With a fresh approach to interior design, platform and powertrain integration and a host of customisation options, the Volvo range has put the brand within striking distance of its German and British rivals.  

However, with the brand starting its revolution by launching its flagship XC90 and S90, the masses haven’t had much chance to experience what the reinvigorated Swedish marque has to offer until recently, with the introduction of the more attainable XC60 and XC40. I recently had my first chance to drive the latter in D4 AWD R-Design guise and it left me really rather impressed.

Entering a new segment

With the previous generation XC60 being a resounding success globally, Volvo clearly had to jump on the ever-growing SUV bandwagon and make a smaller, more design-oriented crossover, which is has done with the XC40.

Riding on the brand’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform which will also underpin the next V40, the XC40, I feel, best represents the future that Volvo has envisioned for itself, appealing to a more youthful market with a safe, design-savvy product that reflects current automotive trends.

Design

The crossover SUV segment is expanding at an exponential rate, making it vitally important to have a well-designed and competent contender within this sector if you’re a major manufacturer. From a design perspective, I feel that Volvo has hit the proverbial nail on the head with the XC40, especially with the R-Design exterior package.

Its Thor’s Hammer LED front lights and distinctive grille place it firmly within the Volvo family DNA, yet it sets itself apart with a two-tone body, a highly stylised side profile with an upswept C-pillar, which leads into the L-shaped taillamps and shapely boot. It’s a great take on a modern crossover which combines the unmistakable new design direction taken by the Volvo brand, with a traditional crossover SUV silhouette.

Interior

The interior is where the brand has really taken things up a notch with its current generation models. Borrowing heavily from the likes of the XC90 and XC60, the XC40 really does look like a downscaled version of its siblings inside with vertical air vents, a portrait-style nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster and a generally pleasing ergonomic layout.

You can see that this model is cheaper than its bigger siblings though as some of the interior materials aren’t as tangibly pleasing, but at this price point, the material quality is acceptable.

In terms of interior practicality, those with a young family will find the XC40’s 460-litre boot and seemingly endless roof box, bike rack and storage options as well as its head and shoulder room to be more than adequate. Once the family grows up a bit, there’s always the XC60, which offers improved practicality for slightly more money.

Powertrain problems

I will admit that the D4 all-wheel drive model, with the eight-speed Geartronic gearbox I had on test, was far from perfect. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor churns out 140kW/400Nm and will sip diesel at a claimed 5.1-litres/100km, but in reality, the engine felt a bit sluggish and lacks refinement, while the consumption during my week with the car reflected a rather disappointing 8.3-litres/100km.

The turbo/supercharged petrol models are far better suited to the XC40 and many other Volvo models, which makes the imminent discontinuation of diesel Volvo models more understandable. The lacklustre diesel engine aside, the general ride quality, despite the fact that the car rides on 20-inch wheels with low profile tyres, is commendable while the refinement and general comfort is respectable.

Verdict

As a new entrant to a segment usually dominated by German competitors, the XC40 provides a more than adequate alternative to the establishment. 

It is a well-made, practical and stylish crossover that provides a totally new approach to interior design with the general impression that you’re driving something that is bang up to date with current automotive trends. Just be wary of the options list because as wonderfully customisable as the XC40 might be, each of those options will inflate its price tag surprisingly quickly.

Price

XC40 D4 AWD R-Design - R639 192