Volvo has revealed and updated version of its popular XC40 SUV.
The XC40 is the smallest SUV in a range that includes the XC60 and XC90 SUVs.
Spotting the new XC40 from the old model isn’t easy. The new car gets slimmer headlights, redesigned bumpers, a ‘smoothed out’ boot lid and that’s about it. That being said, the XC40 remains one of the coolest premium SUVs on sale.
Interior revisions are even lighter – restricted to new trims colours, like the winter camouflage finish you see in our pictures here.
Spec changes are easier to pick up. Out go the old trim levels – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription – and in come Start, Core, Plus and Ultimate.
Start cars are the only versions that are yet to go on sale. As the name suggest, this is the entry level trim level carrying a £26,485 price tag that’s nearly £10,000 cheaper than the next model up. Start cars are the only models to come with a manual gearbox and Volvo’s basic 129PS T2 petrol engine. Equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start and rear parking sensors.
Core models get a seven-speed automatic gearbox and a 163PS petrol engine. You can spot them by their 18-inch alloy wheels, glossy exterior trim pieces and roof rails. You get more interior lighting on the inside and handy features like storage under the boot floor, shopping hooks, electric rear door child locks and a powered boot lid. You also get adjustable front seat lumbar support. Core models start from £34,100.
Plus models start from £37,500 and are arguably the most desirable because they give the XC40 you’d expect of a premium SUV. That includes an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated seat front and rear, front parking sensors and a reversing camera, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and extendable leg support on the front seats.
You also get more safety kit in the form of a blind spot assist system that can steer you back into lane if you try to pull out in front of another vehicle, plus you get automatic brakes that can stop you if another car pulls into your path.
Ultimate models hangout at the top of the XC40 tree – they cost from £43,325 and are the only XC40s available with the top-of-the-range 262PS T5 petrol-electric PHEV engine. They get kit like self-drive tech, a glass roof, a 360-degree parking camera, 600W Harman Kardon stereo, 19-inch wheels and matrix LED headlights.
Themes are something else you get with the new XC40 – you can choose from Dark or Bright. While Dark adds moody black plastics to the car's exterior, Bright sprinkles it with chrome trims.
All bar Start models are on sale now. The XC40 competes with models such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Range Rover Evoque.
Read our Volvo XC40 review to find out more or check out our guide to the best SUVs for alternatives.
