2018 Volvo XC40 - First impression

They say the first impressions are the last! Many folks try to create a positive impression. Be it on a date, interview or in our case with the way we write. Automakers too try to create the best impression of their company as well as products. Volvo has been in the left field option here in Asia. In Europe though the company’s products are preferred over the ones from Asia.

Their latest offering, the 2018 Volvo XC40 is a fine example of how the company has been successful. The Volvo XC40 is the smallest SUV that the Chinese-owned Swedish company has built. It was launched globally earlier this year but we happen to receive it a bit late. So, here is what we think of the new Volvo XC40.

Design ethos

The Volvo XC40 is based on a new platform and not the SPA one that underpins its bigger brothers. The Common Module Architecture or the CMA as it is called, will be used for affordable cars from the Volvo stables. We like the way the XC40 is styled. It offers 210 mm of ground clearance, flared wheel fenders, a traditional Volvo grille with adaptive LED lights flanking it. If you have seen the Skoda Yeti, this one looks muck like it.

There are 18-inch alloys on offer and one can also option these alloys with different designs. At the rear, things seem pretty much pleasing as well. The boomerang-shaped tail lights look beautiful and so do the dual chrome exhaust tips. Volvo offers the XC40 in four colors - Bursting Blue Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Fusion Red Metallic, and Osmium Grey Metallic.

Interior design

The new age Volvo cars share their cabins and yet have something unique to offer to the buyer. This stands true with the new Volvo XC40. If you look at the Volvo XC40 specifications, there are a lot of optional equipment. On this topic, Volvo only offers the XC40 in Malaysia in a lone trim. The Volvo XC40 comes in the T5 R-Design. As we all are aware, the R-Designs are usually the top-spec trim and get extra goodies compared to the Inscription variant. There is that 9.0-inch vertically stacked infotainment system. It is called Sensus and while there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the system is very responsive. Because it is big, one can clearly see all the icons there.

There is leather everywhere in the cabin. The Volvo XC40 is a 5-seater and looks like it can seat five in decent comfort. Their luggage should also be taken care off with the capacious boot. The instrument cluster is an all-digital affair and displays a plethora of information. There is 3-zone climate control on offer as well with rear AC vents being provided too.

Engine and transmission

There is a petrol engine on offer and it is a turbocharged unit. The 2.0-litre E-Drive engine makes 252 PS of max power at 5,500 rpm while the torque produced is 350 Nm from 1,800 rpm. Through a Haldex clutch, the power is channelled to all four wheels. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is used here. 0-100 kmph comes up in just 6.4 seconds while the top whack is limited to 230 kmph. These are decent numbers for a vehicle that weighs in at nearly 1,700 kg. The claimed fuel efficiency is 14 kmpl.

Safety features

This is a Volvo. It comes with a full suite of safety features. Safety feature that automatically slams the brake when it detects that a pedestrian or an animal is crossing the road and the driver hasn’t applied the brake. Parking sensors all around, BLIS, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and a collision warning system are some of the features. Of course, it gets seven airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control and a whole lot of electronic nannies.

Final words

At RM 255,888, the Volvo XC40 is not the most affordable option out there. However, for the Volvo XC40 price, you will also get many other seven-seater options from Toyota or Ford. However, if its sheer brand value, then nothing comes close to Volvo.