Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group purchased Volvo from Ford in 2010. Unlike previous owner(s), it has maintained a hands-off position, allowing the Swedish company to remain Swedish. Geely has invested billions, allowing Volvo to develop its own platforms, drivetrains and designs.
The result has been a steady stream of new product, each of them earning praise for design, engineering, and execution. Among the latest is the XC40, Volvo’s entry in the premium small crossover field. It’s a crowded and very competitive segment with entries from America (Cadillac and Lincoln), Germany (Audi, BMW and Mercedes), England (Jaguar and Land Rover), and Japan (Acura, Lexus and Infiniti) and now Sweden.
The XC40 is a stylish, technically innovative small ute with all the attributes necessary to slug it out against those big names. Swedish to the core, it offers not only unique styling and a beautifully-furnished interior, but excellent driving dynamics. Good power and competitive fuel economy round out the resume.
No boxy designs for this Volvo. The XC40 has the squared-off nose of a bulldog. The LED headlights sweep gracefully around the front corners. At the other end the hockey-stick-shaped taillights add a distinctive touch. The sloping roof and heavy c-pillars are attractive, but result in a serious blind spot, alleviated by the back-up camera.
Inside is where the XC40 really shines. Bright, light and seemingly from an IKEA store, the XC40 fairly shouts “Swedish design.” The design team did a good job of making it feel larger than the tape measure reveals. Part of that is the straight-forward design and the use of light colours. A low centre console and plenty of glass helps, as does the large (23 centimetre) tablet-like infotainment screen atop the centre console.
This is a Volvo, so the seats are first class, comfortable and supportive for all size and shapes. Big things can come in small packages. There is plenty of room for two tall and/or bulky occupants up front. Second-row occupants don’t fare quite as well. But if you want or need more room back there, Volvo has a raft of sedans, crossovers and even wagons, yes station wagons, to fill that need.
The interior design team were obviously parents. There are storage bins and cubbyholes everywhere you look. Clutter is obviously a bad word. There are large pockets in the doors, a dedicated cellphone storage area, wireless QI mobile charging, grocery bag hooks in the cargo area, another meant for purses folds out of the glovebox and there is additional space beneath the front seats and cargo floor. There is provision for credit or gas cards and even a removable trash bin.
Power comes from what has become standard in the segment — a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This one produces a healthy 248 horsepower. Coupled to an eight-speed automatic is sends power to all four wheels. With 258 lb. ft. of torque at only 1,500 rpm, performance is impressive whether pulling away from rest, climbing grades or passing. I am not a fan of the shift lever which requires a double tap when moving from park to reverse into drive. Once should be enough.
The suspension does a commendable job of tackling rough roads without being too soft the rest of the time. One thing that becomes crystal clear when travelling over poor surfaces — the XC40 is as solid as a rock.
The test vehicle boasted Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pro Pilot Assist system. As long as the lane markings were clear, it kept the XC40 centered in the lane. Take your hands off the wheel for more than a few seconds and you’re reminded to get them back in touch. The system, like most, is combined with adaptive cruise control making it most effective and safe when trolling through heavy slow-speed traffic
Chic, beautifully built (in Belgium) and dynamically satisfying, the Volvo XC40 is a worthy contender in a race filled with some of the most revered names in the industry.
The specs
Model: 2020 Volvo XC40 R-Design
Engine: turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 248 horsepower, 258 lb.-ft. of torque, premium fuel recommended
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 10.7 / 7.7
Length: 4,425 mm
Width: 2,034 mm
Wheelbase: 2,702 mm
Price: $45,650 base R Design, $53,725 as tested, plus freight
Competition: Audi Q3, BMW X1, Jaguar E-Pace, Mercedes GLA
Standard equipment (R-Design): panoramic sunroof, 31-cm driver display, power windows, locks, mirrors and seats, heated front seats, cruise control, front collision mitigation support, lane keep assist, rear view camera, rear park assist, 23-cm infotainment screen, with Apple CarPlay, AndroidAuto and Bluetooth connectivity, road sign information, navigation, satellite radio, audio upgrade, dual zone climate control
Options on test vehicle: Premium package (heated wipers, headlamp washers, power tailgate, auto-dimming retractable mirrors with puddle lights, blind spot information system, heated steering wheel and rear seats, wireless smart phone charger), $1,750; Premium Plus package (pilot assist, 360-degree camera, Homelink, 12-volt outlet in cargo area, Park Assist Pilot front and rear), $2,000; Fusion Red metallic paint, $900; navigation, $1,000; Harmon Kardon audio system, $950; 20-in matte black alloy wheels, $1,475
