First Edition has the write stuff
XC40 set to storm the SUV market
MY week with Volvo’s new XC40 compact SUV has been like a date that’s gone much better than you thought it would.
We’ve got on really well. For starters the XC40 understands me, quite literally, thanks to the Sensus entertainment system that is standard on all models and not just this flagship launch version, the First Edition.
It’s a sharp and clear system that’s well laid out but, annoyingly, you have to go via the screen to adjust the temperature. So I made use of the voice control system which, similar my Tell commands up” it systems, to unlike and “turn perfectly. the many the understood temperature climate other control degree rather actually than goes making up a a phone call to my Aunt Madge.
This First Edition model is based on the R-Design Pro trim level. This is the sporty XC40, Inscription is the luxury one and Momentum the entry level. All three can be had in Pro spec which keeps the basic theme but adds more equipment.
The R-Design versions have gloss black front grilles, a gloss lower front bumper and the same finish on the door mirrors, skid plates and exhaust surrounds. It also gets sportier suspension with stiffer springing and damping which, I thought, might be a cause for concern. Not so. Even with its stiffer suspension this car rides speed bumps and potholes surprisingly well. Presumably, the Momentum and Inscription
models are even better with their softer suspension settings.
A whole raft of engines will be available on the XC40 by the end of this year, including a new threecylinder engine.
Eventually there’ll be plug-in hybrid versions, too.
For the moment the First Edition cars give you the choice between the 190bhp D4 diesel and the 250bhp T5 petrol. Our car is fitted with the former. The £39,905 D4 First Edition has an eightspeed automatic gearbox and fourwheel drive. At the cheaper end of the range, the £27,905 Momentum with a 156bhp T3 engine has front-wheel drive only and a manual gearbox. You can also get the same mechanical package in an R-Design Pro for £31,655, which is the model I’d go for.
Inside, the XC40 is as equally alluring as it is from the pavement. Volvo is really strong on interior design at the moment and this latest model is no exception. It’s classy, comfortable and very tasteful. There’s plenty of leg and headroom for adults in both the front and the back. The seat squabs are a bit short so teenagers and smaller kids will be more comfortable than tall grown-ups.
The luggage area isn’t massive either, but it’s got some practical features that in part make up for a few missing litres of space.
The parcel shelf, once you’ve removed it, fits neatly under the floor – a great idea as it’s annoying to have to leave it at home or cram it between the rear and front seats if you’re carrying a big object in the back that requires its removal.
You also get a couple of hooks on the rear seats from which you can hang shopping bags rather than have them spill their contents all over the boot floor.
The Range Rover Evoque totally dominates the compact SUV segment but I would seriously recommend anyone thinking of buying into this type of car to look at this new Volvo.
I’m not a huge SUV/crossover fan, as you know, but the XC40 is one of the very few that I’d be happy to splash my own cash on.
The XC40 is as alluring inside as it is from the pavement