After large-format SUV models, Volvo has also equipped the more compact XC40 with a plug-in hybrid drive. With a market share in Germany of 1,8% for new registrations in Germany in the first half of 2020, customers are primarily focusing on the XC models. The SUV is still an unbroken trend in the automotive market. According to KBA, every tenth car in 2014 was an SUV; last year, every fifth new car was in this segment, with a market share of 21,2% of all new registrations. A trip with the Volvo XC40 reveals the true inner values.
New ways at Volvo
Volvo also has some interesting approaches in its product portfolio in 2020. As early as the summer of 2017, Volvo announced that it would bid farewell to the diesel engine for the future. From 2019, the promise for the future was to only bring new models to the road in which an electric motor has at least supplemented or completely replaced the combustion engine. There are three variants of the XC40. In addition to the conventional 3- and 4-cylinder engines, the range also includes two plug-in hybrid models and the fully electric version.
With the entry into the model year 2021, all Volvo models will be withdrawn from a top speed of 180 km / h. This should help to reduce the number and consequences of accidents on the expressways. New paths are also being broken in the development area. The Volvo Car Group, including its sister brands Polestar and Lynk & Co. International, say they are entering into a strategic partnership with Waymo, a global company in the development of technologies for autonomous driving.
XC40 R design
For the test car, Volvo relies on the "Bursting Blue Metallic" which has now become a trademark. In the R-Design there is this special paintwork as a two-tone paintwork in combination with a deep black roof. A 132 kW / 180 PS strong three-cylinder including a petrol particulate filter tinkers under the bonnet. The WLTP consumption is given as 1,9 liters of premium gasoline per 100 km. However, this consumption is not relevant in practice. This requires a fully charged battery for the 60 kW / 82 PS electric motor. The horse's foot lies in the charging interface, charging at the 16A connection takes at least 3 hours. The curb weight alone is 1.812 kg for the SUV in the compact car segment. In this respect, we used 6 to 8 liters in our tests on the long haul. In everyday life, charging will then primarily take place overnight at the wallbox at home.
Volvimus cum XC40
Off to the first long-distance journeys. The XC40 has recently won the title of “Company Car of the Year” in the “Small and compact plug-in hybrids” category. Decisive for this were probably the extensive and well-coordinated interior, known from the larger XC models, with the long-distance properties and extensive safety equipment. When you get started, the comfort and intuitive handling feel the same as with the XC60 and XC90 that we have already tested.
The somewhat tighter interior dimensions have changed. With a luggage compartment volume of 452 l, there is enough space for the usual travel and business luggage.
The test drives are carried out on different route profiles. After the start, the XC40 hums along leisurely as long as it is in electric mode. The four-cylinder then intervenes vigorously at the first kickdown at the latest and accelerates the mobile compact loft to 100 km / h in just under seven and a half seconds. This is seductive and the accelerations are so good-natured that it is advisable to check the speedometer from time to time in order to stay within the prescribed speed limit. On the long haul, relaxed gliding is in the foreground. Our test drives in the direction of Eckernförde Strand on the A7 at speeds of up to 160 km / h with the ECO mode set are a bit more moderate with 6 - 8 l of premium gasoline.
Conclusion
Two thirds of all new car customers from Volvo choose an SUV from the XC series. The combination of high-quality interior equipment, extensive safety equipment and assistance systems that relieve the driver are probably decisive incentives to buy. After our test drives, it has proven itself for drivers who value a safe and comfortable car in the premium segment.
Addendum
Practical test from spring 2020
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