First drive Volvo XC40: a leader's wood

The compact SUV segment, or SUV-C, is undoubtedly one of the most competitive at the moment. Brands know it, and are going all in on it.

One of the latest brands to enter this segment is Volvo, which presents the XC40, the smallest SUV in its history, ready to take on the big names in the segment.

A design, above all, youthful

If there is one thing that has characterised Volvo designs since time immemorial, it is their sobriety and simplicity. With the arrival of the new wave of models from the brand, which began three years ago with the launch of the new generation of the XC90, Volvo wants to recover some of the ground it has lost.

The XC40, its latest novelty, demonstrates the brand’s potential. This small 4.43-metre-long SUV enjoys a very attractive image, with youthful lines. The front still bears a certain resemblance to the brand’s other two SUVs, the XC60 and XC90, with its grille of balanced proportions and the light units with the “Thor’s hammer” as a visual signature.

The side profile stands out for its simplicity, although the rising line of the glasshouse tries to enhance the robustness of the design. The wheels, up to 19 inches, come in very varied designs. As a contrasting touch, the roof and A-pillar can be painted in another colour.

At the rear we find light units with the now classic L shape, typical of Volvo hatchback models. On this occasion the number plate has been moved to the bumper, so the tailgate looks cleaner and flatter. The visual effect may be pleasing to some, but it seems to be a decision that will have consequences.

There is no shortage of unpainted plastic protections on the lower parts of the vehicle, both on the bumpers and the wheel arches, as well as a generous silver-coloured moulding at the rear that enhances the look of the rear end. The exhaust outlets are hidden on all trims except the R-Design, which has a sportier look.

An interior well above average

If there is one thing that the latest creations from Volvo stand out for, it is a cabin with a build quality and design that place them as 100% valid alternatives to the best-known premium brands, if not superior ones. This is once again the case with the XC40, which presents one of the best cabins in its class.

The design is no novelty if we have already seen the cabins of models such as the current XC90, XC60 or V90. Their lines are very similar: soft strokes that extend across the width of the dashboard, continuing both along the centre console and the tunnel that separates the two seats.

Besides the soft lines, the key feature of the XC40’s interior is a generous central screen, placed in a vertical position, from which it is possible to quickly control most of the vehicle’s parameters, as well as manage the infotainment system.

The interior finish is almost perfect. It is clear that some materials are not as expensive as those found in a Volvo 90 Series, but the vast majority of the materials we see and touch are padded, with a rich, eye-catching finish that feels pleasant to the touch.

Along with this, we find very comfortable seats, with upholstery that, depending on the equipment, can be cloth, leather and cloth, or full leather, always with a very pleasant feel. In addition, they can feature electric adjustment, memory and heating in three power levels. The interior ambience of the XC40 places it at the head of the segment, ahead of alternatives such as the BMW X1, the Mercedes GLA or the now veteran Audi Q3.

Interior space is good, enough for four adults to travel comfortably thanks to well-designed seats and a sizeable glasshouse. Luggage capacity is good, with 460 litres and very regular shapes, but lower than models such as the BMW X1, one of its direct rivals.

A new platform and familiar engines

The XC40 is the model chosen by Volvo to use for the first time a smaller, more compact modular platform, intended for urban and everyday models that do not require large volumes. Thus, the Volvo XC40 is the first model from the Swedish brand to use the new CMA platform.

Structurally the XC40 is a modern vehicle, with McPherson-type suspension on the front axle and multi-link on the rear axle, to which are added engines from the Drive-E family, with 2.0 litres of displacement and four cylinders, except for the entry-level petrol engine, called T3, which for the first time in Volvo is a three-cylinder.

In diesel, the XC40 is available in D3 and D4 variants with 150 and 190 hp, while in petrol you can choose between T3, T4 and T5 engines with 156, 190 and 247 hp. In the coming months we will see the arrival of two plug-in hybrid variants, with a fully electric version also planned for later.

The XC40’s driving manners are strongly reminiscent of its bigger siblings. Thus, we find ourselves before a very comfortable, very quiet and very well insulated vehicle, which conveys little feedback when driving, but is agile enough when on the move.

During our first contact we were able to drive the most powerful engines, both diesel and petrol. In both cases they are motors with plenty of power, smooth and quiet, somewhat more so in the petrol case. They are always paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter. An intelligent all-wheel-drive system via a Haldex clutch is also available.

A very complete range, from €30,950…as long as you want to buy it

The Volvo XC40 is available at dealerships with a starting price of €30,950. With four trims available, Base, Momentum, Inscription and R-Design, the XC40 is not the most affordable model in its segment, but it is one of the most competent.

For the first time at Volvo, a new form of vehicle use is available. Named “Care by Volvo”, the XC40 is available, under a use-and-enjoy arrangement, for a single monthly fee that includes everything from insurance and maintenance to 24-hour personal assistance, delivery and collection from the dealership, or washing and refuelling service.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverVolvo XC4011 versions · from 42,800 €