Volvo entered the subcompact crossover SUV market as recently as 2018, via the XC40 after manufacturing began in November 2017. As excellence is what the Swedish automaker is known for, it was never too late for Volvo, as the XC40 won awards from January 2018 until the end of that year. The awards won included European Car of the Year and Car of the Year for several countries while bigger brother, Volvo XC60, grabbed World Car of the Year accolades.
Volvo cars are known for reliability, safety and classy luxury – no drums or whistles for attention. The Volvo brand wins the consumer over on first sight and the XC40 is no different. For starters, it’s clearly smaller than XC90 and XC60 however, not necessarily small on the road. The XC40 is in fact big on anything you would want from a car. It is incredible that the XC40 is available in showrooms in eight model options, which is mind boggling as to how to choose one model over the other.
Apart from the two T3 derivatives being non-AWD vehicles, very little separates the other six. We’ll therefore focus on the XC40 T5 R-Design to paint a clear picture of what this subcompact SUV is all about.
The car packs enough power to handle any type of road and terrain, with the all-wheel drive being the enabler of any reasonable driving. The 2-litre turbocharged engine pushes it sufficiently enough to produce excellent performance on a straight road, bends and up the hills. Despite all that turbocharged run, the XC40 is quite economical on fuel, consuming an average of 7.7 litres per 100km.
The T5 R-Design is sporty but other XC40 models do not look any less attractive, thanks to fine, elegant body lines Volvo design is famous for. From front to the signature rear taillights, there’s no mistaking the fact that you have seen the Volvo when the XC40 speeds past you.
As if the stunning exterior look isn’t enough, the leather-laden luxury of the interior is like walking into a fabled heaven and the dash is to die for. The infotainment system takes rightful central space, with the touchscreen offering satnav, temperature control and park assist. There are more smart technology assist features such as a cellphone charging dock which can be accessed with much ease by the driver and the passenger.
To add the quality sound provided by Harman Kardon Premium sound system and the smart seats would be laboring the point of all-round luxury found in the XC40. It is something that someone needs to experience for themselves. Words and space here cannot be enough.
Pricing
Volvo XC40 T3 Inscription auto R609,700
Volvo XC40 T3 R-Design auto R659,700
Volvo XC40 D4 AWD Inscription R759,300
Volvo XC40 D4 AWD Momentum R710,300
Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design R760,300
Volvo XC40 T5 AWD Inscription R771,300
Volvo XC40 T5 AWD Momentum R722,300
Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design R772,300
