A small Swede with big aspirations
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-can eat pot of buyers.
The XC40, while late to the smalland-tall wagon party, is a sign that Volvo is plugged in to current trends and that it 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 to the next-step-up XC60, the XC40 is 10.4 inches shorter, while the distance between the front and rear wheels is 6.4 inches 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 8.3 inches 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 12.3-inch 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 well-bolstered front chairs should provide much comfort and joy, particularly on long journeys.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder 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 60 mph from rest in 6.2 seconds, which isn’t bad for a 3,600-pound vehicle.
The engine is connected to an eightspeed 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 two trim levels. At $36,200, the T5 Momentum is well equipped, including climate control, leather upholstery, power liftgate and a power driver’s seat with lumbar support and memory function. Later in the year, a front-wheel-drive-Momentum will be available for about $2,000 less.
The T5 R-Design ($39,700) comes with dual-zone climate control, premium