Slimmed down Volvo retains style

Once recovered from the initial shock of the searing orange “lava” carpets and fabric door trim inserts, it’s time to appreciate the talents of the 2018 European Car of Year Award winning Volvo XC 40.

The strong-shouldered, handsome and moderately highriding XC 40 gives Volvo a third SUV line below the second generation XC 60 and XC 90 models. It means slimmed down dimensions and a lower price point but the same sense of minimalist style, modern technology and turbo efficiency as its larger siblings.

Launched in New Zealand earlier this year the theme of simplicity is further underscored by the three model range. All XC 40 models have 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines with a 140kW version for the frontwheel-drive T4 Momentum and mid-grade T4 Inscription with allwheel-drive. And there’s a sportier flavour for the flagship T5 R Design AWD boosted to 182kW output.

It gives Volvo a three-tier model line-up with a sub-$60K start point, a mid-grade contender at $67,900 and a $72,900 premium model. Which in the case of the press car became $80,750 with optional Driver Support Pack ($2000) that extends its safety technologies to include adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and Park Pilot Assist, plus the $5000 Lifestyle Pack with introduces a panorama sunroof and Harmon Kardon audio.

The Lava interior highlights are $400 and heated front seats are a $450 option.

The XC 40 is Volvo’s answer to the likes of the Audi Q2 and Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, the BMW X1/X2 duo, Jaguar’s E-Pace and the Lexus NX.

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It fits the compact SUV template with a 4425mm overall length but runs on a long wheelbase and holds a wide stance. Volvo’s traditional upright design and muscular shoulders work nicely for an SUV and the XC 40 has a distinctive silhouette and there’s plenty of R Design smart detailing.

On the open road the XC 40 T5 cruises at 100km/h using at relaxed 1600rpm in eighth gear and then steps onto the torque plateau at 2000rpm in seventh and 2500rpm in sixth for some punchy overtaking response.

Inside the R Design sports seats feature a nappa leather/nubuck textile combination trim and there’s a charcoal roofliner, metal pedals and stylish “cutting edge” aluminium trim de´cor highlights.

I can’t see too many buyers preferring the startling orange Lava option to the standard charcoal carpets and door trim inserts.

The compact exterior dimensions translate to an efficiently packaged interior.

The optional sunroof seemed to have little impact on the front seat headroom and the sculpted driver’s seat has power cushion height/tilt, slide/recline and fourway power lumbar support adjustments with a two-position memory. In typical Volvo style the firm but supportive shaping of the seat and the visibility from the driving position are excellent.

I very much like the way Volvo has jumped onboard the SUV bandwagon and now has three models lines that enhance many of its traditional hallmarks such as seating comfort, interior practicality and unfussed switchgear and display layouts.

And with its solid looking design the XC 40 is as modern as anything else in this category while also being unlikely to be mistaken for anything other than a Volvo.

The XC 40 is well-timed and cleverly-executed compact SUV for luxury buyers.