It may lack a plug-in hybrid, but there are still many things to like about Volvo’s all-new baby SUV.
When Volvo came under Chinese ownership in 2010, many good things happened for the Swedish car marque with a top-down approach in rolling out new products.
By using modular technologies developed from scratch, the 90 series lineup systematically spawned SUV, saloon and estate (including a high-riding version) bodies with a common platform, engine block and plug-in hybrid system.
The 60 series family was eventually renewed in the process as well by employing the same so-called SPA floorplan and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine boosted by traditional forms of forced induction and electrification.
As a result, Volvo’s model lineup looked thoroughly new and integrated thanks to a common exterior and interior design, the latter aspect gaining on the brand’s cleverly-executed infotainment screen.
Now it’s time for the 40 series range which, in Volvo’s latest strategy, starts with an SUV silhouette before branching out with other body styles.
In fact, Volvo reckons that SUVs will be the new bread-winners for them, including the Thai market.
Since the XC40 is the smallest of Volvo’s three SUVs, it had to be accommodated with another platform called CMA.
To make business sense out of it, CMA is also being used Lynk & Co, another brand owned by China’s Geely.
And while the XC40 gains access to that 2.0-litre motor used in the bigger Volvos, it will eventually get a smaller 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and plug-in hybrid option.
Which is why the XC40 has entered the Thai luxury car market in a more conventional manner than how the XC60 and XC90 did with their fancy T8 plug-in hybrids sitting alongside diesel models in showrooms.
Mind, the XC40 is starting out life in Thailand with quite a big splash.
On top of the range is the T5, as tested here, powered by 252hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine and dressed with R-Design trim.
In a nutshell, this particular XC40 is aimed at the younger generation of car buyers and those who like their SUVs to feel sporty.
Although the XC60 looks like a truncated XC90, the same could not be said for the XC40 which has some individual design traits to additionally stand out from its competitors like the BMW X1.
The C-pillars in the XC40 is the most notable visual distinction on the skin, made better by a roof whose colour is different from the body under the R-Design’s scheme.
It appears Volvo wants some attention from punters of the slightly smaller Mini Countryman as well.
The XC40’s interior might feel less adventurous but is properly a Volvo thanks to a similarly conceived dashboard centred around that iPad-style screen and tidied-up ergonomics.
R-Design means that suede leather, black trim and metal-like bits dominate the cabin which looks perfectly fine in its concept.
While the XC40 looks generally compact from the outside, it’s actually roomy inside. The boot, in particular, is vast for an SUV of this class and remains completely flat when the rear backrests fold down without fuss. And combine that with stow holes here and there, the XC40 is a highly practical car.
Comfort-wise, the seats offer good support even though without cushiness. It would have been nice if the rear seats could recline a bit, but there’s still enough space for five on board.
The driving environment, on the other hand, is basically spot on. You sit quite high, get good all-round view and access various functions easily.
You hardly need time to get acquainted to the touchscreen, even if you’re new to Volvo, but fingerprints can easily been seen and take some polish away visually.
But you probably need some getting used to the two-click action of the joystick-style gearlever when shifting from R to D or vice-versa. Other than that, the XC40 is easy to use.
The same goes for its driving manners which has always been a positive trait in Volvos. The steering is light and direct around town yet maintains enough weight and precision when driving quickly elsewhere.
The XC40, especially in T5 outfit, does invite you to step on the gas pedal. With power channeled through an eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels, performance is both brisk and assuring.
While the XC40 does most things nicely on the move, there are two pronounced downsides.
There’s no electrification under the bonnet, so you need an extra-light foot to achieve double-digit fuel economy figures.
The other one is the secondary ride (quite common in Volvos) which is fidgety over road surface imperfections.
Some blame could be put on the 19-inch wheels, which aim to lift the XC40’s sporty presence on the road.
In spite of these, there’s still much to like about this particular XC40. It has lots of pace, driving comfort and visual character.
Probably the closest alternative to the T5 in Thailand would be the 231hp John Cooper Works Countryman.
However, the Mini comes from a class below, is smaller in size yet is over a million baht dearer than the Volvo.
One reason for the T5’s competitive price tag of 2.39 million baht is due to it being built in Asean.
And the XC40 is loaded with driver-assist technologies that no other competitor can match.
In the typical Volvo fashion, the price, specification and performance balance is unbeatable. There’s lots of car for the money, so to speak. And the tax-friendly plug-in hybrid variant has yet to come.
What we have here for the time being is a compact SUV that’s desirable and fun to drive. Sure, there’s the lesser 190hp, front-drive T4 going for 300k less which we haven’t driven yet. But based on this account, a nice drive means T5 time.
