The Gentleman Magazine Issue 9 | June 2018 | Page 20

Volvo XC 40 Review:
“The XC40 is a truly fantastic vehicle”
Words & Imagery By Sebastian Oakley
Volvo are taking on the compact SUV market with their new
vehicle the XC40 and we had one to review, whilst visiting
badminton horse trials. The XC40 is based on the XC90 sharing
its incredible safety and driving systems, along with an added
twist of Scandinavian design, which makes the XC40 one of the
best looking cars on the road.
Our review model was the T5 AWD First Edition, which is
based upon Volvo’s R-Design Pro series, but is fitted with slightly
different optional extras. This model was fitted with the T5
petrol engine that produces 247hp with an 8-speed automatic
gear box which produced excellent gear changes throughout
our review and included the following packs: Xenium, which
includes 360 degree parking cameras, along with the amazing
park assist pilot which can be used to automatically parallel
park and for 90 degree parking.
Next on the options list is the Intellisafe Pro pack which brings
Pilot Assist and Cross Traffic Alert to name but a few safety
features, which really brings home Volvo’s expertise in driver
safety. Along with these packs fitted we saw the introduction
on the 19-inch 5 double spoke wheels, which really give the
XC40 a ‘go anywhere’ presence which I really liked and all this
for £39,905.
However, if you want the look of this amazingly designed
vehicle, but not the full spec the T3 FWD version is available
for just £27,905.
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Once you get in to the XC40, you instantly know it is built to
a very high standard and I believe this vehicle will be a great
asset to the Volvo line-up. While driving the XC40 it gave
excellent feedback to the driver, making it feel extremely secure
on the road with responsive handling and very impressive gear
changes from the automatic gearbox. However, if you want to
take more control over the XC40, the paddle shift fitted to our
car made for an extra driving pleasure while on the country
lanes.
Inside you are treated to what I like to call “The Volvo Effect”
with perfect dash symmetry, extremely comfortable seating,
perfect dials, ample space and storage all wrapped up with a
fantastic Swedish design. Within the dash you are treated to a
beautifully rich and vibrant 12.3 inch centre console, which is
the most user friendly one I have seen to date. Want to connect
your phone to the system? 2 clicks and its done it all for you,
simply fantastic.
, Security in Motion”