STEVE SAWYER

Age 61 Job Head of sales Drives Volvo V70

“From certain angles, the front of the XC40 reminds me of a Range Rover – and that’s no bad thing. I like the muscular, angular look of the car.

“I wondered about the way the bonnet dips away and whether that would hinder visibility when parking, but parking sensors and cameras are fitted as standard, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

“I think the roof bars are rather nice and add to the overall look. And the optional brightly coloured trim on the inside I quite like, too; it’s bold.

“I might wait for the T8 petrolelectric hybrid model to arrive, because it will have performance to match the regular petrol engines but better fuel efficiency.

“The boot is large, at 460 litres, and there are plenty of wellthought-out practical features, such as deep cubbyholes, and useful options, including hands-free tailgate opening, a load-securing net and a cargo mat, although unfortunately no spare tyre.

“The XC40’S higher ride height makes it easier to get in and out of, without being like a big old-style SUV where you have to almost climb into it.”

‘There are plenty of well-thoughtout practical features’

Steve Sawyer

Useful options for the well-sized boot include hands-free tailgate opening

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