2018 Volvo XC40

Volvo Car SA is blowing the advertising budget on TV spots. Seeing the ad on various DSTV channels like it's no tomorrow.

They really betting big on this vehicle.
 
Volvo XC40 price in South Africa

Every XC40 comes with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan, 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance (including a Skytrax track unit). The pricing below includes VAT, with the second amount being the CO2 emissions tax. Please note that the T3 entry-level models are only available from the third quarter of 2018.

Internationally, Volvo offers a subscription service called Care By Volvo, where customers can "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". This plan is currently under consideration for introduction in the South African market and, if all goes according to plan, you'll be able to subscribe to Volvo ownership by the middle of 2019.

T3 Manual Momentum R489 500
T3 Manual InscriptionR521 300
T3 Manual R-Design R528 400
D4 Geartronic AWD MomentumR600 300
T5 Geartronic AWD MomentumR610 900
D4 Geartronic AWD InscriptionR632 100
T5 Geartronic AWD InscriptionR639 200
D4 Geartronic AWD R-DesignR642 600
T5 Geartronic AWD R-DesignR649 700

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volvo-xc40-2018-launch-review/44882/
 
Volvo XC40 D4 Geartronic AWD

Volvo Cars has been on a bit of a roll of late. I guess that’s fitting considering that the name Volvo was derived from the Latin term for “I Roll”.

Over the last few years the Swedish automaker has launched a few all-new, extremely impressive products, including the XC90, S90 and V90 Cross Country, all of which have been heaped with praise.

A new addition to the family

A few days ago Volvo Cars SA introduced the all-new XC40 into the local market. This newcomer arrived with the 2018 European Car of the Year title already under its belt, so it, too, continues in the same vein as other recent models.

XC40 is a premium small SUV, making it the first Volvo to contest this particular segment. It goes up against models such as the recently launched BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace, not forgetting the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

A handsome devil

In part Volvo’s resurgence has been driven by a bold and appealing new design language. All new Volvos, the XC40 included, have a distinctive frontal aspect, with signature headlamp motifs and elegant lines; the XC40 is no different.

It is a quite a handsome looking vehicle and, to my eyes, seems to have been designed in an industrial design studio. The lines are strong, as is the wide stance, yet somehow it also manages to exude an air of sophistication. At the same time the XC40 is undoubtedly a Volvo.

Lovely inside

The understated elegance continues in the cabin. Materials used feel premium to the touch and centre stage on the facia is taken by Volvo’s full-colour Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, flanked by beautifully integrated air vents.

Added to that, there are plenty of nifty/novel touches in the cabin. Among these are a removable bin, induction phone charger and massive front door pockets – large enough to hold a small laptop computer – thanks to removal of the door speakers and relocating them behind the facia.

Not only is there plenty of occupant space, but the XC40 features a large boot, too. Rear knee room may feel tight for taller adults, but I had no issues. The eco conscious will be happy to note that the Oxide Red leather and ‘Lava’ carpets are made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

The best part, for me, is the relative lack of exterior noise inside the cabin, this in itself makes the XC40 feels upmarket.

Many models to choose from

Right now, potential local Volvo XC40 buyers can choose from two trim levels, R-Design and Momentum and two engines (D4 turbodiesel or T5 turbopetrol). Diesel and petrol models feature eight-speed automatic transmissions with all-wheel drive. Top-of-the-range Inscription derivatives arrive later in 2018

Power in the oil burner is rated at 140 kW/400 N.m, the corresponding numbers for petrol engine are 185 kW/350 N.m. Entry-level, three-cylinder, T3 models are powered by a 115 kW/265 N.m motor and are all front-wheel driven.

How does it go?

Pretty darn impressively is my short answer. XC40 is based on Volvo’s all new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture). This platform will underpin all new small Volvo products. Under the skin is an all-independent suspension set-up that, I think, endows the XC40 with the best ride characteristics of any Volvo product I’ve ever driven.

