Volvo XC40 breaks the mould

New Swedish compact luxury SUV is no cookie-cutter car, says design boss.

The new Volvo XC40 is not only one of the most important models to hit the road in the Scandinavian car-maker’s 91-year history; it represents a shift in the way it designs cars.

Volvo’s global design boss, Robin Page, who was in Australia for the local launch of the company’s first compact SUV, said the XC40 presented an opportunity to do things differently.

“When started the XC40 we asked how we’re going to go about doing this car, because if you look at other brands they actually start by just downsizing their recipe,” said British-born Page, who has previously worked for Bentley and Bugatti.

The new Volvo XC40 has arrived in Australia and it’s a little bit different

Offered in Australia in two trim levels – the entry-level Volvo XC40 Momentum and the sportier R-Design – priced between $47,990 and $57,990, the new model veers away from the ‘cookie-cutter’ design philosophy prevalent among some prestige brands.

He likened the design ethos of rival brands to a pair of shiny black shoes. The Volvo XC90 is a size 12, the XC60 is a size 10 “and the XC40 could be size eight – it’s the same formula, just downsized”, said the Volvo design chief.

“[But] We made a conscious decision not to do that,” he stated, equating the XC40 to a Prada trainer.

“Something expensive, modern but with a more youthful, playful character – that’s how we started to position the project.”

The design is bold and playful, according to Volvo’s chief designer

In the same competitive set as vehicles like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, Jaguar E-PACE and MINI Countryman, the Volvo XC40 has a strong standard equipment list.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, 9.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system, eight-speaker stereo, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and dual-zone climate control are standard across the range.

Other key features on all models includes wireless phone charging, reversing camera, rear cross-traffic alert, 18-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a power adjustable driver’s seat with four-way lumbar adjust, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic high-beam headlights, keyless engine start, rear parking sensors and signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lights.

That is Thor’s Hammer, otherwise known as Mjolnir

Up-spec Volvo XC40 R-Design models get all that plus sportier exterior body work, 20-inch alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof, firmer sports suspension, Nappa leather seat trim, proximity key, a powered tailgate with kick-to-open gesture control and ambient interior lighting.

Semi-autonomous driving aids like Pilot Assist and Park Assist Pilot, a 360-degree parking camera system and high-end Harman Kardon audio system are optional.

There are also 203 ‘Launch Edition’ vehicles, but they sold out in less than a week according to Volvo Cars Australia, indicating how popular the vehicle is.

The city-savvy SUV is packed with tech, but it’s not cheap at around $48,000

Two engine types will be offered in Australia – both 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder units – led by the T5 petrol (182kW/350Nm) and D4 diesel (140kW/400Nm), the latter adding an extra $3000 to prices.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on all models, as is all-wheel drive, a push-button park brake with auto hold, and engine idle stop.

But as Page explained, the new car’s appeal is less about power and torque and more about unique visuals and technology.

“What we’re seeing is that new buyers – OK, you could say the millennials – they’re more interested actually in the image of the car and coolness of it and how playful it is … and technology is big.

The Volvo XC40 packs visual punch inside and out

“We’re seeing them pulling [away] more from the old-school approach to automotive – its performance, its figures. This is more about the expression of the car.”

As such, the XC40 can be optioned with bright orange interior carpeting made from recycled plastic bottles. Black and blonde colours are available for less outgoing customers too.

The 2.0-litre T5 turbo-petrol model is expected to account for around 60 per cent of sales in this country.

There is a more affordable three-cylinder 1.5-litre turbo-diesel D3 model in the wings and it could be priced closer to the entry-level Audi Q3 ($43,400).

However, it’s not arriving here until late 2019 – about a year later than expected. Plug-in hybrid and EV versions are also planned.

How much does a 2018 Volvo XC40 cost?
T5 Momentum – $47,990
D4 Momentum – $50,990
T5 R-Design – $54,990
D4 R-Design – $57,990