Volvo Cars South Africa have recently bolstered the popular XC40 range of compact SUVs with the addition of a T4 model. This model slots in between the T3 and T5 models to offer customers even more choice when it comes to selecting the Volvo that is right for them. The XC40 has proven to be a popular choice for the style and safety-conscious consumer who is looking for a dependable compact SUV with luxury appointments.
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The XC40 is one of the newest model lines in the Volvo portfolio having been introduced in 2017. Since then Volvo has enjoyed success with the model locally, achieving a 14.7% share of the market in its segment. Volvo South Africa is hoping to capitalize on that and further bolster their presence in 2021. The XC40 T4 range is set to help them achieve this goal and we can't see why it wouldn't.
Styling
The T4 variant of the XC40 is largely unchanged from its stablemates, the T3, T5 and D4 model derivatives. You're getting the same styling as one would with almost all model variants and the T4 can be had in a choice of three grades; Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design. Our R-Design model was draped in Crystal White and featured gloss black trims and an R-Design grille to set it apart from the other two grades.
A set of 5-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels rest in the corners, shod with 235/50R19 tyres separated by a beautiful scallop in the lower section of the doors. This small crevice allows the light to play off of the sides of the vehicle, most noticeable when approaching from an angle. The black roof and black mirror covers create a contrasting palate when paired with the lighter colours on offer and remind one that the XC40 is about being young and adventurous.
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Interior & Space
One of the features of Volvo offerings that I have often praised is their choice to equip a vehicle with lighter materials in the interior. This lends itself to making the cabin feel larger and more spacious, less claustrophobic as a result. That was not the case with our test unit and the R-Design XC40 is trimmed in a charcoal and black scheme. Leather and Alcantara adorn the seats and are only broken by raised white stitching. The R-Design element in the dashboard is also charcoal in colour but the diamond-like pattern that mimics the grill element provides a welcomed break from the wash of darkness.
The XC40 is a compact SUV and space is not necessarily as generous as the exterior proportions would suggest; it's a smaller offering, more agile and nimble but paying the price inside. It would be unfair to call the cabin cramped and it is best described as being cosseting with controls falling easily to hand.
The boot offers you 460-litres of space that can be expanded to 1336-litres when you fold down the rear seats.
Comfort & Convenience
One of the areas where the XC40 doesn't disappoint, is in the ride and drive quality department. Despite being fitted with lower-profile tyres than its Momentum and Inscription stablemates, the R-Design T4 still manages to ride comfortably and smooth. The electrically adjustable driver's seat offers a memory function to allow others to use the vehicle and for you to return your seat to its rightful position when they're done.
Dual-zone climate control further ensures that both you and your passenger have the right temperature for the journey and the large, portrait orientated infotainment system provides numerous connectivity options for audio streaming. You'll be able to connect your iPhone or Android device to the infotainment and enjoy Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, tethering your phone and allowing you to use approved in-car apps while on the move. While fiddly at first, the Sensus system is intuitive and robust and in the R-Design is complemented by the 12-inch digital display for the driver.
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Performance
The real reason why we're revisiting the XC40 is because of the engine. The T4 trim sees it fitted with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, boosted by a turbocharger to yield 140 kW and 300 Nm torque. This unit sends the power to the front wheels through an 8-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox for a brisk 0 - 100 km/h time of 8.4-seconds. It's a charming mill and is unobtrusive in its operation. There's more than enough 'get up and go' to see you ahead from the lights and sticking with traffic on the freeway.
For those progressing from a smaller hatch, there's no need to fret as the XC40 offers variable steering with a parking function as well that will make the steering even lighter. Ideal for the more petite driver who is weary of a larger machine.
Fuel Economy
The T4 returns respectable fuel consumption figures of a claimed 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. This is a little heavier than the claims of 6.7 from the T3 but well within reason when one considers that the T5 is said to return a combined figure of 7.7 l/100km. Heavy-footed driving will see these numbers head North but a sensible right foot will see you hover in the 8s with ease.
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Safety
If you're feeling a little underwhelmed by what you've been reading so far, this is where that changes. The Volvo XC40 is packed to the rafters with safety equipment and technology to keep you and your passengers safe. The XC40 is fitted with 6 dual-stage airbags, ABS, EBD and Hill Start Assist. Emergency Braking Lights and Hazard Activation in emergency stops helps prevent a rear-end collision while the SIPS (Side Impact Protection System) safeguards you against the dreaded T-bone accident.
Traffic Sign Recognition helps keep the driver informed of road conditions and posted speed limits. Lane Keeping Aid with Oncoming Lane Mitigation helps prevent head-on collisions and when specced with the Adaptive Cruise Control, will regulate the distance that you stay from the vehicle ahead of you.
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Price
There are a few options that you will be able to add to the Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design. These include body colours, interior trims and safety features as well as a Harmon Kardon audio system to make the most of the infotainment system. The base Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum costs R675 500 while the Inscription will set you back R728 300. The R-Design model that we tested has a list price of R728 800 before options.
Volvos are covered by a 5-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year / 100 000 km Maintenance Plan.
Competitors
The Audi Q3 and BMW X1 are the Volvo XC40s natural rivals. They will offer similar levels of trim but be cautious of their options lists. Power levels and interior space is similar when you start looking at the Audi Q3 40TFSI quattro S-line and the BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport.
Verdict
The Volvo may very well seem like the left-field choice in a market that is so status-driven and badge orientated. The Volvo offers all of the creature comforts and driving refinement that one expects from a premium brand like Audi or BMW and does so in a manner that is refreshing and welcoming. It's a pleasant vehicle for the sensible buyer who places an emphasis on safety and security. There's a peace of mind that comes with driving the Volvo XC40 that not many other vehicles manage to replicate.
