Volvo broadens its appeal with the XC40, the brand’s new compact SUV.
Not that long ago Volvo cars were…well, not that pretty. But they were always ahead of the pack in terms of safety. And that has not changed.
What has changed is that Volvos have become more handsome and stylish, and the carmaker’s new design language is broadening the brand’s appeal.
Its new-look compact SUV is stylish yet trendy, and safe but animated. Contemporary two-tone colouring – like that of the test car – is always going to get a second look. But it is what holds the look that counts.
The all-wheel-drive Volvo XC40 has real presence, with a bold exterior. It has a wide body, large wheels, and a commanding concave grille centered between the narrow-eyed gaze of its standard LED headlights.
Interior design
The XC40’s interior is beautifully crafted.
Leather, chrome and aluminium elements are combined with typical understated Swedish elegance and refined simplicity that belies this compact SUV’s high-tech offerings.
Volvo's small, luxury SUV has everything one expects from a premium car and then some.
Similar to its big brother, the XC90, the XC40’s Sensus infotainment and connectivity command post dominate the dashboard. The large tablet-like vertically oriented touchscreen is extremely user friendly, but is prone to leaving finger marks.
Apart from an abundance of infotainment features such as a high performance sound system, Bluetooth, USB, navigation and roadside information, the XC40 also boasts figure-hugging comfort seats with power adjustable lumbar support, leather steering wheel and leather and chrome gear lever.
It might be Volvo’s baby SUV, but it has lots of clever storage and interior space.
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