In a recent turn of events, Volvos are now considered as cool, practical and supple vehicles that are perfect for the family – and latest addition is the compact XC40 SUV.
Unveiled back in September 2017, the XC40 boasts the latest in Volvo’s design language, safety features and technology, meaning that the Swedes are a genuine force in the premium family market with its funky compact.
Here we’ll take a look into why the XC40 is a good option in the premium segment…
It looks great
Since 2015, Volvo has truly established itself as one of the coolest brands in the premium sector. The angular yet stylish looks were first used on the XC90, and the XC40 has continued that ethos. The simple and classic design is one that stands out in its segment, and many of the XC40’s rivals can’t compete. Inside, the XC40 has been beautifully crafted to have a simple yet functional outlay, with bright colours available to highlight the dash, upholstery and trim.
Superb safety
Volvo has pledged that by 2020, no one will die in an accident in one of its vehicles. That is a bold claim, but it is one that could stand up, as the XC40 has the best safety rating in its segment. With a lightweight yet rigid crash structure, the compact SUV comes with rear collision warning, lane keep assist, run-off road prevention, blind spot warning and autonomous emergency braking, with all-around airbags and Isofix points completing the overall package.
It’s simple to use
Everything is where it should be and the layout is excellent – lending to a simple and easy experience in the XC40. It’s quick to connect your smartphone to the tablet-like infotainment system and it includes lots of intelligent solutions, such as wireless smartphone charging, an automatic tailgate and great storage spaces…
Lots of space available
…which is another great reason why the XC40 is a solid premium compact choice. Volvo’s designers have cleverly engineered the interior, with innovations such as moving the position of the side speakers to behind the dashboard to create more space in the doors and including hooks in the boot space to secure loose bags. The 432-litre boot space is one of the largest in the segment, and that can be extended to 1,308 litres when the rear seats are folded down – a useful load space.
It isn’t short on comfort
Volvos are known for being supple and easy to drive. The XC40 is no different and it is one of the nicest models to drive in the segment. Thanks to well-engineered suspension, good driving feel and Volvo’s pedigree, the compact SUV handles most environments superbly. It does depend on which alloy wheels you apply, but you can’t far wrong.
Good tech comes on-board as standard
The aforementioned central touchscreen is a highlight of the Volvo interior, and on it you can have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation, every driving statistic you will ever need and a bird’s eye view of the car whilst you are parking it. You can also apply the parking assistance feature to help get the car into tricky spaces and the On Call feature means that wherever you are, you are connected to your car to ensure you know how your day is planned. It also helps you out in an accident situation and also allows deliveries to be made to your car itself with the help of authorised delivery personnel.
Care by Volvo subscription
Although monthly payments for a car is not a new thing, Care by Volvo revolutionises that setup by including all maintenance costs and assistance features in a monthly fee – and it even allows you to hire other Volvo vehicles for up to 14 days every year! For example, you could have an XC40 as your daily car, but then if you need a larger car for a trip away, you can ask Volvo to lend you an XC90 for that time – which would be a great help.
