MHH International have taken a first look at the Swedish brand’s first ever premium compact SUV, the gorgeous XC40. This latest innovation from Volvo is their first model to be built on the company's all-new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform.
Whilst retaining the option of taking the car for a taste of light off-roading, Volvo say that the XC40 is designed primarily for the city. Featuring much of the advanced connectivity we expect from this company, the entertainment and safety technology emanate from Volvo's newest 60 and 90 series cars, the XC60, S90, V90 and XC90. It will be powered by Volvo's efficient Drive-E engines, and be offered with front- or all-wheel drive, and with manual and automatic gearboxes.
Three petrol and two diesel engines will initially be available, with power ranging from 150hp to 250hp. All these engines are 2.0L, four-cylinder units developing different levels of power viz: 156hp T3, 190hp T4 and 247hp T5 petrols plus the option of 150hp D3 and 190hp D4 diesels.
The entry level T3 model is available exclusively with front-wheel drive. The diesels are offered in either front or all-wheel-drive form. The T4, T5 and D4 come as standard with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. An auto ‘box is also available on D3 versions. Volvo say that other power-trains will be offered later in the XC40's life cycle and will presumably include hybrid and full-electric options.
Entry-level Momentum versions have the most expressive styling, including textile and vinyl interior upholstery and, in line with current trends, the option of a contrast-coloured white roof and door mirrors, along with white and black alloy wheels. Momentum XC40s are extremely well equipped as standard, we were told, including Volvo's cutting-edge Sensus 9" touch screen that works in tandem with a sophisticated voice-activated control system.
The class-leading connectivity features continue with sat-nav, which includes real-time traffic information and lifetime map updates plus no less than three USB sockets. The Sensus system also allows access to a range of web apps including Spotify and all the usual suspects. Volvo being noted for their priority on safety also offer as standard across the board the Volvo On Call smartphone app and emergency assistance.
Also standard are LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, a 12.3" active TFT configurable driver's information display and rear parking sensors. Alloy wheels are 18" as standard, with up to 21" wheels available as an option.
As mentioned, safety is at the forefront with the XC40. Standard safety equipment includes City Safety, Volvo's automatic emergency braking system that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, and Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which warns you if you move out of your lane into the path of an oncoming vehicle and provides steering assistance to guide you safely back into your lane.
But it is not all about a stuffy Volvo image. They have gone for a bit of bling too as the R-Design versions add a host of sporty touches, including a gloss black front grille and front and rear lower bumper sections, a black roof and door mirrors, and dual integrated exhaust pipes. The cars also get uprated sports suspension and 18" diamond cut/matt black alloy wheels. On the inside, there's leather/nubuck upholstery, front seat cushion extensions, a perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob, and aluminium dashboard inlays. The whole appearance of the upper level models is very upmarket as you would expect from a prestige brand.
The description of ‘small SUV’ is apt. Although similar in size to mainstream crossover cars, the whole package is considerably more than that title would suggest. The XC40 is available to order in the UK now, with the first deliveries are expected in early 2018.UK pricing starts at £27,905 for the T3 Momentum version.
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