Isolation from external inputs is excellent, even bumps encountered at speed are damped from the occupants as are the associated suspension noises. Ride and handling are extremely well judged even riding on optional 20-inch alloys (standard fitment is 18 inches in diameter).

More pep

I spent all my time at the launch driving the D4 model. At lower speeds the diesel motor can be heard but once revs rise its presence is less noticeable. The advertised torque peak is available at a 1 750 r/min.

Up in the thin air of the Gauteng region, the motor lacks a little bit of low-down punch. It doesn’t quite feel as lively as I’d like, or maybe as lively as the impression its funky exterior creates. I am sure that sensation is alleviated somewhat at the coast.

I look forward to getting my hands on the petrol derivative at some point as I think the 185 kW motor would feel as quick as I’d like. For most I suspect that the D4 will suffice, and be the more attractive option as it boasts a fuel consumption figure of 5,1 litres/100 km.

Summary

I really like the XC40. I’ve not yet sampled the BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace but I would have the new Volvo over the likes of several other similar products from Volvos main rivals.

In the past Volvo SA was not inundated with pre-orders for its new models. But such is the new-found appeal of the brand, and the XC40, that an unprecedented 170 customers were keen to purchase an XC40 before the car was launched locally.

If you are keen to buy one of the 430 remaining cars allocated to South Africa for 2018, you’d better hurry as I suspect these will sell out pretty quickly.

QUICK FACTS

Price: R639 200

Engine: 2,0-litre, twin-turbocharged inline four

Power: 140 kW

Torque: 400 N.m

Claimed fuel consumption: 5,1 L/100 km

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

https://doubleapex.co.za/volvo-xc40-d4-geartronic-awd/
 
DRIVEN: Volvo XC40 T5 Geartronic Momentum

We head upcountry for the local launch of the smallest model in Volvo’s burgeoning XC-badged crossover range. Meet the new XC40…

Right, so the new Volvo XC40 has been launched in South Africa. I must say, I do like the look of this one…

Both you and the Europeans. In March, it was crowned the 2018 European Car of the Year and I’ve yet to read a bad word about it in the Continental press. We drove a XC40 D4 derivative at the international launch in late November 2017 and also came back suitably impressed.

But yes, it does look pretty, doesn’t it? Unlike the new XC60 (which, by the way, launches here in May), which looks very much like a smaller version of the more conservatively handsome XC90, Volvo’s baby crossover certainly has its own character. From that concave grille to the sharply rising shoulder line mirrored by sharp downward side scallops, and (optional) two-tone roof, this XC not only looks more purposeful but, for Volvo, borders on downright funky.

Hang on. Are those orange carpets I’m seeing inside? That’s a click or three beyond mere funky…

Quite. They do have a whiff of flared trousers and sideburns to them and might not be to everyone’s tastes, but don’t panic, Mr Huntley-Smythe, those Lava Red carpets and door inserts are optional. And, yes, with leather colour options that include Cranberry and Blond, you can specify an interior in which a mirrored disco ball would be right at home. But there’s also the usual black-and-grey Scandi palette to satisfy the likes of me and you.

Not that either of us old codgers is part of the market at which Volvo is aiming here. If the exterior styling doesn’t convince you as such, one look at Volvo’s XC40 advertising and marketing campaigns, filled as they are with fresh-faced Generation-Xers, should tip the scales.

Hey! Speak for yourself…

Lava aside, the interior is actually typically Volvo in its minimalist leanings. Momentum spec gets concave aluminium décor inlays on the dash and door that mirror the grille and, like all models in the range, comes with Volvo’s superb Sensus Connect infotainment system, displayed in the XC40 on a 12,3-inch screen. The seats, while not quite as big and plush as big brother XC90’s, are still comfortable and supportive, and the driver’s is power adjustable as standard.

And what about interior space? Listening to your target market quips, I’m guessing it’s not really a family vehicle…

Look, there’s plenty of interior passenger space. As an average-sized male, I can comfortably sit behind a driver’s seat set to my requirements. And it isn’t just legroom I have more than enough of, but shoulder- and headroom, too.

