Entry-level XC40 confirms the Sino-Swedish firm’s engineering excellence

Having commenced building its own engines, rather than relying on buying them in, writes Iain Robertson, Volvo risked criticism but none has been forthcoming, mainly because they work so efficiently and avoid architectural complications.

From the 1927 outset, Volvo relied on external car engine supplier technology. Penta, a Swedish engine manufacturer, based at Skoevde, in the south of the country, to satisfy its demands. Volvo bought into the firm in 1931, completing the buy-out in 1935. Over the years, it established supply arrangements with other brands, such as Ford, PSA and Renault, until 2011, when it formulated its own engines featuring modular technology. In essence, from a four-cylinder engine block, both petrol and diesel versions could be created, featuring blends of turbocharging, supercharging and hybrid technology as the means of boosting power outputs.



The 3-cylinder petrol-turbo engine featured in the test car is a three-quarters version of the 2.0-litre, displacing 1.5-litres and developing an excellent 161bhp and a prodigious 195lbs ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0-60mph in 9.5s, top 125mph and attain 45.6mpg, while emitting 146g/km CO2. Rather than feeling ‘underpowered’, driving through an 8-speed automatic transmission, this XC40 impresses with its outstanding upmarket balance. I would venture to suggest that it is even the best of the XC40 models.



Cabin space is exceptional, with copious leg and headroom that ensure both a comfortable and accessible environment for up to five adults. Typical of recent Volvo models, the levels of tactility are unerringly excellent, with plenty of ‘soft-touch’ surfaces and high-quality exuding from every impeccable upholstery stitch and taut shut-line. This may be the baby of Volvo’s current XC line-up but it lacks none of the finessing that has been instrumental in raising the bar for the brand and affirming its place in the executive class. Feelgood factor is in abundance and is winning conquest sales from its perceived market rivals.



Over 560-litres of boot space, which can be trebled by folding the rear bench forwards is class leading and benefits from a lack of intrusions, full carpeting and a floor height level with the rear bumper. There is secure oddment space beneath and flanking the ‘false’ floor, for added convenience. The cabin also benefits from an abundance of practical slots, lidded compartments and rubber-based trays.



The commanding driving position helps when positioning the XC40 and the car’s crisp, front-wheel drive handling envelope underscores its resilient comfort-biased suspension settings. Yet, body roll is exceptionally well-controlled and, combined with accurate, well-weighted power steering, the XC40’s handling bias is driver engaging and confidence inspiring, in ways that shade its rivals.



While no modern Volvo has missed its intended target, the XC40 is simply so good that I am unsurprised that the firm’s first all-electric model that is undergoing new model reliability trials at present could become readily its best-seller in the not too distant future. With list prices (pre-discount) starting at £29,540 and the usual Momentum, R-Design and Inscription trim levels and accessory packs available, finding the right XC40 model to meet personal requirements is not difficult.

MSG Summary

While the SUV sector is immense and very competitive, Volvo is managing to make its offerings stand out, with an intoxicating blend of executive class detailing and relative affordability. It is little wonder Volvo is leading the pack.

Join the Priority Club

Whether it’s your weekly grocery shop, reducing your utility bills or looking for a weekend take-away delivered to your door, Priority Club has a deal to save you money!