The 2018 Volvo XC40 is a new model with body of off-road proportions. Production will begin in November 2017 although Volvo already opens the order list. At the moment, it is available in two versions: D4 (Diesel engine 190 hp, from 42 220 euros) and T5 (gasoline engine 247 hp, from 47 257 euros).
2018 Volvo XC40 measures as 4.43 meters in length, similar to Audi Q3 , a BMW X1 , a Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 5p , a Jaguar E-Pace or a Mercedes-Benz GLA . The ground clearance is 21 cm, a good figure. Taking as reference the D4 version, the XC40 is more expensive than the Q3 and the GLA and less than the Range Rover Evoque A BMW X1 is cheaper, while an E-Pace is more expensive.
Volvo anticipated the appearance with the prototype Concept 40 . It is striking the design of the back door, whose sheet metal rises occupying a space that is usually glass. When we get in the car we will see how it affects the vision from the inside (in the case of a child may be a nuisance). There are also decorative elements that are away from the usual Volvo line. For example, the roof can be painted in a color different from the rest of the body and carpet can be a reddish hue called Lava Orange.
The design of the dashboard is very similar to the rest of recent models of Volvo, like the XC60 . From a screen, oriented vertically, most of the functions of the vehicle are handled, in addition to the multimedia system For your menus you have to scroll using your fingers always, since there are no buttons to do it. The instrument cluster is also a screen.
The XC60 and all models of the 90 series to start the engine in this case is replaced by a start button located on the dashboard to the right of the steering wheel. Also disappears the knob that allows you to select different settings for driving (although they are still available in the on-screen menu).
The XC40 has been built on a new platform of modular type (allows to reduce costs in the manufacture to have elements common with other models). There will be three-cylinder engines (new in Volvo) and four (D4-Diesel versions of 190 hp and T5-247 hp gasoline, which are the first to be available). There will also be a hybrid XC40 and an electric XC40.
The versions D4 and T5 that will be commercialized initially have total traction and automatic change of eight relations .
The suspension is independent on all four wheels, using a McPherson system in front and with a multi-link system behind. There are three types of suspension settings. The standard, a sports (with springs, dampers and different stabilizer bars) and a-called Four-C- with electronically regulated variable response dampers.
The driving assistants are also the same ones that are available in the other Volvo models mentioned above: Pilot Assist (combines the active speed programmer with the maintenance system in the lane), City Safety (emergency braking), Run-off Road (this device detects a possible exit from the roadway and tightens the front seatbelts; additionally, a mechanism in the seat seat absorbs part of the energy that reaches the backbone of the occupants in case the car pass abruptly from one height to another on impact with the ground) and a set of four cameras . In the console there is a wireless recharge zone or compatible mobile phones.
With the introduction of the XC40, Volvo has announced a service called “Care by Volvo” (available in Spain) that allows the car to be launched every two years with a monthly rate that includes insurance and taxes. This service is contracted directly from the internet and also allows you to request other services (car wash or maintenance, for example) or the car serves as a delivery point for parcels. Volvo says it is not a form of renting to use since the price is unique, regardless of age or location (in all countries of the euro zone the same car will cost the same), and because it has additional services such as the possibility of sharing the car without having to leave the key, since a digital key will be used, or the possibility of temporarily changing the vehicle in case of specific needs.