 270bhp, or even utilising the 2.0L T6 package, dropped on Öhlins, R-Design body kit, big brakes, Rebel Blue paint. It would’ve been a thinking man's rival to the Focus RS, AMG A45, and Audi RS3. The only thing missing? That manual gearbox. But even with the auto, it would’ve been a blast.

Instead, Volvo shifted focus to SUVs and electrification, and Polestar spun off as its own electric brand. The V40 Polestar never happened, and the V60 Polestar Engineered is now gone too. The era of fast, practical Volvos is over—at least from the factory.

The Good News: We’re Building What Volvo Didn’t

Here’s where we come in. At ALG Performance, we’re not just lamenting what could have been—we’re making it happen. We’re developing:

• Engine modifications for the V40 to hit that sweet 270bhp mark
• Suspension upgrades inspired by Polestar’s own setups
• Big brake kits for serious stopping power
• Styling parts to give your V40 the look it always deserved

If you want the V40 Polestar Volvo never built, we’re here to help you build it. The platform is solid, the parts are available, and the dream is alive. Why settle for what the brochure offered when you can have the car Volvo should have made?

So, whether you’re after more power, sharper handling, or just that unmistakable Rebel Blue presence, check out our latest upgrades. The V40 Polestar might be a “what if” for Volvo, but for you, it can be a reality.

Photos of our latest builds and parts coming soon—watch this space!