At the launch, Volvo surprised us with a chauffeured shuttle from Lanseria to Sandton in the new XC60 and, to be honest, the XC40 just about matched its bigger sibling for rear passenger space. Unlike some of its rivals, the XC40 has shunned a coupé-like roofline for a boxier silhouette and that means the smaller Swede’s interior packaging is rather good and definitely less snug than that of the Jaguar E-Pace and, to a lesser degree, the BMW X2. Looking at everyone’s claimed figures, however, boot space may be one area where the Volvo appears to fall short of more family-focused rivals such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and BMW X1 (the Tiguan’s luggage compartment comes in at 615 litres, X1 at 505 litres, E-Pace at 577 litres, X2 at 470 litres and XC40 at 460 litres).

So, to get back to your family car question: yes, luggage space is a little tight, but I otherwise don’t see why it couldn’t function as a family vehicle. The boot may be a bit of a squeeze for all the kit that accompanies a baby (prams, camper cots, etc.) but once the kid’s outgrown that sort of stuff, it’ll be fine. It does have Isofix attachments on the rear seats, plus you get all the latest active and passive safety tech Volvo has to offer, including front, knee and curtain airbags; rear collision warning; run-off mitigation and protection; and driver alert. IntelliSafe assist with adaptive cruise control, pilot assist and lane keeping aid, plus blind spot monitoring, are also optional.

One thing there is no doubt about, though, is the level of fit and finish. The XC40 feels just as carefully tailored and expertly assembled as the XC90.

So, what’s it like to drive then?

This T5 has Volvo’s familiar 2,0-litre turbopetrol and here it’s tuned to put out 185 kW and 350 N.m – healthy numbers by any standards, but particularly perky in a little SUV. Volvo claims a brisk 0-100 km/h time of 6,4 seconds and having floored it with the drive select set to dynamic, that doesn’t surprise me. With peak torque available between 1 800 and 4 800 r/min, in-gear acceleration through the smooth-as-you-like eight-speed torque converter inspires confidence when overtaking at any legal speed.

What impressed me the most, though, was the XC40’s ride quality. As the first vehicle to use Volvo’s compact modular architecture, it certainly bodes well for models that follow. With a superbly damped multi-link rear suspension and MacPherson struts at the front, the XC40 has a controlled and supple ride quality that’s quite distinctive in this segment. Perhaps not as dynamically adept as the X2 and certainly more comfortable than the X1, it is a lot more nimble than the heavier E-Pace (with a mass of around 1 700 kg, the Swede is nearly 200 kg lighter than the Jag).

What’s this going to cost me?

The full pricing is here, but you are looking at between R490 000 and R650 000.

R490k? That’s pretty good.

It is, but to clarify, that’s for the 115 kW three-cylinder 1,5-litre T3 manual that will arrive here only in early September. There will be an auto version, too (for around R20k more) scheduled to touch down a few months after that.

At the moment, it’s only the 140 kW/400 N.m D4 turbodiesel and this T5 that are on showroom floors and while that R600k-R650k bracket is significantly higher, it’s still very aggressively positioned in the segment, especially given the high spec levels that Volvo offers.

Encouragingly, Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Cars SA managing director, revealed that the local arm has been given full authority to decide its own pricing and strategy in our market, which has allowed the firm to bring in the baby XC at a price point aimed more at getting people behind the wheel than at pure profit margins.

And that’s a win for the consumer in what – based on these first impressions, at least – may well be the segment’s best vehicle…

Model:Volvo XC40 T5 Geartronic Momentum
Price:R610 900
Engine:2,0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power:185 kW
Torque:400 N.m
0-100 km/h:6,4 seconds
Top Speed:230 km/h
Fuel Consumption:7,2 L/100 km
CO2:154 g/km
Transmission:8-speed automatic
Maintenance Plan:5-year/100 000 km

http://www.carmag.co.za/car-reviews/driven-volvo-xc40-t5-geartronic-momentum/
 
do they come with the Polestar treatment>? I was told at the Volvo Bedfordview, they can offer me the Polestar map for R10000 + VAT and it wont void the warranty, but it was on the XC60 thou.
 
