I'd be telling the truth if I told you that the Volvo XC40 is probably my favourite premium compact SUV for 2022. I was lucky enough to drive the new all-electric Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge in July this year, and if I won the lotto, that's where my new-car money would go. It's priced at 1 075 000.
Related: Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge (2022) Review
But you don't need to buy a Volvo XC40 that costs as much as an apartment. The entry-level Momentum models start from R673 600, the Inscription models from R728 339, and the R-Design models from R728 751.
Space and Comfort
Space in the second row is ample. While you can fit three adults side by side at a squeeze, the person in the middle will have to put a leg on either side of the raised area of the centre tunnel, so it's not ideal for families with more than four members, especially if the kids are a bit older and taller.
Volvo's orthopaedic seats are highly supportive and supremely comfortable on longer journeys. Should you have R10 300 laying about, you can specify heated seats for the rear passengers. There are one to two more USB ports in the back to keep the kids' phones charged.
Leather seats are not standard in the entry-level Momentum trim; the cloth choices are either Grey Melange City Block or Charcoal City Canvas Textile. If you opt for leather, be prepared to part with R15 500. (I think that leather is a must-have, especially if your kids eat in the car, as it's so much easier to keep clean.)
In Inscription and R-Design models, a leather interior is part of the deal. The suede/leather interior you see above belongs to the XC40 P6 Recharge model.
Related: Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge (2022) Review
The boot has a practical design, and while it may not be quite as big as the BMW X1 and Merc GLA's, it's definitely big enough for whatever the modern family throws at it. It has a large opening and a square loading bay, and lifting a baby buggy into the boot is easy, as is fitting a child seat due to the car's raised ride height. Pictured here is the electric P6's boot, which is actually a smidge smaller than the internal-combustion models.
All models have a power outlet in the load compartment as well as a protection net.
Related: Everything you need to know about the Volvo XC40
Safety
The XC40 range is equipped as standard with ABS, brake assist, hill-start assist, electric parking brake, traction/stability control, hill-descent control, tyre pressure monitor, six airbags, lane-keep assist, cruise control, satnav, child locks, ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats, daytime running lamps, and rear park distance control.
The windows are made of tempered glass to prevent injury during an accident and the Whiplash injury protection system (WHIPS) will move the entire front backrest and head restraint on impact, to support the neck.
Related: Is the Volvo XC40 good for new drivers?
Oncoming lane mitigation is also a standard feature. If you cross your lane when there's a vehicle approaching, it will nudge you back into your lane. Road sign information, also part of the standard package, will alert you if you're over the speed limit and warn you of speed cameras, and even point out if you're driving up the wrong way of a one-way street.
Pilot Assist is standard from Inscription models onwards, and is one of the best semi-autonomous driving assistants on the market. With Pilot Assist in charge, it makes driving stress-free and relaxing as the system mostly drives the car under your supervision. You can override this system, of course.
Verdict
The Volvo XC40 is practical, spacious, safe, and beautifully designed with families in mind. It scores five stars from me as a family car.
Want to find out about the available extras in the XC40 and how much they cost? View all specifications here by visiting the Volvo XC40 microsite and configure the XC40 of your dreams.
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