2018 Volvo XC40

2018 European Car Of The Year: 7 Finalists Revealed

The seven finalists in the running for the 2018 European Car of the Year award have been announced.

The shortlist was whittled down to just seven contenders by the 60-strong jury.

The finalists are, in alphabetical order, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi A8, BMW 5 Series, Citroën C3 Aircross, Kia Stinger, Seat Ibiza and Volvo XC40.

Of the seven, just two (the Stelvio and 5 Series) are currently offered in South Africa, with the new Audi A8 and Volvo XC40 confirmed for local introductions in the future. The Kia Stinger seems likely to be launched in South Africa at some point, too, although the local arm of the Korean brand has yet to officially confirm its plans. Citroën and Seat, of course, do not currently offer vehicles in SA.

The overall winner will be revealed in the run-up to the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March.

In 2017, the Peugeot 3008 took top honours, while the Opel Astra triumphed in 2016, the Volkswagen Passat in 2015, the Peugeot 308 in 2014 and the Volkswagen Golf in 2013.

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/2018-european-car-of-the-year-7-finalists-revealed/
 
5 Cool Crossovers Coming to SA in 2018

Take a look at 5 eagerly-awaited crossovers that are bound to shake up the South African new vehicle market in 2018!

The market demand for crossovers has risen substantially in recent years and manufacturers are responding with the rollout of exciting new products that will arrive on local shores in 2018. Consumers shopping in this segment have much to look forward to as a number of attractive crossovers are headed for our market. Here are 5 you should look out for next year.

BMW X2

BMW will introduce the new X2 in March 2018 and given its daring styling and brand appeal, it will likely be well-received by buyers in South Africa. From launch, a choice of 2 derivatives equipped with automatic transmissions will be offered.

A front-wheel drive X2 sDrive20i with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with 141 kW / 280 Nm and mated to a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission will be available. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel in the form of the all-wheel drive X2 xDrive20d will develop 140 kW / 400 Nm and will use a 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Jaguar E-Pace

The E-Pace compact crossover/SUV will join the successful F-Pace in Jaguar’s growing SUV stable and can be expected to arrive in the first half of 2018. A range of turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines with varying outputs will be offered along with all-wheel drive capability.

A 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine will develop outputs of 183 kW / 365 Nm and 221 kW / 400 Nm. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel derivatives will offer 110 kW / 380 Nm, 132 kW / 430 Nm and 177 kW / 500 Nm. A 9-speed automatic transmission will be offered on all derivatives.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Opel Grandland X

Following on from the recent introduction of the Opel Crossland in South Africa, Opel is set to introduce the larger Grandland X to market in the first half of 2018. In terms of engines, the Grandland X is expected to feature the same 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine found in the Peugeot 3008 with 121 kW and 240 Nm of torque as well as the possibility of a 1.2-litre turbopetrol engine (currently powering the new Crossland X) with 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel is also a possibility for our market. A choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission will be offered.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Renault Duster

A new and improved version of Renault’s popular Duster will make landfall in the third quarter of 2018. The new Duster will continue to offer a combination of value-for-money, capability and practicality which has made it so popular locally.

Engines will likely carry over from the current Duster range, which means you can expect the 77 kW / 148 Nm naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine and the 80 kW / 250 Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine to be offered in both 4x2 and 4x4 guise with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.


Volvo XC40

Volvo’s highly-anticipated XC40 will arrive in South Africa in the second quarter of 2018 and will look to profit from the acclaim of the larger XC90 sibling. Both 2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines will be offered in D5 and T5 guise with expected outputs of 140 kW / 400 Nm and 187 kW / 350 Nm respectively in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The range will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. Hybrid and an electric version are also expected at a later stage and Volvo may also introduce a new 3-cylinder petrol engine to the range.

Exact pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/5-cool-crossovers-coming-to-sa-in-2018/44298/
 
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Volvo's new SA-bound XC40: We have prices, details

The new Volvo XC40, the Swedish automaker's answer to the popular premium compact SUV segment, is on its way to South Africa.

