Volvo's compact XC40 SUV has delivered some new beginnings for the company. Jonathan Crouch drives and checks out the latest versions.

Ten Second Review

Volvo's XC40 is much more than just a smaller version of the brand's larger SUVs. It gets its own 'CMA' platform, a very distinct design to set itself apart and lots of potential for electrification. The result is a slightly unusual alternative to premium-branded compact SUVs like Audi's Q3 and the BMW X1. Here's the most recent lightly updated version, which offers mild hybrid, PHEV and full-EV options.

Background

Volvo took its time in developing a contender for the industry's fastest-growing market segment, that for compact family hatchback-based SUVs. Back in 2017, the XC40 put that right. Since then, it's been usefully updated. Under the skin lies a bespoke 'Compact Modular Architecture' platform that Volvo created with its Chinese owner Geely. It's a chassis that will in future be used by a whole range of new compact Volvo models, but it's hard to believe that many of them will be much more significant than this one. Established premium brand compact SUV contenders like BMW's X1, Mercedes' GLA and Audi's Q3 are all within this XC40's sights. So it'll have to be good.

Driving Experience

The XC40's 'CMA' platform has been based around provision for a whole range of future cutting-edge Volvo powerplants. All the combustion units now fuel from the green pump, you can only have front wheel drive and auto transmission is mandatory. The range kicks off with the B3 mild hybrid 163hp variant, which sits alongside a 197hp B4 mild hybrid model. If you need your XC40 to be fully battery-powered, you'll need a differently-badged version of this design, the EX40. There are two Pure Electric variants of the EX40 on offer. The base rear-driven single-motor model offers 238hp and goes 290 miles between charges of its 69kWh battery. The alternative AWD model offers the twin electric motor set-up (one on each axle) offering a 334 mile range between charges of its larger 82kWh battery. That AWD variant has 408hp on tap (yes, you heard that right), which seems like it'd be rather excessive for the needs of most likely customers, sprinting you to 62mph from rest in just 4.5s with more torque than you'd get in a Nissan GT-R super sports car - 660Nm of it, at which point, the motor's spinning at a heady 14,000rpm.

Design and Build

This XC40 has recently been updated with a smarter front bumper and a frameless front grille. That latter feature is blanked off in the EX40 Pure Electric model, which is the main visual difference marking out that full-EV XC40 variant from the combustion-engined versions of this design. In addition, the car's signature Thor's Hammer headlights have been augmented with state-of-the-art pixel LED light technology, enabling them to automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers. Otherwise, the XC40 is much as it was when we first saw it back in 2017. It's an interesting combination this. A Swedish-branded product, financed by a Chinese conglomerate, styled by a British designer and built in a Dutch factory. We'll start with the penman, a young Englishman Ian Kettle who says that the look of this car was inspired by robots he'd seen in sci-fi movies. In styling this contender, his brief was to give the XC40 its own identity, rather than simply making it a down-sized XC60. So while this car shares its bigger stablemate's 'Thor's Hammer' LED headlights and clamshell bonnet, it also gets unique touches like an inverted front grille and coupe-like rear styling. To some extent of course, the XC40 had to be different because it rides on quite different underpinnings, a 'CMA' ('Common Modular Architecture') platform that'll be seen on a whole range of future small models from Volvo and its Chinese parent Geely. Not too much is different with the latest model inside, though if you delve into the workings of the central portrait-style 9-inch screen, you'll find that the infotainment system is powered by Android, which means you get a raft of over-the-air Google features, including Maps and YouTube Music built in. What else might you need to know about the cabin? Well because the XC40's basic architecture was designed to accommodate a full-electric powertrain from the start, there are no compromises with the EV model over combustion versions when it comes to rear seat legroom. Or luggage space. Which is just as well because trunk capacity isn't huge, though the 452-litre capacity figure will probably be quite sufficient for the needs of most owners.

Market and Model

The XC40's quite a lot pricier than it used to be. The combustion models start at just under £36,000 and range up to just under £46,000. The EX40 Pure Electric line-up begins at around £48,000 and ranges up to around £62,000. Whatever kind of propulsion you choose for your XC40, there are three levels of trim available - 'Core', 'Plus' and 'Ultimate'. As standard in the combustion range, even entry-level 'Core' variants come with LED headlights with optional active high beam, two-zone climate control with a 'CleanZone' air-filtration system, rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch TFT instrument binnacle display and 19-inch alloy wheels, plus roof rails and a power-operated tailgate. Plusher 'Plus'-spec gets you keyless entry, LED front fog lamps, a Park Assist system, a flexible load floor and heat for the front seats and steering wheel. Top 'Ultimate' trim gives you 19-inch wheels, Volvo's 'Pilot Assist' with Adaptive Cruise Control set-up and a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system. There's also a powered sunroof, a 360-degree camera system and a headlamp cleaning system. As ever with Volvo, a key focus is safety. An autonomous braking system is standard-fit and this system can specifically detect people and animals. There's also an 'Oncoming Lane Mitigation' set-up that not only stops you from pulling out into the path of an oncoming vehicle but can also steer you away from such an impact. Pilot Assist, Volvo's innovative semi-autonomous drive feature, is an optional extra on every XC40, as is 'Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation'. And Cross Traffic Alert with brake support', which warn you of oncoming vehicles when you're reversing out of a space.

