Ever since its arrival in SA, the sophisticated XC40 has been enjoying positive sales results, and with good reason. Its interior layout, build quality, fuel economy and everyday ease of use make it an absolute winner. It has also garnered a multitude of international accolades, including European Car of the Year and Women's World Car of the Year, both for 2018. After I had driven the D4 (diesel) two years ago, I was completely smitten. I thought the XC40 was a worthy winner, more so than similar offerings from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Related: Is the Volvo XC40 good for new drivers?
The local XC40 line-up
The XC40 is powered through the front wheels as well as all four wheels (AWD) by Volvo's new 1.5 litre three-cylinder engine and existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, in both diesel and petrol variants.
There are 12 Volvo XC40s available, with prices ranging from R 673 600 486 for the entry-level T3 Momentum, to R 1 260 000 for the top-spec Recharge Twin AWD model which is fully electric. These prices don't include extras, however, but the Volvo is very well-equipped even before you start adding options. You can also retrofit much of the latest Volvo tech and accessories if you didn't have the cash for it when you signed the contract for your XC40
Related: Top 5 accessories for your Volvo XC40
Let's look at engine efficiency
The T3 is the smallest engine in the range and makes use of Volvo's three-cylinder power plant. Despite its compact size, you still get a generous 115 kW and 265 Nm. If you prefer your Volvo with a manual gearbox, a six-speed is on the cards for you in this engine variant. Average fuel consumption, according to Volvo, is 6.2 litres per 100km. 0 – 100 km/h is reached in the sub-ten-second dash: 9.4, to be exact.
Related: Volvo XC40 vs BMW X1 vs Audi Q3: Which one has the lowest running costs?
The 2.0-litre D4 turbo-diesel models come in a front-wheel biased four-wheel drive configuration with output figures of 140 kW and 400 Nm. This engine offers plenty of low-down torque, and manages to make the 0-100 km sprint in only 7.9 seconds. This is engine will give you the best of both worlds: Enough power teamed with low fuel consumption; according to Volvo, only 5 litres per 100 km. In my week-long stint with the XC40 D4, my average figure was closer to 6.2, which is still rather excellent.
The 2.0-litre petrol T5, with 185 kW and 350 Nm of torque and all-wheel drive, is the most fun to pilot, but with the extra 'oomph' comes a higher fuel bill, of course. The average figure is 7.7 litres per 100 km, but that's a little optimistic, we reckon. We estimate around 10 litres per 100 km if you drive responsibly. Both the D4 and T5 models can be had with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Verdict
The diesel is my personal favourite of the three available engines, as I regularly go on cross-country road trips, and having to fill up too often wastes precious time. Also, when you're paying for your own fuel on a 2500 km mission, it gets a little expensive when your vehicle's engine is on the thirsty side. The XC40, in diesel guise, will be the ideal companion when I get to hit the road again. However...
The entry-level T3 is MUCH more affordable. It's not underpowered, and you won't use that much fuel. Unless you plan on driving your XC40 hard, which will negate the whole exercise of buying a car with a downsized engine in the first place.
If your budget allows, go for the D4. But if you adore the XC40 and you can only scrape enough cash together for the T3, you won't be disappointed.
Why not go fully electric with the XC40 P6 Recharge?
Thinking of an electric Volvo XC40? The XC40 P6 Recharge has just arrived which has a range of around 400 km (423 according to Volvo). It's priced at R 1 075 500. It has only one electric motor which drives the front wheels, yet it's still a spritely little number with 170kW and 330N. You just plug it in, plug it out, and go...
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