R-Design and Momentum

Due for local launch in April 2018, the new SUV will arrive in SA with z choice of two trim levels (R-Design and Momentum), two engines (D4 diesel or T5 petrol) and all-wheel drive for all variants.

Inscription derivatives arrive later in 2018, along with a broader engine line-up which includes a D3 diesel and T3 and T4 petrols, including a selection of all- and front-wheel drive.

A look at the rear of the new XC40: initial offering (April 2018) will see a D4 (140kW/400Nm) and T5 (182kW/350Nm) models. AWD is standard. pic.twitter.com/YNAstVz7gf

— Sean Parker ?? (@Sean_ParkerSA) November 28, 2017
Assertive pricing

The new XC40 range, including all engine and trim derivatives, will retail from less than R500 000 to around the mid-R600 000 mark.

The automaker says: "The new Volvo XC40 brings a breath of fresh Swedish air to the premium compact SUV segment, throwing away the rulebook to create a new motoring experience where individual style meets a functional and supremely minimalistic driving environment."

A new evolution of Volvo's latest design language has resulted in aunique exterior, while a bespoke interior inherits all of the automaker's latest design elements, including the 9" Sensus Connect touch screen and digital instrument cluster.

New design elements, such as he optional contrasting black or white roof, white side-mirror caps and wheels, red leather and 'Lava' carpets, which are made from 100% recycled materials, will allow XC40 customers to express a more individualistic style than in other Volvo cars.

I’m at the world ?? launch of the new Volvo XC40 in Barcelona ????, expect the small SUV to arrive in ???? in April 2018. #XC40Barcelona pic.twitter.com/USpOCVuo6e

— Sean Parker ?? (@Sean_ParkerSA) November 28, 2017
Volvo says functional practicality has also been a major focus on the inside of the XC40, where smart features like a "removable rubbish bin", a cubby hole hook, a dedicated smartphone storage area with wireless (inductive) charging, and a multi-adaptable boot floor, transform a typically cluttered and sometimes messy car interior into a place of serenity and organised efficiency.

The XC40 also introduces the new 'Care by Volvo' subscription model, whereby customers are able to subscribe to a car rather than buy it, for a fixed monthly fee which includes the likes of service, maintenance, insurance and other added value benefits. Care by Volvo is under consideration for South Africa.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/volvos-new-sa-bound-xc40-we-have-pricing-details-20171128
 
Volvo SA confirms ‘indicative pricing’ for new XC40

The new Volvo XC40 is expected to launch in South Africa in April 2018, and the local arm of the Swedish automaker has just revealed indicative pricing for its fresh-faced baby crossover.

Volvo Car SA says the XC40 will launch locally in D4 diesel or T5 petrol guises, with the choice of R-Design and Momentum trim levels. All models at launch will ship standard with all-wheel drive.

Inscription derivatives are scheduled to arrive “later in 2018”, along with a broader engine line-up set to include D3 diesel as well as T3 and T4 petrol units, along with the option of front-wheel drive on some variants.

So, what sort of pricing are we looking at? Well, Volvo Car SA says the new XC40 will be “taking a strong fight” to its established rivals with “superior levels of standard specification”, revealing that the range (including all engine and trim derivatives) will retail from “under R500 000 to around the mid-R600 000 mark”.

That’s pretty much on par with the BMW X1 range (which currently starts at R499 254 and runs through to R662 334) and Mercedes-Benz GLA line-up (priced from R487 566 to R658 576, if you exclude the fire-breathing Mercedes-AMG A45 at R862 628). The Audi Q3 range, meanwhile, is priced between R507 500 and R597 000, again excluding the RS Q3 performance variant (R882 500).

http://www.carmag.co.za/news_post/volvo-sa-confirms-indicative-pricing-for-new-xc40/
 
Volvo XC40 on the way: SA indicative pricing

After wowing the world with its latest-generation XC90 and XC60 SUVs, Volvo will be hoping to create a buzz in the compact crossover segment with its first-ever XC40.

