Volvo XC40

The interior cabin of the Volvo XC40 sources inspiration from all the modern and higher positioned and more expensive SUVs from its stable, which is a good thing, to begin with. The overall feel of the cabin is a mix of understated elegance and sportier design elements, which shall appeal to buyers of all age groups.

The driver’s cockpit comprising of a three-spoke steering wheel with simply styled but fully digital instrument console behind it is something which we have already seen on more expensive Volvos like the S90 and XC90. Even the center console with a large vertical touch screen infotainment system with vertical AC vents on its sides has been inspired by the newer generation Volvo offerings positioned above it. The all-black cabin with the two upholstery options of amber or oxide red gives a proper posh feeling inside the cabin.

Things like dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, 9-inch touch screen infotainment screen with Harman Kardon music system, leather upholstery, powered and heated front seats with memory function are some noteworthy features available in the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to exterior looks and sheer road presence, the Volvo XC40 beats all its peers one hand down with its upright stance and sharper and more angular design cues all around.

At the front, the Volvo XC40 comes with a high raised front bonnet and Volvo’s trademark longitudinal full LED headlamps with hammer-shaped daytime running LEDs within them. The full blackened rounded rectangular front grille only accentuate its sporty appeal even further, while the inward sculpted front fascia makes it look aggressive.

The side profile of the Volvo XC40 is what differentiates it from its other rivals in the same space. Unlike its low slung crossover-ish competitors, the Volvo XC40 impresses you with its upright and angular stance, with perfectly proportioned and angled A and C pillars. The machined alloy wheels and higher ground clearance exaggerate its traditional SUV traits even further. The blackened roof, A and C pillars give it a floating roof effect.

At the rear, the visual drama of the XC40 continues with Volvo’s typical vertical tail lamps on the outer edges, with a cleaner looking boot lid. The large black cladding below the rear bumper makes it look rugged and give it a go-anywhere feel.

Like its more expensive siblings, the Volvo XC40 too is equipped with the manufacturer’s 4C active chassis, which comprises of three different driving modes – Comfort, Sport or Advanced. Depending on the drive mode selected, a high-tech electronic management system alters the four Monroe-Öhlins shock absorbers and changes the settings of the DSTC system, engine’s power delivery and responses of brakes and steering.

Under the hood of the Volvo XC40 is placed a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which is coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and transfers the power to all four wheels via an AWD system. The engine is powerful enough to produce a maximum power output of 192 PS and a peak torque output of 400 Nm.

The XC40, being a Volvo, is a benchmark when it comes to the safety features. The compact SUV is equipped with safety features like front, side and curtain airbags, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation support at the front, lane keeping assist, rear parking camera, front and rear park assist, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, rain sensors and many more.

Being the newest on the block, the Volvo XC40 tries to edge out its competitors with its much sharper looks blended with the understated elegance of traditional Volvo cars. Added to it, the long list of both comfort and convenience as well as safety features aid in its novelty factor.