Last edited:
SA launch drive: Volvo's stylish new XC40

Given how elegantly and successfully Volvo has tackled the upper end of the SUV market with its XC90 and XC60 models, it’s surprising that it has taken this long for the Swedish company to insert itself at the compact end of the kerb-hopping world.

Nonetheless, Volvo has finally created an XC40 and it was launched in South Africa this week.

Though immediately recognisable as a Volvo SUV, with its characteristic rectangular grille and L-shaped taillights, there is plenty of added spunk in elements like the upkicked rear door windows, contrasting roof colours on upper models and clamshell bonnet. The baby Volvo - which is built on Volvo’s new CMA modular vehicle architecture for smaller vehicles - also has a more blocky, chiselled sense of style that suits the vehicle’s size. It’s spacious on the inside too, and has a decent 460 litre boot.

Commendable performance is also on offer, with a vast line-up of engines that will be introduced in stages. The most affordable of them all is powered by Volvo’s new three-cylinder turbopetrol engine and it’s set to cost less than R500 000 when it goes on sale later this year. This 1.5-litre T3 derivative, which produces 115kW and 265Nm, will only be available with a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. T4 petrol and D3 diesel versions will also be added to the range, although no prices have been announced as yet.

What we did get to experience at the local launch in Joburg was the 2-litre four-cylinder T5 petrol and D4 diesel engines, which are available from launch. Standard with Volvo’s permanent all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmissions, the D4 is good for 140kW and 400Nm, while the T5 is credited with 185kW and 350Nm.

The diesel (priced from R600 300) proved to be quite a gem, with its ample torque and smooth power delivery making for strong, effortless performance. For this one, Volvo claims a 7.9 second 0-100 time.

The T5 petrol engine (from R610 900) is where things get really feisty, and here Volvo claims a hot-hatch-like zero to 100 time of 6.4 seconds.

The XC40 rides comfortably over rougher surfaces, but easily the most impressive aspect is the interior quality.

Volvo has really done a stellar job here, the end result looking very much like a scaled-down XC90 cockpit. Sure, the plastics lower down are still hard to the touch, and the carpeting is perhaps on the cheap-looking side of things, but the upper dash and door trimmings just ooze style and quality. Volvo’s tablet-like Sensus touch-screen infotainment system is also part of the deal here, and most of Volvo’s latest active safety gadgets are available - albeit many requiring a tick of the options list.

The City Safety warning and auto-braking system, with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, is standard on every XC40, along with road sign information, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Lane Keeping Aid.

But for a closer look at what’s standard and what’s optional, let’s take a walk through the three different trim grades that Volvo is offering with the XC40, namely Momentum, Inscription and R-Design.

Momentum models come standard with 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 31.2cm digital instrument cluster, 22.8cm touchscreen infotainment with Navigation Pro, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, rear park assist and Hill Descent Control.

Inscription adds ‘Comfort’ seats with leather upholstery (powered upfront) as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a special smartphone centre tunnel with inductive charging. Inscription models can be told apart on the outside by 18-inch, six-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, a bespoke ‘Inscription’ grille and matt silver skid plates on the front and rear bumpers.

The R-Design, as you’d expect, gets its own, somewhat racier design pack that includes 19” five-spoke matt black diamond cut alloys, a black grille, glossy black window and wing mirror trim, solid black contrast roof colour and integrated dual exhaust pipes. The party inside includes R-Design-specific leather / Nubuck seat trim, steering wheel, gear knob and pedals.

Though all models are rather well stocked, as with all premium brands there is an extensive options list that you can easily get carried away with. The two derivatives that we drove were both fitted with options tallying more than R100 000.

