24 cars blue sky: Geneva 2012: Volvo V40 Debuts Gets Multiple Gas, Diesel Engines

Of all the new debuts at the Geneva Auto Show, this would probably be what I'd like to own the most; the Volvo V40 T5. With a 256 horsepower turbocharged 5-cylinder making 295 lb-ft , I'd have plenty of performance on tap, and the knowledge that Volvo's safety features would keep me unharmed when I inevitably did something stupid.

The V40 won't just be available in performance trim. A pair of 1.6L 4-cylinder engines will also be offered – with 1.6L diesel, which makes 115 horsepower and over 200 lb-ft of torque, emits less than 100 grams of CO2 per kilometer, an important number in countries where vehicles face an emissions tax. A more powerful diesel will also be available. A start-stop system, regenerative braking andVolvo's CitySafe collision avoidance system will be standard throughout the range. Other features, like a self-parking system, will be available on certain models. Volvo apparently won't be selling the V40 in the U.S., despite Mercedes and Audi offering competitive vehicles in the near future – maybe they'll have a change of heart?