Cost of Ownership

On the the WLTP figures. The B3 and B4 mild hybrid front-driven models both offer combined fuel economy of up to 42mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions up to 152g/km. The Plug-in hybrids (which can go up to 28 EAER-rated miles on a charge) both manage a faintly unbelievable official combined cycle fuel reading of up to 134.5mpg and a CO2 reading of around 47g/km. The rear-driven single motor EX40 electric model can go up to 290 miles on a single charge. The Dual Motor AWD EX40 manages up to 334 miles. Charging times for the EV variants are competitive. The improved AWD model's larger battery pack allows for charging at an updated top rate of 200kW DC (previously there was 150kW DC maximum), while a 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 28 minutes. Overnight charging via a home wallbox will occupy around 8 hours. There are of course, lots of taxation advantages in running an EV. With this one, as with its main rivals, you'll be rated at just 2% for BiK Benefit-in-Kind taxation. Maintenance across the XC40 range should be relatively affordable for a car of this kind, with three or five year pre-paid servicing packages are available to help you budget ahead. If you pay extra for the useful 'On Call with App' remote connectivity system, this Volvo can be programmed to autonomously realise when a service is due, then automatically book it for you at a dealership of your choice. Finally, we'll tell you that the warranty is the usual three year, 60,000 mile package.

Summary

Volvo clearly felt that to break into the premium brand compact SUV segment, it had to offer something distinctively different to its German rivals, so that's exactly what we've got. Not everyone will like the looks but there's no doubt that they will help the brand to target buyers who would never previously have considered a Volvo. Will these people pass up a premium German-branded alternative to own this car though? Well, the class-leading safety standards may be tempting for some. And the personalisation options a deciding factor for others. Overall, if you're looking for a quality option that's a bit more unique in this segment, Volvo thinks it has a car that'll interest you very much.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Front and rear electric windows

Brakes

Stability and Traction Control with Spin control, Engine Drag Control and Corner Traction Control

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Hill start assist

Hill descent control

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic chassis

Communication

Android auto (Wired)

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

E-call

Bluetooth handsfree system

Apple carplay (wired)

Driver Aids

Lane keeping aid

Rear park assist

Driver alert control

Front park assist

Speed sensitive steering

Adaptive cruise control

Adjustable steering wheel force

Oncoming Lane Mitigation

Intelligent speed assistance

Driver Convenience

Power operated tailgate

Driver Information

9" centre console portrait touch screen

Volvo cars services with app - Driving journal, emergency and breakdown call, engine remote start, remote door locking/unlocking and vehicle dashboard

12.3" Progressive Driver Display

Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant

Driving Mirrors

Colour coordinated auto folding and heated power door mirrors

Automatic dimming interior mirror

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

High performance sound, 8 speakers/250W, 2 front type C and 2 rear type C USB

Steering wheel mounted remote controls

Exterior Body Features

Integrated roof rails in silver

Rear side wing doors

High Gloss silver front and rear skid plate

Dark grey front grille with chrome surround

Roof spoiler

Visible VIN plate

Roof antenna

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamp levelling

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Home safe and approach lighting

Automatic LED Headlights + Active high beam incorporating daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2 zone electronic climate control with clear zone air quality system and pollen filter

Interior Features

Glovebox bag hook

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Load cover

City block textile upholstery

Underfloor cargo storage

Centre console cupholders and storage

Rear armrest with cupholders

Charcoal headlining

Integrated waste bin

12V socket in front tunnel console and cargo compartment

Load protection net

3 Spoke tailored steering wheel with chrome trim

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Front cabin courtesy lights

Illuminated luggage compartment

Front reading lights

Front footwell illumination

Safety

Front seats SIPS airbags

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

City safety with steering support with Pedestrian + cyclist + front collision warning with full auto brake and rear auto brake

First aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver and passenger airbags

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

Inflatable curtain

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Passenger airbag cut-off device

Drivers knee airbag

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Run off Road Protection

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Seats

Height adjustable passenger seat

Heated front seats

Multi directional lumbar support for driver and passenger seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Front headrests

Rear headrests

Height/tilt adjustable driver's seat

Single front passenger seat

Isofix attachments on rear seats

60/40 versatile split folding rear seat

Security

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Keyless Start

Locking wheel nuts

2 x Key integrated remote control central locking including with deadlocking system and auto open/close windows

Transmission

Automatic transmission with start/stop and manual change functions

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated vanity mirrors + ticket holder

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 164

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 150

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

CC: 1969

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 42.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 30.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 45.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 51.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 46.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 42.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 36.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 42.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 9.2

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 8.8

General

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Coin Series: Core

Coin Description: B3P

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 23E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 163

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 120

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - RPM: 4750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 195

Engine Power - BHP: 163

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - NM: 265

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.6

Engine Torque - MKG: 27

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4440

Height (including roof rails): 1657

Height: N

Width (including mirrors): 2034

Wheelbase: 2702

Width: 1938

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1319

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 443

Max. Loading Weight: 603

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2220

Minimum Kerbweight: 1617

Body Glass

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Driver Aids

360 degree surround view parking camera with side proximity sensors

Driver Information

Driver awareness - BLIS with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation + autodimming ext door mirrors

Exterior Body Features

Special metallic paint

Packs

Climate pack without heated front seats - XC40

Driver assist pack - XC40

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Vapour grey

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Onyx black

Special metallic - Crystal white

Special metallic - Cloud blue

Special metallic - Denim blue

Special metallic - Sand dune

Special metallic - Aurora silver

Special metallic - Forest lake

Towing

Retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

City block textile - Grey Malange + charcoal interior + urban grid inlays + synthetic leather deco steering wheel & Gear knob

Wheels - Alloy

19" 5 Y spoke diamond cut/matt graphite alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Tempa spare wheel and jack