Life begins at 40 for Volvo
THE Volvo of today is a million miles away from its boxy, conservative past. Splitting from Ford’s ownership in 2009 and being given a free hand under new owners Geely has breathed some much-needed life into the Swedish car maker. Innovation is up, executives communicate with a newfound level of confidence and the cars boast a striking road presence and are bursting with clever features.
This new XC40 is the latest illustration of Volvo’s rebirth.
Compact SUVs are rapidly becoming the default choice for many buyers and they’re on course to becoming the 21st-century equivalent of the family hatchback.
However choice is plentiful and to stand out it’s a case of go big or go home for manufacturers who don’t want to be left behind.
Pitched against the likes of Audi’s Q3, BMW’s X1 and Jaguar’s new E-Pace, Volvo clearly isn’t afraid of the competition.
Building on the success of its premium XC90 and mid-size XC60 models, Volvo has taken the same winning formula and shrunk it to fit its new XC40. Bold and thoughtful design meets the equally bold use of clever safety and entertainment technology.
Far from the XC40 being just another “me too” design, the baby Volvo is sufficiently different from its bigger relatives to boast a personality all of its own.
The car’s appearance might be a throwback to its maker’s past but it’s also a rugged look that’s absent in the clinical, smooth lines of some of its rivals. Offered in both two and four-wheel drive guise the XC40 will at least be able to walk the walk. Sure, it’s not going to beat something wearing a Land Rover badge but it will make for a stylish all-weather machine if you need the year-round security of the extra grip.
This performance is backed up by a solid choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all 2.0-litre units.
Initially there will be a choice of just two engines. However there will be a 187bhp turbo-diesel in the D4 or a 247bhp petrol in the T5.
While the D4 is capable of 55.4mpg average fuel economy at the pumps and 133g/km emissions, the flagship T5 can cover the 0 to 60mph sprint in 6.5 seconds and has a 140mph top speed.
The T5 delivers a brisk and engaging experience if you need high-end performance. The petrol motor is predictably that bit more refined but you’ll likely save more if you opt for the D4 variant thanks to its superior emissions and economy credentials.
Volvo forecasts that the less powerful 148bhp D3 diesel will be the more popular choice when that arrives and when combined with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.
The petrol range will be expanded with 154bhp and 188bhp engines in the T3 and T4 models later this year too.
Initial deliveries in early 2018 will