You need an extra R19 200 for the Intellisafe semi-autonomous driving package with active cruise control and Pilot Assist, while a 360 degree camera will set you back a further R12 000, Park Assist semi-autonomous parking is a further R7850 and a powered tailgate is R5800 - to name just a few examples. These options are not badly priced by any means, but they can add up.

Which brings us to the as-standard prices for the XC40 range. These include a five-year/100 000km warranty and maintenance plan.

VOLVO XC40 PRICES

T3 Momentum manual R489 500
T3 Inscription manual R521 300
T3 R-Design manual R528 400
D4 Momentum AWD auto R600 300
D4 Inscription AWD auto R632 100
D4 R-Design AWD auto R639 200
T5 Momentum AWD auto R610 900
T5 Inscription AWD auto R642 600
T5 R-Design AWD auto R649 700

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/latest-launches/sa-launch-drive-volvos-stylish-new-xc40-14505250
 
Volvo XC40: 5 Rivals To Beat

The Volvo XC40 has just launched in South Africa and its thrown straight into the ring to compete against some stiff competition. Here are 5 rivals that the Volvo XC40 needs to beat if it is to succeed in the local market.
It seems that Volvo can't put a foot wrong at the moment. Buoyed by investment from Geely and lauded globally (the brand has bagged several #CarsAwards category wins), Volvo's SUVs have elbowed their way into the limelight on sheer merit. The XC90 took the premium SUV market by storm, its XC60 executive SUV sibling recently won the 2018 World Car of the Year title and the new XC40, which has been named the European Car of the Year, is now available in South Africa. Volvo is on a roll...

Volvo XC40 - Key Rivals

BMW X2

The BMW X2 slots between the X1 and X3. It rides on the X1 platform, but interestingly, it's physically lower and shorter than the vehicle upon which it's based. At first glance, the combination of sportier coupe/hatchback looks and lower-than-expected ground clearance gives the impression that it's not an SUV.

Locally, BMW has opted for a range of 4-cylinder engines, with the choice of either turbopetrol or turbodiesel powerplants. You can choose the sDrive20i which has peak outputs of 141 kW and 280 Nm of torque or the xDrive 20d with its 140 kW and 400 Nm. The range will be expanded shortly, with the addition of a 1.5-litre turbocharged, 3-cylinder engine doing duty in the X2 sDrive18i, which is also front-wheel driven. We've had some experience with this engine before as it does duty in some Mini products. Power is rated at 103 kW and 220 Nm.

The only model to feature all-wheel drive capability is the diesel X2 20d. The new X2 undoubtedly brings style and personality to the lower end of BMW's SUV family. If people shun the traditional X1, but want something that does almost the same job, then the X2 is your port of call.

Jaguar E-Pace

Jaguar's 'honey-I-shrunk-the-F-Pace' also launched in South Africa recently and the newcomer looks good. With visual elements lifted straight from the F-Type sportscar, it's hard to ignore its motorsport heritage. However, a sports SUV it is not. Being from the Jaguar Land Rover family has its benefits as its pretty capable when the tarmac ends. The 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol engines produce 184 kW and 221 kW, while the oil-burning 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines offer up 110 kW, 132 kW, and 177 kW. All-wheel drive is standard on all derivatives.

Despite being surprisingly heavy, it's actually good to drive, with quick and responsive steering and if you haven't opted for the biggest wheel size, it will provide good ride quality too. When loaded with optional kit, the E-Pace becomes a pricey proposition.

Audi Q2

Positioned to compete in the burgeoning premium, compact crossover segment, the Q2 targets affluent, younger buyers that place a priority on design appeal, quality, and the latest technologies. This means that practical concerns such as spaciousness, versatility and value for money take a back seat to premium finishes, individuality and a vast... vast optional extras list.

There are many petrol and diesel engines to choose from, ranging from an 85 kW / 200 Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder to a 2.0-litre TDI with 105 kW and 340 Nm. Surprisingly, there's no option of a quattro derivative. Being based on the A3's underpinnings was never going to make it especially bad, but the Q2 feels tight and taut most of the time, with excellent steering. Overall, the cabin is beautiful and well-made, the steering sharp and the chassis capable.

