The Volvo V40 2.0 with a Swift Challenger 520 with an actual weight of 1391 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the Volvo is in general more than sufficient. But the weight of the Swift with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy. Proper and careful loading is essential and don't drive too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
207
98
Mountains
Risk of snaking
209
114
Weight ratio: 86% (99% of kerbweight)
1391 kg
1610 kg
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Volvo V40 2.0 Swift Challenger 520
Actual Weights
Swift Challenger 520: 1391 kg.
Volvo V40 2.0: 1610 kg.
Noseweight: 75 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 86%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 207 points).
Speeds of 71 mph (114 km/h) to 76 mph (123 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is only very moderate power at low engine speeds (score to compare 98 points).
Slightly higher revs (2800 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 21.3 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally good (score to compare 209 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 13%, but do require some experience from the driver.
On motorway inclines higher revs (4500 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 61 mph (98 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the Volvo is sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
The car is too heavily loaded.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 86%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 99%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 75 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 114 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is more than sufficient.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.