2018 Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T5 review

Should I buy one?

With our running limited to Volvo’s test track, we’ve yet to do enough mileage in the XC40 Recharge PHEV to offer a definitive verdict and so are withholding a star rating for now – but our first impression is that the new powertrain makes a strong package even more compelling. It keeps everything that ensures the XC40 remains one of our favourite small SUVs, and adds a compelling new powertrain option.

As ever with a plug-in, much will depend on what you’re buying it for, and how you intend to use it. Keep the battery topped up and make the most of EV mode and you’ve got an ideal city cruiser that can also cope effortlessly with long cruising journeys. Economics comes into it, too: the £40,905 price of the R Design model we drove compares with £36,585 for the most powerful 244bhp petrol variant in similar R Design spec (but offering all-wheel drive).

Another benefit is the reduction in CO2 output – 41g/km, compared to 127g/km for the XC40 T3, powered purely by the three-cylinder 1.5 petrol engine, and a fuel economy of 141.2mpg (an NEDC correlated figure based on the WLTP test cycle).

Of course, those looking for a compact Volvo SUV capable of pure-electric running might want to think about the forthcoming XC40 Recharge Full Electric. Such are the dilemmas that come from Volvo’s decision to offer one model with multiple powertrains…

Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid specification

Where Gothenberg, Sweden Price £40,905 On sale March Engine 3 cyls, 1477cc, turbocharged, petrol, plus 80bhp electric motor Power 258bhp at 5800rpm Torque 313lb ft Gearbox 7-spd auto Kerb weight 1741kg (est) 0-62mph 7.3sec Top speed 127mph Fuel economy WLTP figures TBC CO2 41g/km WLTP Rivals BMW X1 xDrive 25e, Lexus UX

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-revie...ves/volvo-xc40-recharge-plug-hybrid-t5-review

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Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid T5 UK review

Should I buy one?

It's in town where the Volvo most feels in its element. Here you can take advantage of its limited electric-only range to bring running costs down, and probably improve greatly on the 45-50mpg average economy figure we saw during our time with the car.

It operates at its best within a fairly narrow window, then. But if it fits your usage patterns, there’s a lot going for this plug-in XC40. We’d just avoid the sports suspension.

Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-in hybrid T5 specification

Where Surrey, UK Price £40,905 On sale now Engine 3 cyls in line, 1477cc, turbocharged petrol, plus electric motor Power 259bhp (combined output) Torque 314lb ft (combined output) Gearbox 7-spd automatic Kerb weight 1741kg Top speed 127mph 0-62mph 7.3sec Fuel economy 119.1-139.4mpg CO2 47-55g/km Rivals Lexus UX, DS 7 Crossback E-Tense


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Volvo XC40 Recharge: prices revealed for electric SUV

Budget change means new EV version of popular compact SUV won't qualify for the UK plug-in car grant

Volvo's first battery electric vehicle, the XC40 P8 Recharge, will go on sale in the UK from £53,155.

Available exclusively in R-Dynamic trim, the compact SUV has a 402bhp twin motor set-up and a claimed range of more than 248 miles.

However, changes made in the Government's new budget earlier this week means it will no longer be eligible for the UK plug-in car grant.

The new policy excludes all cars costing more than £50,000 from the grant. They no longer incur the premium rate tax, meaning drivers will save £320 per year for five years after the initial year of registration, but that still leaves buyers £1900 worse off than with the old system.

 
Volvo Cars to start moving away from traditional grille designs?

The head of design at Volvo Cars has hinted the Swedish firm could start moving away from traditional grilles as it shifts its focus towards electric vehicles.

Robin Page, senior vice-president for design at Volvo Cars, told CARmag.co.za the next generation of electric cars represented “an opportunity to look at an even more modern and fresh expression of our cars, especially when it comes to the front end”.

“The important identity of our cars is the Volvo Iron Mark and diagonal, and the strong identity of the Thor’s Hammer front lights,” Page told us.

“Even though the grille is a characterful graphic, it is a functional element associated with the combustion engine and therefore not necessarily relevant for full electric vehicles,” the former Bentley designer added.


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DRIVEN: VOLVO XC40 T5 AWD R-DESIGN

Overall, the XC40 T5 pays honour to the badge affixed to its rear. Not only is it a classy-looking small SUV, it manages to be comfortable and entertaining to drive, while offering one of the best interiors in its class. Still, we are left wondering whether there is more value lower down the range, with the T3 and D4 derivatives. While the aforementioned models make more financial sense, the T5 R-Design could be a compelling purchase for the individual who requires their premium midsize SUV to have both a bit of badge cred and some straight-line poke.

