Yahoo Autos Volvo XC40
It seems at the moment that every other week another compact crossover/4x4/SUV/whatever arrives, this time the Volvo XC40.
The third SUV in Volvo’s line-up completes the Volvo SUV range and it sits bang-on where you’d expect it to: it’s a 4.4-metre-long, high-twenties to 40-grand car that’ll go up against the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and, now, the Jaguar E-Pace.
Volvo XC40 brings its own style
The XC40 looks like it wants to do things slightly differently to those. Not in its mechanical make-up, necessarily, which is pretty straightforward (more on which in a moment), but at least in its design and ethos.
It’s still a Volvo at heart but, whereas other cars are facsimiles of bigger models in their makers’ ranges, the Volvo you should think of as “a cousin, rather than a brother” to XCs 60 and 90.
Not only is it smaller, then, it’s a bit chunkier on the outside, and a bit funkier on the inside, than the more elegant but understated 60 and 90 models, which is a theme you might expect to continue when smaller saloons and estates come on this platform too.
The platform, or architecture, is new. CMA, or compact modular architecture, they call it, and it’s one of two that’ll underpin all Volvos (the 60 and 90 models are on a different one).
Here it is, for the most part, pretty conventional. It’s a steel monocoque, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, electrically assisted steering, and transverse, front-mounted engines driving front or four wheels.
Initially, all XC40s coming to the UK are four-wheel drive and have automatic gearboxes. You’ll have a choice of a 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine (D4) or a 247bhp 2.0-litre turbo petrol (T5). Here, we’ve driven both, you lucky devils.
As for trim levels, UK cars will be available in seven trims ranging from Momentum through to Inscription Pro and First Edition models.
Entry-level Momentum trimmed cars get LED headlights, automatic wipers and lights, rear parking sensors, 18in alloy wheels, cruise control plus a wealth of Volvo’s safety technology fitted as standard. Inside, you will find dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition, electric windows, and Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system complete with a 9.0in portrait touchscreen display, DAB radio, sat nav, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Upgrade to R-Design and the XC40 gains a leather upholstery, LED front fog lights, gloss black exterior trim, a sporty bodykit, sports suspension and electric folding door mirrors, while the range-topping Inscription model gets driftwood interior touches, chrome highlights, ambient interior lighting, a powered tailgate, thick pile floor mats and front parking sensors.
For those craving a touch more luxury can choose the Pro versions of the three previous trims, which adds heated front seats, active bending headlight technology, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and a heated windscreen to a rather comprehensive package.
Those wanting more exclusivity can opt for the First Edition model which comes with heated rear seats and steering wheel, keyless entry, a Harman Kardon stereo system, smartphone integration, wireless phone charger and a host of equipment packs found on the options list.