The newcomer is set to hit South African shores in April 2018.

Although exact pricing has yet to be finalised, Volvo South Africa has announced that once all engine and trim derivatives come on stream, the range will retail from below R500 000 to somewhere around the mid-R600 000 mark.

The cheaper models won’t be available initially however, as Volvo plans to kick off with only the higher-end 182kW T5 petrol and 140kW D4 diesel engines, available with either Momentum (baseline) or the sporty R-Design trim grades.

The more affordable engine options, in the form of T3 (115kW) and T4 (140kW) petrols as well as a D3 (110kW) diesel will come on stream later in 2018, along with the luxurious Inscription trim grade on various models.

All engines are 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged units and the T4, T5 and D4 all come with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox, which are also available as an option on the D3, while the T3 is a manual, front-wheel-drive deal only.

Buyers will be able to personalise their XC40 with options like contrasting black or white roof colours, white mirror caps and wheels, ‘Lava’ carpets and Oxide Red leather upholstery.

Cabin electronics include a digital instrument cluster and Volvo’s 22.8cm Sensus touchscreen infotainment system with various connected apps - including one that allows you to control various functions remotely from your smartphone or watch.

This is standard on European models, along with a long list of driver assist gizmos such as City Safety auto-braking with pedestrian, cyclist and animal detection, and Volvo’s Oncoming Lane Mitigation with steering assistance.

Furthermore, Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving feature is available as an option.

Exact local specifications will be disclosed closer to launch.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/volvo-xc40-on-the-way-sa-indicative-pricing-12180187
 
DRIVEN: VOLVO XC40 D4 AWD

BARCELONA, Spain – It could be argued that the box-fresh XC40 arrives with the potential to be the most important car in Volvo’s current line-up. With global growth of most SUV and crossover segments showing no signs of abating, the Swedish brand has finally fielded its new premium light crossover. And it could just end up being the automaker’s most popular product.

Debuting the new CMA platform, which was designed in conjunction with Geely-owned start-up Lync & Co, the XC40 finds itself entering a class that is becoming increasingly competitive.

At first glance, the XC40 looks like a product that fits the bill, thanks to the utilisation of Thomas Ingenlath’s distinctive Scandinavian design philosophy. But, although it clearly is a Volvo, the small SUV doesn’t borrow too many of its larger siblings’ design cues.

The new model boasts unique head- and taillamp designs, plenty of plastic cladding and (probably the most endearing touch on this car) a small rubber Swedish flag sited near the bonnet’s edge, much like a label one would find on a high-quality golf shirt. Take an even closer look and you’ll find there’s plenty that sets this new model apart from the rest of the Volvo line-up.

The cabin, on the other hand, falls closer in line with those of other Volvo SUVs. Here, you’ll find the same style multifunction steering wheel, tablet-like infotainment system (although now angled towards the driver) and a centre console with an array of handy storage compartments. The XC40 comes across as a premium offering, but with a bit of a playful side (this one even features lava red carpets) – fitting for a vehicle in this segment.

Adding to this playful nature is the powertrain configuration, which in this case consists of Volvo’s familiar 2,0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 140 kW and 400 N.m to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This makes for a punchy but refined delivery of power that works well both in an urban setting and out on the open road.

With its relatively stubby 2 702 mm wheelbase (and some 211 mm of ground clearance), the XC40 also feels suitably agile, but still manages to serve up a surprisingly plush, composed ride; a characteristic that is actually rather rare in this segment. The XC40 sits on a front MacPherson strut and rear independent suspension setup, while the 19-inch alloys are wrapped in 235/50 Continental PremiumContact6 tyres.

