XC40 offers plenty of Volvo-style prestige
Compact utility model sized right with more powertrain options
Cits position as a world-class automaker, Volvo continues to add to its array of well-equipped vehicles. With the arrival of the XC40, that range now encompasses a compact utility model with plenty of Volvo-style prestige and panache.
The XC40, while late to the smalland-tall wagon party, is a sign that Volvo is plugged in to current trends and that it has devised a vehicle that is uniquely different from the rest of the pack.
Volvo’s parent company, Geely of China, plans to spin off a less pricey version of the XC40 for sale globally under the Lynk & Co. brand.
Compared with the next-stepup XC60, the XC40 is 10.4 inches shorter, and the distance between the front and rear wheels is 6.4 inches less. The XC40 rides on a new platform that remains exclusive to that model.
The XC60 and XC40 are nearly the same height, which ensures the latter’s ability to store bulky stuff, especially when the rear seat is folded. Its stowage capacity is actually greater than that of many midsize models.
With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, this Volvo can tackle more than just city streets and road construction.
From the front, the XC40 bears a strong resemblance to other Volvos. Credit goes to the signature “Thor’s hammer” light bars in the headlamps. The rest of the bodywork charts a different course. The giant vision-limiting rear roof pillars are somewhat distracting while the L-shaped taillights that frame the liftgate make the XC40 easy to spot from the sides and rear.
The interior is the epitome of understated Swedish modern, with a bare minimum of switches and knobs. A 12.3-inch touch screen dominates a dashboard that features vertically shaped air vents that are more than a bit unusual.
Seating is a Volvo specialty, and the XC40’S well-bolstered front chairs should provide much comfort and joy, particularly on long journeys.
When it launched, the XC40 came with all-wheel drive and one engine option. Since then, a new — and lower-priced — front-wheel-drive model with a bit less power has joined in.
Its turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.
The all-wheel-drive model gets a more potent version of the turbo 2.0, with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.
Both are connected to eight-speed automatic transmissions with paddle shifters. The XC40 doesn’t go in for the latest dials and push-buttons
for changing gears and instead sticks to an old-school-type handle with a meaty grip.
No matter the engine-drivetrain combination, the XC40 is available in three trim levels. At $34,700 (about $1,500 less than the previous base-awd model), the T5 Momentum is well equipped, including climate control, heated front seats and a power driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory function.
The T5 R-design adds dual-zone climate control, panoramic moonroof, leather upholstery, power-adjustable passenger seat, hands-free power liftgate and 19-inch wheels (18s for the Momentum). The R-design also gets a sport suspension.
At the top end, the Inscription boasts a voice-activated navigation system, premium leather seat coverings, genuine wood interior trim and a super-cool “Orrefors Chrystal” gearshift knob.
Heading the list of options for the Inscription is a 13-speaker Harmon Kardon-brand audio package and 20-inch wheels.
With Volvo’s penchant for occupant protection, all XC40S come with active-safety technologies such as cross-traffic backup alert (with braking) and forward emergency braking that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Few competing systems can do this.
Volvo has indicated that by the 2020 model year a plug-in hybrid XC40 will be available. It will use
a three-cylinder engine plus a rear-mounted electric motor.
So, how does Volvo do at jumping into the entry-luxury small-utility field? Well, the company has certainly had plenty of time to go to school on the competition, which means there shouldn’t be any excuses. And really, the XC40 stands up, other than it has a narrow price range commensurate with having just one engine choice and two trims.
Maybe the XC40 doesn’t need the variety, and then again it’s also just the beginning.