WHAT A SMART BABY!
THOSE who think self-driving technology is pie in the sky or only for expensive luxury cars, think again. I’ve just been driving Volvo’s new XC40 SUV — or should I say it’s been driving me. This new baby off-roader — aimed at younger fashion- conscious city dwellers, creative types and yummy mummies — is about to become the smallest car on the market capable of semiautonomous driving.
Push a button on the steering wheel, and it drives itself at speeds of up to 80 mph, thanks to sensors and cameras that read the road ahead, accelerating and braking to avoid other cars and nudging the steering wheel to stay in lane.
This system, Pilot Assist, is available on every car as part of an advanced safety package costing £ 1,400. It includes adaptive cruise control, and blind- spot alert, a system for spotting cars coming from the side and braking. To help avoid being hit from the rear, the car will also alert the car behind with flashing lights to brake, and prepare passengers for an impact by pre-tensioning the seat belts.
The technology has trickled down from the larger XC90 and XC60 4x4s. There are three trim levels — Momentum, a sportier R-Design and a luxurious Inscription, as well as colour options. Inside, the car is Scandi- chic and well thought out. Loudspeakers have been removed from the side doors and put into the dashboard to free up more storage space. There are even clutter-free spots for credit cards and smartphones.
The 12.3 in digital dashboard is standard on all cars, as is the 9 in central touchscreen for satnav and most other functions.
The British- designed XC40 costs from £27,905 for the petrol T3 Momentum manual, to £37,305 for the diesel R-Design Pro. Special T5 petrol and D4 diesel First Edition models cost £40,355 and £39,305 respectively.
There’s a range of 2- litre engines — three petrol and two diesel — from 150 bhp to 250 bhp. Hybrid and pure electric versions will follow. First deliveries are expected in March.
There’s also a subscription scheme, which includes insurance, from £629 a month.