Volvo XC40
WE SAY: WATCH OUT, RIVALS – VOLVO HAS GOT SERIOUS ABOUT THE CROSSOVER CLASS Volvo XC40 D4 £39,905
First things frst: don’t be scared by the price you see above. That’s for the fagship First Edition model. The car you’ll actually buy, indeed the model that makes more sense, is a mid-range 150bhp D3, probably with the £1,590 auto ’box. So you’re looking around the £32,000 mark.
Why not the D4? Because it’s not an exceptional diesel. It’s gruf at low speeds, has a lethargic turbo and never feels as quick as it should with 190bhp. Better to let the XC40 live a more relaxed life.
Because the XC40 is a very good crossover. I know it’s not cool to like these things, but they are the way the market is developing, and this one treads a good path between more hatch-based rivals such as the Merc GLA, and shrunken SUVs like the BMW X1. The XC40 is well executed and looks good, but better than that – and a real surprise for any Volvo – it drives well.
This is a Volvo with a spring in its step. It rides nicely, with the right amount of cushioning to make it feel cosseting, the right amount of roll resistance to make it feel alert through corners. The steering rack is fast and the front end is precise and alert. It behaves nimbly. There’s a bit of tyre noise, but suspension noise and cabin insulation is great. In short, I can’t remember a more satisfying Volvo.
Or one better attuned to its audience.
The fact it gets along the road with a bit of verve makes you aware the engine ought to be perkier, the eight- speed auto more incisive and better calibrated. The D3 or one of the lesser petrols (150bhp T3 or 190bhp T4) might well do this better. It’s also worth knowing the XC40 isn’t particularly efcient. Volvo says 55.4mpg for the D4. We say 40mpg.
The driving environment is typically excellent – portrait screen, high-quality materials, feel-good ambience. The driving position is well-judged, but you do have to raise the seat if you want to see the bonnet and feel in control of urban situations.
Rear-seat space is good, although the bench lacks thigh support and the backrest is rather upright, while nifty packaging has liberated an unexpectedly generous boot with several useful storage solutions.
There’s a full gamut of safety solutions, but Volvo really hopes you’ll buy it through their new subscription service: £795pcm for the First Edition. But you don’t want one of those anyway.