Fast Facts

Model:Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design
Price:R736 450
Engine:2,0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power:185 kW @ 5 500 r/min
Torque:350 N.m @ 1 800 – 4 800 r/min
0-100 km/h:7,78 seconds (tested)
Top Speed:230 km/h
Fuel Consumption:7,7 L/ 100 km (claimed)
CO2:164 g/km
Transmission:eight-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan:five-year/100 000 km

 
Why premium car buyers won’t switch brands

Many consumers might not be able to afford their luxury car of choice but they haven’t abandoned their brand of choice nor moved out of the luxury car segment. Instead, they’re remaining brand loyal – but buying down.

The trend is not unique to the motor industry; Covid-19 has had a massive impact on consumer spending, with consumption down across all industries. Thrifty motorists are opting for the best deal (irrespective of brand).

More than 60% of global consumers have changed their shopping behaviour, many of them for convenience and value. In many cases, this has meant deserting a brand.

In South Africa, it is fascinating to see that while they have less money to spend, motorists aren’t shunning luxury brands. Instead, they’re buying a cheaper model from their chosen luxury car supplier.

Volvo’s statistics confirm the trend. Traditionally, the XC60 has been the top seller. This was confirmed yet again in the first six months of this year, with total global sales of the XC60 at 78 761 (2019: 97 203), followed by the XC40 with 68 359 (2019: 61 864) and the XC90 with 37 918 (2019: 47 818).

However, in contrast with diminishing global automotive volumes, XC40 sales grew in the first six months of the year. Things look similar in South Africa. Sales of the XC40 are eclipsing the XC60. In fact, XC40 sales have grown by 5% this year, compared with last year. The XC40 has outperformed the XC60, selling 5% more last month. Both models were supported last month with a sales offer of a fixed interest rate of 7.25%. The offer continues until the end of next month.

 
Tested: Volvo XC40 T5 is big on looks and power

Overall, I found the XC40 delivered on style, luxury and handling. It’s a car built for city living after all. But if you’re keen to go off-road and put it through its paces, I reckon you’re better off with the XC60.

The Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design retails from R779 150 including VAT and C02 tax

 
Review | Volvo's XC40 T5 R-Design epitomises Euro chic

• The Volvo XC40 was launched in South Africa in 2018.

• It's the Swedish carmaker's entry level SUV.

• The XC40 was Volvo's second best-selling vehicle in 2019, with close to 140 000 models sold worldwide.

In summary, the XC40 was a lovely companion over the test period. It's brimmed with cameras and safety systems to keep the driver, passengers and even pedestrians safe.

The City Safety system includes pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection and front collision warning with full auto brake. Yes, the car will slam on the brakes if it thinks the driver isn't aware of an impending crash or is too slow to react.

A highlight of the R-Design pack is the addition of the Harmon Kardon sound system that offers serene sound quality. It's excellent. The model in standard specification retails for R738 800 with the R-Design pack escalating the price to R824 950, hefty yes.

But if you can afford to splurge on a compact SUV that offers all that I've mentioned and more, the XC40 T5 R-Design (shoo that's a mouthful) is a car you should consider.


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Volvo XC40 diesel models pulled from sale

Diesel XC40s will no longer be sold as Volvo focuses on mild-hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars

Volvo has removed all diesel versions of its XC40 from sale in the UK as it moves away from the fuel in favour of electrified variants.

The small SUV was available until August with two diesel engines: the 148bhp D3 and the 188bhp D4. Combined, these accounted for 36.5% of the model’s UK sales mix in 2019, with 5634 examples shifted during the year. Volvo claims that figure has dropped to 19% so far in 2020.

Both models are now no longer available to order on the company’s online configurator. A Volvo UK spokesman claimed the decision “is part of Volvo Cars’ ambitious global electrification strategy, which includes our well-established commitment to the phasing out of diesel in the long term. It also reflects the strong shift in customer demand towards petrol and electrified models.”

The XC40’s powertrain choice is now almost entirely electrified, with only the entry-level T3 not benefitting from the mild-hybrid technology of the more powerful petrols. Also available are two Recharge models: a plug-in hybrid (from £39,130) and the electric P8. The latter is available in First Edition form from £59,985, with cheaper variants due later.

 
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