There are those who say that tastes are not discussed. We fought. Sometimes it is necessary to discuss them. A posture that is inscribed in the DNA of Reason Automobile. And it doesn't hurt if we disagree...
To a certain extent – among other factors – it has been this frontality that we put in all our texts that earned Razão Automóvel the status of «permanent jury» of the Car of the Year in Portugal and the honor of being the first representatives of the World Car of The Year for Portuguese lands – a total of more than 80 representatives from the most important specialized media in the world. And let's not stop here.
All this litany to support an opinion with which they can disagree — not least because tastes can (and should) be discussed. After seeing the new Volvo XC40 live, I must tell you that I find it one of the most appealing SUVs on the market. Congratulations Volvo.
The dimensions are very well achieved, the front is powerful and the rear is full-bodied – the rear tracks are even wider than the front to increase this perception. At the front, there is even the luminous signature “Thor's hammer”.
Volvo has once again got the proportions and lines right for this new «model wave» that started in 2015 with the XC90 – although, quite honestly, it doesn't love the rear of the S90, launched shortly after.
Speaking of a new wave of models, this Volvo XC40 is the first representative of the new 40 Series – which uses the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform. After this XC40, which kick-started the use of this CMA platform, two new models will appear: the S40 and the V40.
Volvo inside and out
Inside, everything exudes Volvo. Minimalist design, controls, graphics, ergonomics and a good choice of materials mark the interior of the Swedish brand's first compact SUV.
But let me highlight another aspect: functionality. The Volvo XC40 is endowed with solutions so practical that they seem stolen from Skoda — but they weren't, some really only exist at Volvo. One of these solutions is in the glove compartment:
Sorry for the 1 minute video, but Instagram doesn't allow it anymore. In 2018, this problem will be solved with the launch of Razão Automóvel on Youtube. Good news, isn't it?
Returning to the Volvo XC40, the interior space is correct and the trunk has a great load capacity, adjusted to the needs of a small family or lovers of outdoor activities. There is no lack of storage spaces and solutions that allow the luggage compartment to adapt to our needs. False bottoms, bag holders, dividers… nothing is missing.
As for the equipment, a positive note for the provision of equipment in all versions. Naturally, the most exotic and desirable items are on the list of options whether or not we were in the presence of a premium product — the word that serves as an excuse to pay more for what other brands offer for "free".
Driving support systems were inherited from the “cousin” XC90, namely the parking assistant, the automatic braking system and the Pilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that is very useful on the highway and in traffic queues. It's a Volvo, so safety items are not lacking.
At the wheel of the new Volvo XC40
The CMA platform passed this first test on Spanish roads with distinction. It feels as safe and confident as the SPA platform (from the 90 Series) but is more agile and fun to take on mountain roads. The suspension revealed a correct balance between comfort/dynamics and the steering is sufficiently communicative.
As a family-friendly compact SUV, it is, of course, not the most exciting model to drive — it isn't, period. Still, thanks to the confidence it conveys to the driver, it is possible to reach very lively rhythms where the first element to give way is always the rubber — which is, without a doubt, a good sign. Balance is really the keyword of this CMA platform.
As for the engine, we were only able to test the D4 AWD version, which uses the well-known 2.0 liter diesel engine with 190 hp of power.
If in the Volvo XC60 this engine already makes the Swedish SUV reach speeds that are too high without apparent effort, in the Volvo XC40 this trend has been amplified — for example, the 2.0 TDI from the VW Group does not convey the same feeling of power.
It was not possible to determine consumption, but the automatic ATM's satisfactory work remains. Satisfactory is the right word, as this box, not being shiny, doesn't disappoint either.
As for the AWD system, unless you want to make inroads in difficult terrain or live in areas of poor grip it doesn't do much good — the front axle of the front-wheel drive version should be able to do the job on its own.
Prices for Portugal
It is not yet available nor has it been conducted on the domestic market — we will have to wait for the beginning of next year — and there are already customers making pre-reservations for the new Volvo XC40 in several markets, including the Portuguese one.
In this launch phase, the XC40 will be available in versions D4 (2.0 of 190 hp) and T5 gasoline (2.0 of 247 hp). Later (more specifically in May) the Diesel versions D2 (120 hp) and D3 (150 hp), three-cylinder gasoline, will be launched, as well as a hybrid engine and a purely electric version. As with the CMA platform, the honor of debuting the Swedish brand's new three-cylinder engine is reserved for the XC40.
The XC40 will have access prices around 36 thousand euros in petrol versions, and almost 40 thousand euros in diesel versions. These values will drop to values closer to 30 thousand euros with the launch of the three-cylinder engine versions in the second half of 2018.
The prices:
Diesel
D3 Manual 6v (150 hp) 39 956 €D3 Geartronic 8v (150 hp) €42 519
D4 Geartronic 8v (190 hp) 52 150 €
Gasoline
T3 Manual 6v (152 hp) 36,640 €
T5 Geartronic 8v (247 hp) €51,500
