By Ian Strachan.
Volvo’s XC40 is described as a compact SUV. But there’s nothing compact about this excellent offering from the Swedish manufacturer.
Powered by a two-litre 197 bhp petrol engine with battery back-up, the XC40 will give you almost 40 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, even in the four wheel-drive version that I tested.
The XC40 has bags of interior space, with generous legroom front and rear, a high seating position and a more than adequate carrying capacity of 443 litres which can be increased by folding the seats. In fact the XC40 doesn’t feel any smaller than its bigger brother, the excellent XC60.
The XC40, in Ultra spec which I tested, is bristling with technology, with most functions controlled via a slick and intuitive nine-inch touchscreen with voice activation.
This SUV carries over design cues from its bigger stable-mates, including its soft Scandinavian curves. There’s no doubt the XC40 also looks good, with its striking Volvo grille and chunky 20-inch alloys. In design terms, there’s no doubt that this is a Volvo. Solid, sturdy-looking and roomy, it’s all Volvo from front, back and side.
It has a high stance, superb traction and a host of electronics to keep you safe. The 2.0 litre petrol engine is a superb unit – very quiet, with smooth, unfussed power delivery which can propel you from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7.5 seconds. Linked to an effortless automatic transmission, driving it is a pleasure.
The XC40’s ride is comfortable, with nicely damped suspension, no body roll on cornering, and supportive, supremely comfortable seats.
The interior is nicely trimmed with powered, heated front seats. The dash is uncluttered and clear with all controls falling nicely to hand, including the central touchscreen and 12.3 inch driver’s information display.
Trim levels are high. Standard equipment on this specification includes a good voice-activated Google maps satnav and connect system, rear parking sensors with rear camera, eight-speaker DAB radio and sound system, automatic two-zone climate control, automatic stop/start, cruise control with intelligent speed assistance, lane control, hill start assist, automatic LED headlights with active high beam and electrically heated folding door mirrors.
This XC40 B4 4WD Ultra that I tested comes in at £47,060 on the road. The range starts at £36,840 and residuals are good.
If you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable well-specified compact SUV which is a pleasure to drive, the XC40 could be the car for you.