Most of our launch driving took place in the city of Barcelona, which meant we spent a fair amount of time in traffic … and plenty of time negotiating traffic circles. Fitting when one considers that this is the sort of environment for which most XC40s are destined. In these urban settings, the small SUV is a cinch to pilot thanks to light controls and a decent driving position. The pedals, however, are sensitive and can catch you off guard in traffic (although this is something that should become less of an issue with familiarity). Out on the open road, the XC40 also feels right at home. Refinement levels are high and comfort levels impressive, although the seats are a little on the hard side.

Both the T5 and D4 all-wheel-drive derivatives will reach South African shores by April 2018, with the D3, T3 and T4 variants to follow at a later stage, some of which will bring the (cheaper) option of front-wheel drive.

Specification for the top-tier models we drove included a nine-inch infotainment screen, a digital instrument cluster, an automatic tailgate and wireless cellphone charging, although equipment levels for the South African market have yet to be confirmed.

Ultimately, the XC40 is a highly promising offering. With an estimated starting price of just under R500 000, this fun little crossover should provide an appealing entry point to the Volvo brand … and may just have some competitors looking over their shoulders.

Fast facts
Model: Volvo XC40 D4 AWD
Price: TBC
Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cyl, turbodiesel
Power: 140 kW @ 4 000 r/min
Torque: 400 N.m @ 1 750 - 2 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 7,9 seconds
Top Speed: 210 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6,4 L/100km
CO2: 166 g/km
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan: TBC

http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-volvo-xc40-d4-awd/
 
The 2019 Volvo XC40 Has The Most Genius Interior I've Ever Seen

Out of everything that I saw at this year’s 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, my favorite car was actually an SUV. I know, I’m surprised, too. But it was the 2019 Volvo XC40, a car you should really be paying attention to if you like very cleverly designed interiors filled with secret nooks and crannies for all your stuff.

First off, the XC40 is gorgeous, just like the other Volvos. It’s the first car to use Volvo’s all-new CMA platform and will cost between $33,000 and $35,000. Not bad for a classy and well-built European compact SUV. And you can get it through Volvo’s new subscription service.

But it’s not just the outside that’s great. In fact, most of car ownership takes place inside the car, which is exactly where you want to be with the XC40. There are a plethora of clever little pockets and space for storage. It’s delightful.

For example, there are two little slots near the driver’s left knee that can hold either an ID badge for an office or a parking ticket. I’ve lost many parking tickets before, so having a special slot built into the car for one is purely magical.

The door pockets, airy and open-feeling, aren’t just there to look good. A Volvo spokesperson pointed out that they had been specially designed to fit a 15-inch laptop. We tested it. It was awesome.

The trunk, already quite deep and spacious, had an extra little storage compartment beneath the floor, where you could store the cover and really maximize the additional interior height afforded by an SUV.

There’s a small slot in the center console that slides open and perfectly holds a smartphone. If you reach further in, you’ll also feel another slot for storing a credit card.

But perhaps the very best feature in the XC40 is that it also comes with a built-in trash can. I repeat: the car comes with a built-in trash can. Is your mind blown? Because mine sure as **** was.

How many times are you on a long car ride and you need to throw away a wrapper or maybe a crumpled up receipt? Where do you usually get rid of these things? If I’m lucky, I have an empty coffee cup and I just cram it all in there. If I’m not, then I usually just wind up throwing it in my purse. I hate cars with garbage in the footwells.

Volvo’s solution was to put a little trashcan in front of the front arm rest with a flapping lid. It’s fully removable and the top comes off for easy cleaning. Afterwards, you just pop it right back into its little space and it’s ready for use once more.

The only problem I could think up was that perhaps the lid would rattle if the car drove over some bumpy roads. Other than that, I think this is the most brilliant interior feature that I’ve seen in a very long time. It’s so obvious, too! Why don’t more cars have little trash cans?

https://jalopnik.com/the-2019-volvo-xc40-has-the-most-genius-interior-ive-ev-1820926725
 
It's beautiful in the metal, the press pics don't do it justice
 
Nice and a good car but it's such a shame about the valuation drop.
If it wasn't for that I bet it would take a lot away from it's competitors.
 
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