Europe is the hotspot of automotive excellence. The world’s most illustrious sports cars, hyper-expensive supercars, and extravagantly luxurious sedans and SUVs come from there. Even the mass production brands are held in high acclaim.
Which is why being named European Car of the Year is a singularly extraordinary achievement.
And it’s an achievement that Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo can boast of.
Volvo launched its groundbreaking XC40 compact SUV in 2017. The following year, it was awarded the coveted European Car of the Year title. Not bad, considering there were major new models launched by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, and other European brands that were strong contenders for the award.
The XC40 is a game-changing model for Volvo, as it’s the very first compact SUV for the Swedish carmaker. It completes Volvo’s global line up of premium SUVs, becoming the arrowhead of Volvo’s first-ever three-pronged attack (together with the midsize XC60 and the full-size XC90 flagship) on what is the fastest growing segment in the world.
The XC40 is the first model on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series, including its electric vehicles.
The new platform delivers a spirited feel that completely redefines driving dynamics for Volvo—all the while retaining the Swedish brand’s renowned superb riding comfort.
The XC40 offers a selection of optional Drive Modes – Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, Off-Road, and Driver-Defined — that tailor the driving experience according to driver preference and driving conditions.
The Volvo XC40 D3 Momentum comes with a 150ps/320Nm 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo-diesel engine while the flagship all-wheel drive Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine developing 247hp and 350Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Safe as a Volvo
Thanks to Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite of driver-assist safety systems, the XC40 brings a new safety standard to the compact luxury SUV. Features optimized for city driving include a high seating position that gives the driver a clear view of the road, the latest generation City Safety, a 360-degree camera, and Cross Traffic Alert with brake support to assist the driver in reversing and parking situations. Volvo’s cutting-edge Pilot Assist enables semi-autonomous driving during parts of the daily commute.
The XC40 comes with standard Volvo safety features such as ergonomic seats with anti-submarining protection, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS), and Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), Volvo-invented three-point seatbelts, and an array of airbags to cocoon the occupants in the event of an accident. Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Driver Alert Control, Road Sign Information, and Lane Keeping Aid are also some of the advanced safety systems that can be found in the XC40.
The Sensus connection
Volvo approaches connectivity, entertainment, navigation, and car control systems from a completely a human-centric perspective. Making advanced technology easy, safe and enjoyable to use in a car is of utmost concern. Only the most relevant and recent technology is used. This user interface is Volvo’s Sensus.
Sensus is designed around five basic behaviors and desires: Entertainment, Connectivity, Navigation, Services, and Control. By delivering a suite of applications and interfaces that support these basic and most human of requirements, Volvo has created an award-winning approach to in-car technology — not surprising from a country that brought you the elegant simplicity and innovation of Ikea and Spotify.
Scandinavian style
Individualism is at the heart of the Volvo XC40. The compact crossover grants its designers the freedom to create a car that brings a vibrancy, individuality, and playfulness previously unseen in the brand.
Chief designer Thomas Ingenlath wanted the XC40 to be a fresh, creative, and distinctive member of the Volvo line, allowing its drivers to put their personality in sheetmetal form. He describes XC40 drivers to be interested in fashion, design, and popular culture, and often live in large, vibrant cities — and want a car that reflects their personality. Street fashion, city architecture, high-end designer goods and popular culture were all sources of inspiration as Volvo’s design team defined materials, patterns and color options for the new XC40.
The XC40 offers a broader and more playful color palette as well as dramatic two-tone applications. The XC40 is, hands down, the most expressive model in Volvo’s portfolio — even considering its coupe, convertible and hatchback stablemates, past and present.
With all these traits and features, European premium SUV connoisseurs can expect the XC40 to deliver benefits that will bring go-anywhere mobility to the next level. With expressive design, dynamic performance, innovative storage, and uniquely Scandinavian style, build quality, and luxury, the Volvo XC40 has comprehensively raised the bar in its genre. And that goes whether you’re primed for that perfect summer drive or slogging it out in challenging weather or terrain.
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