Volvo XC40, The Latest In The Family

To think that the Volvo V40 Cross Country was enough to compete among compact SUVs was a lot to imagine. The Swedish brand has taken its time to place a representative in the fashion segment, but the wait has been worth it ; The new Volvo XC40 is a model that has it all to succeed.

With 4.43 meters in length, it  enters fully to compete with the Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA, to which we must add the newcomers Jaguar E-Pace and BMW X2.

Volvo XC40 exterior design

If there is an essential section for the buyer of a compact SUV, it is its aesthetics. This they know very well in the Swedish house, since they have released a product capable of capturing all eyes in its path.

The front end, like its older brothers XC60 and XC90, has a fairly high and robust nose, with a wide grille, and clean and uncluttered lines. Volvo’s new image has taken a huge step forward over its predecessors.

In the rear we find the same feeling of sobriety and elegant cleanliness that there is in the front. For a car designed to roll in urban areas, its presence is at the level of much larger and more expensive models.

Interior design and habitability

It is appreciated that the brand puts so much enthusiasm in its smaller models of the house. Although with certain differences in the quality of materials and some available extras, the presentation is very even with that of a Volvo XC60.

The dashboard of the Volvo XC40 follows the current trend of placing a large format screen in an upright position with which almost all the vehicle’s controls are operated. Although it is intuitive and fast, there are controls such as those for the climate control that would be appreciated if they were off the screen; Gestures such as changing the temperature force you to look away more than you want.

The space in the front seats is similar to that of a good compact but with a plus of distance to the ceiling. In addition, the wide adjustments of the seat and the steering wheel help to find the ideal driving position. All this, together with a quality of materials that is outstanding for its segment, makes taking long trips with the XC40 a pleasure.

The rear seats are similar to those of an Audi Q3, although they do not reach the level of a BMW X1. Four tall passengers will be able to travel without space problems; A fifth person will not be so comfortable  due to the limited width available and the hardness of the backrest, something common among its competitors.

The trunk has 460 liters, a correct figure for the 4.43 meters that this Volvo XC40 measures, but small if we compare it with the 505 liters of an X1 or the 575 liters of the Evoque.

Dynamics and engines

Despite the high height of SUVs, the Volvo XC40 holds up remarkably on curvy roads. The suspension setting is slightly hard and holds the bodywork very well, which avoids the typical swaying when braking and changing support.

It is very easy to circulate at a high speed without punishing the passengers excessively : at all times it maintains a silence of the march and a considerable isolation.

The XC40 has a range of very powerful engines for a car in its segment and we miss a more affordable access engine, which would slightly lower the base price of the car.

• Gasoline : part of a block of 1.5 liters of displacement capable of developing 156 HP of power, more than enough to move the vehicle with great ease. Above, with the name T4, we have a 2.0-liter 190 hp and, at the top of the range, Volvo offers the T5, with no less than 247 hp.
• Diesel : the access engine is a 2.0-liter with 150 hp called D3, a high enough figure to be the least powerful engine available. The D4, with 190 hp, is positioned as the most powerful diesel version.

The 150 hp diesel and 156 hp gasoline will account for most of the sales, although the 190 hp diesel version is perfect to get the most out of a car with its possibilities.

Prices and conclusion

Part of the € 30,950 requested by the brand for the version with the basic finish and the 156 hp gasoline engine. The top-of-the-range model goes up to € 49,849 for the R-Design T5 AWD, a high figure for its segment, but in line with what the brand offers in return.

The Volvo XC40 is one of the most balanced models in its segment, it complies with a note in all sections and, although it has a high price, the brand has not spared in terms of quality and technological endowment.