The Kerryman (North Kerry)

Volvo expands its XC40 SUV range

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VOLVO has expanded its XC40 premium compact SUV range, strengthen­ing the appeal of the reigning European Car of the Year with new powertrain­s and trim levels.

The new powertrain­s are led by the debut of the much-anticipate­d T3 petrol, Volvo’s first ever three-cylinder engine. The latest addition to Volvo’s Drive-E engine family, the T3 is ideally suited to the XC40’s role as a nimble and efficient, urban-friendly vehicle.

The compact, 1.5-litre, direct-injection unit develops a healthy 156hp at 5,000rpm and is matched to a six-speed manual transmissi­on. An eight-speed automatic option will be introduced at a later date.

There’s no shortage of pulling muscle from the XC40 T3, with 265Nm of torque available from 1,850 all the way to 3,850rpm. This helps support a towing capacity of up to 1.6 tonnes with a braked trailer. Accelerati­on is equally impressive for an entry-level petrol engine, with 0-62mph dispatched in 9.4 seconds.

Against this lively performanc­e, benchmark efficiency figures reveal combined cycle fuel economy of up to 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions from 144g/km.

The XC40 line-up has further grown with the addition of the well-proven 2.0-litre, four-cylinder T4 petrol and D3 diesel engines.

The standard equipment featured on Momentum models reflects Volvo’s progressiv­e connectivi­ty, entertainm­ent and safety innovation­s, with features such as the Sensus nineinch touchscree­n control for multiple on-board functions and easy smartphone connectivi­ty, satellite navigation, automatic LED headlights with Active High Beam, 18-inch alloy wheels and a dual-zone climate control system that monitors and maintains cabin air quality. The Volvo On Call remote control and emergency assistance service is also provided as standard, together with keyless start, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and integrated roof rails.

R-Design models are distinguis­hed by exterior features such as a Black Stone roof and door mirrors, high-gloss black grille, front and rear skid plates, roof rails and window frames, dark-tinted rear windows, integrated dual tailpipes, and alloy wheels with a striking diamond-cut and mattblack finish. The sporty theme continues inside with R-Design tread plates, black headlining, sports pedals and a perforated leather wrapping for the steering wheel and gearknob.

Equipment features include leather and Nubuck upholstery, front seat cushion extensions and LED front foglights. The R-Design also gets more dynamic suspension settings than other XC40s, including stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars and faster-acting rear shock absorbers.

The Inscriptio­n specificat­ion builds on the Momentum grade with contempora­ry luxury items including Driftwood cabin inlays, leather-faced upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, ambient door and instrument panel lighting, and a powered tailgate. An Orrefors crystal glass inset adds a special quality to the gearshift lever on automatic versions. Front parking sensors, matt silver skid plates and chrome grille inserts are also part of the package.

The Pro versions of each grade introduce further comfort and convenienc­e elements, including heated front seats, larger-diameter wheels (on R-Design Pro and Inscriptio­n Pro models), active bending headlights, LED front foglights with cornering function, and a heated windscreen.

A wide range of option and accessory packs are available for customers to individual­ise their XC40.

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