New Volvo XC40 Redefines Luxury In The Compact SUV Market
WHEN it comes to luxury SUVs there are a number of badges that immediately spring to mind. None, however offers the range of options to compete with the Volvo XC range. That range is now even wider following the introduction of the new Volvo XC40 compact SUV.
The XC40 is Volvo's first premium compact SUV and it promises to be just as successful as the larger SUVs in the Volvo range, the XC60 and XC90.
It's just a bit smaller.
According to Volvo, the XC40 compact SUV is designed primarily for the city. We think this might be a marketing ploy to attract the urban driver. Yes, it's smaller than the other XC models so it will be easier to negotiate busy traffic or squeeze into restrictive parking spaces, but there is no reason we can see for it not being a practical choice regardless of where you drive it.
Alongside the usual choice of front or all-wheel drive, and manual or automatic transmission, there are an initial choice of three petrol and two diesel engines with power ranging from 150 to 250bhp. The engines are all 2.0-litre, four-cylinder units offering varying levels of power and efficiency.
The combination of engine, gearbox, and drive will vary according to which model you choose. The 156bhp T3 is available exclusively with front-wheel drive and manual transmission while the 190bhp T4 and 247bhp T5 come with all-wheel drive and automatic transmission.
If you prefer a diesel engine then the 150bhp D3 is the most versatile with the choice of front or all-wheel drive and both manual or automatic transmission. The 190bhp D4 comes with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.
Volvo has said that other powertrains will be offered later in the XC40's lifecycle, so hopefully that means the 400bhp T8 Twin Engine Petrol Plug-in Hybrid will be an option at some point. You should all be crossing your fingers, knocking on wood, and avoiding black cats just to be on the safe side.
The new Volvo XC40 shares many features such as the advanced connectivity, entertainment and safety technology found in the rest of the range too.
The entry-level Momentum versions are extremely well equipped as standard, including Volvo's cutting-edge Sensus 9" touch screen that works in tandem with the sophisticated voice-activated control system. As well as offering real-time traffic information and lifetime map updates the Sensus system also looks gloriously contemporary in the Volvo dashboard.
Also listed as standard equipment on the new XC40 are LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3" active TFT configurable driver's information display and rear parking sensors.
Most of that is academic at the moment because the new Volvo XC40 compact SUV is only currently available in one single trim. The first XC40s in the UK will be the lavishly equipped T5 and D4 First Editions. Move quickly enough and your new XC40 could be one of them.
First Edition models are based on the R-Design Pro version but with even more equipment as standard. Highlights include the Xenium pack - which includes parking camera, park assist, and panoramic roof - Pilot Assist, a power-operated tailgate with handsfree opening and closing, heated rear seats, wireless mobile phone charging and the Harmon Kardon sound system.
Prices for the new Volvo XC40 are expected to start from just under £28k for the entry level T3 Momentum, although at the moment you would be looking at £39,305 for the D5 First Edition. The T5 First Edition is slightly more expensive at £40,355.
We're not going to say the Volvo XC40 compact SUV is cheap, it isn't. The old adage of getting what you pay for is consistently proven to be true, the XC40 just proves the point. Put it this way: It's easy to see how you could get less if you spend less. It's hard to see where you could get more by spending more.
Take into account the benefits of leasing and the XC40 really does make perfect sense. You get a whole lot of luxury in a car that won't disappoint. Well, why wouldn't you?
Volvo XC40 Images
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