Lexus NX

Recently facelifted, the Lexus NX brings impressive levels of luxury, refinement and build quality to the segment. The new engine naming structure means the 200T badge has been dropped. In terms of engines, the entry-level NX300 E is now front-wheel drive (previously all-wheel drive) with the use of a 6-speed transmission. It’s still powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with 175 kW and 350 Nm of torque which also powers the EX and F-Sport derivatives. The hybrid NX 300h combines a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce outputs of 150 kW and 210 Nm of torque.

The F-Sport kit really makes the Lexus NX stand out. Some may not like the gaping angular grille, but its uniqueness may win it some hardcore fans. The ride quality is firm, yes, but hardly unbearable and when the tarmac switches from potholed B-roads to the national highway, you'll appreciate how quiet, smooth and refined the Lexus NX is.

Range Rover Evoque

One of the vehicles which started this compact premium SUV craze lives on, thanks to some facelifts. Launched back in 2011, the Evoque is stylish, modern and capable offroad. The mind-blowing looks aren’t just skin-deep. Underneath the gorgeous bodywork is one of the neatest and most stylish car interiors. It’s flawless in terms of ergonomics and everything is right where you expect it to be. There is an array of 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engines to choose from, with our personal choice leaning towards the diesel.

JLR has offered the Evoque in a bewildering array of spec and trim levels, and of course, you can go to town with some options, with a price tag to match! Much has been said about the Evoque’s off-road skills and thanks to Range Rover’s terrain response system it has the ability to adapt to different surfaces. Finally, it is the only vehicle on this list which offers a convertible body style.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volvo-xc40-5-rivals-to-beat/44904/
 
Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid revealed

New PHEV mixes 1.5-litre engine with electric motor

Volvo has introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the XC40 called the T5 Twin Engine.

The model mixes the 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine of the T3 with an electric motor. Volvo has yet to reveal outputs, but reports suggest the petrol unit provides 178bhp while the electric motor adds 74bhp. Together, they offer a combined 247bhp and 295lb ft of torque.

The new powertrain is capable of pure-electric running, although Volvo hasn’t disclosed its range yet.

The powertrain has been co-developed by Volvo’s parent company, Geely, and it’s also set to be used in that firm’s Lynk&Co models, the 01 and 02. Geely has also used the powertrain in its new flagship saloon for China, the Bo Rui GE.

No further details for the XC40 PHEV have been announced, but the Geely saloon is claimed to be good for 176.5mpg, suggesting a similar number could be possible in the XC40, likely during urban driving when pure electric power can be utilised.

Three main drive modes will be available with the T5 model: Hybrid, Power and Pure. The first will work to most efficiently combine both parts of the powertrain, while power will maximise the output of both. The final will harness only the electric motor.

Individual and Off road modes are also featured, with the former allowing customisation of how the powertrain works and the latter focused on providing maximum traction in low-grip scenarios.

Volvo’s new XC40 model is part of the brand's wider plans to offer an electrified variant of every car in its range by 2019. Beyond this, Volvo intends for 50% of its new car sales to be fully electric vehicles from 2025.

Its first fully electric car is due on roads next year in the form of an all-new hatchback. The Swedish company said it won’t produce any other totally new models until every remaining model in its line-up has an electrified option.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...olvo-xc40-t5-twin-engine-plug-hybrid-revealed

XC40 T5 Twin Engine 1.jpg
XC40 T5 Twin Engine 2.jpg
XC40 T5 Twin Engine 3.jpg
XC40 T5 Twin Engine 4.jpg
 
Jchan11hk said:
do they come with the Polestar treatment>? I was told at the Volvo Bedfordview, they can offer me the Polestar map for R10000 + VAT and it wont void the warranty, but it was on the XC60 thou.
Click to expand...

Polestar maps are so blerry expensive though for what you get. If only we could get RICA here - about the same price but often 2x or 3x performance gain
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X