The Polestar Engineered Optimization addition gives the XC40 a zestier attitude, bumping up the horsepower and torque figures by a slight amount. Once the boost comes on tap though, you can ride the torque wave and savour its punchy mid-range. Power is good but turbo lag is persistent. This competitive output provides more than enough grunt to get this zippy XC40 going without much fuss. The XC40 only comes in T5 AWD spec, meaning it utilizes a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder to push out 248 hp and 258 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels. It’s not specific to my test vehicle either, as many other owners have reported this issue. The steering wheel is nicely padded with leather (and gets piping hot by the way when the heated function is turned on - luckily there are three levels of adjustment), but the airbag cover has an annoying crease running down the middle. The textures are different too, like the soft carpet fabric used liberally on the door pocket walls. Plastic is more abundant than leather, and the XC40 does not come equipped with the punched metal scroll that adjusts the driving modes, or the dapper twist-action start-button. The material quality is a step down from the XC60, even on this Inscription trim, but that’s expected. The seats are great too, with supportive side bolstering and a very high-up position to take advantage of its expansive front windshield and impressive outward visibility. That’s rare in this segment - I’m constantly hitting my knees in the GLA and Evoque. There’s a great deal of headroom for both front and rear occupants, even for my six-foot self to sit behind my own driving position. The XC40 lies on a different platform than its bigger siblings, so its boxier cabin and roomier silhouette feels unique. Park remains a dedicated button to reduce driver confusion. Of note, the shifter’s action is odd at first: you have to tap down twice to hit D, and tap up twice from there to get to R, always having to step over N. Made of crystal, it brings an upscale vibe to this entry-level premium SUV, and while not substantially sized, it lights up gracefully at night and makes for a welcome cabin centerpiece. Those familiar with Volvo’s Orrefors crystal shifter in their T8 Inscription models will notice that the XC40’s is very similar. It’s an innovation that reminds me of those fold-out cup holders that Saab used to implement. The bin is removable from its slot and easily washed too, definitely a neat and forward-thinking design. And typical of Swedish design - perhaps they predicted the pandemic - Volvo has added a small trash bin above the center armrest that will swallow a fair amount of rubbish, handy for temporarily stowing away used masks, gloves, and wipes. There’s even a deep storage cubby above the shifter and a platform within for wireless phone charging. The start button and drive mode scroll aren’t positioned in the center console anymore, and have been relocated to more conventional locations on the center stack. The rest of the cabin is slightly different from its siblings, though. The center touchscreen display steals the show with its high definition graphics and slick layout, and is actually the same size used in the XC60. As is the theme for subcompact crossovers, everything is vertical-oriented and positioned upright. Inside is familiar Volvo territory with a simplistic and clean design. The top-end Inscription trim also adds some exterior goodies like a unique front grill with chrome vertical slats, 18-inch wheels (optional 19s and 20s), a crystal gear shift knob made by Orrefors (think of it like a Swedish Swarovski), and wood panel inlays. They have birthed new shoulders and rooflines in an effort to give it a more utilitarian look than the rivaling BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Range Rover Evoque, and Lexus UX. The XC40 takes Volvo’s current design language - set forth by the XC90 - in a more youthful and chic direction, but without appearing like just a shrunken down toy. There’s a fully electric variant hitting our shores soon as well, but we’re here to take a look at the more conventional XC40 T5 Inscription instead. With the XC90 at the helm of the hierarchy, and the handsome XC60 filling in the middle gap, it’s the XC40’s job to become the entry-level ticket to the Swedish kingdom of safe and luxurious SUVs. There’s a lot to like with the Volvo XC40, the smallest vehicle in the Swedish automaker’s lineup.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |