A few weeks back I was sent a new Volvo XC40 T5 to review. I attended the launch of this new model earlier in the year and I was keen to gain more experience of Volvo’s first small SUV to make a definitive call.

The test unit spent about a week in my care and, I have to admit, I was really sad the day Volvo SA representatives came to collect it. In fact, I pretended not to be home, until I realised they could see me through the curtains.

Anyway, here are five things I learned while reviewing the Volvo XC40 T5.

  • It is a looker. Everywhere we drove in the Cape, the XC40 was stared it, and not in a bad way. People seem to genuinely appreciate the XC40’s appearance. Even better, everyone seemed to immediately recognise it as a Volvo. The company’s new design language is bold but certainly works a treat. From tight proportions to a bold, dual-tone colour scheme the XC40’s design appeals across the board.
  • It is easy to live with. Volvo’s ergonomics engineers must have done loads of homework, or they just listened to owners as the cabin is chock-full of clever little touches that make it a pleasure to spend time in. One’s phone is secure on the grippy wireless charger, there are loads of little storage options to suit just about every item we seem to carry on a daily basis now, there’s even a removable bin in the middle console – very clever. Incidentally, it is the only car I know that can carry a laptop in the front door card. Besides the clever touches, the cabin looks and feels premium in every aspect.
  • This is, in my opinion, the best-riding Volvo currently on sale. XC40 is based on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. This means is that the XC40 rides on all-independent suspension. The chaps responsible for the tuning of this set-up have nailed it perfectly. I have driven every new Volvo for the last decade and this one undoubtedly has the best ride quality of any. Good news is that this platform will underpin all-new small Volvos, which bodes well for the upcoming products.
  • The T5 engine suits the car’s youthful character. At the launch event, I piloted a turbodiesel model. Volvo knows how to build good diesel engines and that engine was not lacking. (Read up on the D4 model here.) However, I feel that the 2,0-litre turbopetrol in the T5 suits the car’s overall character a bit better. 185 kW makes it feel plenty quick and claimed figures suggest that this car is not that far off from a hot hatch in the acceleration stakes.
  • This car appeals to a younger set. I don’t consider myself an old fogey (does anyone?) and to date, there are very few Volvo models that have appealed to the buyer in me. Sure, the firm produces some really good products and I would recommend some of these over rivals, but the Volvo XC40 T5 is a car that I would really consider owning. Many people I polled said that if there was ever a Volvo they’d consider owning, the XC40 is it.

Summary

The SUV segment continues to grow worldwide. Any manufacturer that wants to capitalise on the popularity of the sector needs to produce an impressive product. The Volvo XC40 goes up against other newcomers such as the BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace, not forgetting the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Even in such company, the XC40 can hold its own and I am sure the Swedes are busy stealing sales away from the more established players with the XC40.

 

Price: R645 500

Engine: 2,0-litre turbocharged inline four

Transmission: eight-speed auto, AWD

Max power: 185 kW

Max torque: 350 N.m

Top speed: 230 km/h

0-100 km/h: 6,4 sec

Fuel consumption: 7,7 L/100 km