XC40 is better late than never
The representative from Sweden has finally spoken, which means that virtually every automaker on the planet has at least one compact utility vehicle on offer to a seemingly all-you-caneat pot of buyers.
The XC40, while late to the small-and-tall wagon party, is a sign that Volvo is plugged in to current trends and has devised a vehicle that’s 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 name Lynk & Co.
Compared with the next-step-up XC60, the XC40 is more than 25 centimetres shorter, while the distance between the front and rear wheels is 16 centimetres less. The XC40 rides on a brand-new platform that, for now, remains exclusive to that model. The two vehicles are virtually the same height, which ensures the newcomer’s ability to store bulky stuff, especially when the rear seat is folded. The XC40’s stowage capacity is actually greater than that of many midsize models.
With 21 centimetres of ground clearance, this Volvo can also 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 decidedly 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 large 31-centimetre touchscreen 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 wellbolstered front chairs should provide much comfort and joy, particularly on long journeys.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-litre fourcylinder engine that generates 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. With only minor variations in output, this powerplant is also the starting point for the entire fleet of Volvo vehicles sold here.
According to the company’s stopwatch, the XC40 can reach 100 km/h from rest in 6.1 seconds, which isn’t bad for a 1,640-kilogram vehicle.
The engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters. The XC40 doesn’t go in for the latest in dials and pushbuttons for changing gears, but instead sticks to an old-school-type handle with a meaty grip.
For the time being at least, the XC40 is available in three trim levels. At $41,900, 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 ($45,700) comes with dual-zone climate control, premium leather seat covers, power-adjustable passenger seat, up-level audio system, voice-activated navigation, hands-free power liftgate and 19-inch wheels (18s for the Momentum). The R-Design also gets a sport suspension.
The top-end Inscription ($48,600) adds a Harman Kardon Kardon sound system and fancier interior trim and a special crystal shifter.
With Volvo’s penchant for safety, the XC40 come with active-safety technologies such as crosstraffic 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 for the 2019 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 did Volvo do at breaking into the entryluxury small-utility field? Well, the company certainly had enough 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 three trims.
Maybe the XC40 doesn’t need the variety, and then again, it’s also just the beginning.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle Engine (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4, turbocharged (248) Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Market position: The XC40 is late when compared with the rest of the small-utility class — which means it’s behind in sales — but the company has had ample time to benchmark the competition and create a slick little machine. Points: Sharp, tidy design, but not the most attractive in the category. • First-rate interior appointments, especially the seats. • Wide doors and tall roofline are a boon for passenger comfort and cargo capacity. • Standard turbo engine is stout enough to get the job done. • Late to the compact utility party, but should quickly make up for lost time. Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); emergency braking (std.); lane-departure intervention (std.); pedestrian/large animal detection/intervention (std.) Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy) 9.0/7.5 Base price (incl. destination) $41,900