A sneak peek at the new Volvo XC40

Small Scandinavian SUV

HONG KONG—It made its world debut in the fashion capital of Milan late last year, and now, Volvo has allowed Philippine journalists an advance peek at its much-anticipated new XC40 compact sport utility vehicle during the Hong Kong leg of the prestigious Volvo Ocean Race.

The arrival of the XC40 means that, for the first time in its history, Volvo has three new SUVs in what is the fastest growing segment of the automotive market, paving the way for further growth in terms of sales and profitability for the resurgent automaker.

The new XC40 is the first model on Volvo’s new modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series including fully electrified vehicles. Co-developed with China’s Geely Auto (which owns Volvo), CMA provides the premium European carmaker with the necessary economies of scale for this segment.

The new Volvo XC40 with Volvo PH president Atty. Albert Arcilla.

 “The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO, during the car’s Milan launch. “It represents a fresh, creative and distinctive new member of the Volvo line-up.” 

In terms of technology, the XC40 brings the award-winning safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies known from Volvo’s new 90- and 60-Series cars to the small SUV segment. Like its larger siblings, the XC40 highlights the transformational effect of these new, in-house developed technologies on brand and profitability.

New interior color choices in the XC40 include a warm lava orange felt-based carpet and door inserts, and a range of new and distinctive trims and materials with designs inspired by urban architecture and cartography.

Every version of the XC40 is also exceptionally well equipped. Even entry-level versions come with a nine-inch touch screen control system, satellite navigation, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control with a sophisticated interior air-quality system, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The innovative Volvo On Call remote control and emergency assistance system is also standard on every model. Volvo On Call allows you to control various functions of your car from your smartphone or smartwatch, including starting the engine remotely to heat or cool the cabin before you start your journey and sending a destination directly to the satellite-navigation system.

Volvo’s sophisticated Pilot Assist system is available across the XC40 range. This semi-autonomous drive technology assists with the steering and controls the braking and acceleration required to keep the car safely in its lane and at the desired cruising speed or at a set distance from any vehicle in front.

These technologies make the XC40 one of the best-equipped small premium SUVs on the market. Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360° Camera that helps drivers maneuver their car into tight parking spaces.

With dozens of possible exterior and interior color combinations, the XC40 takes Volvo into new areas and allows its designers the freedom to create a car that brings a vibrancy, individuality and playfulness the small premium SUV segment currently lacks. The XC40 offers a broader and more playful color palette, making it the most expressive model in Volvo’s portfolio, reflecting the outgoing personalities of its drivers.

The new Volvo XC40 at the Volvo Race Village in the Hong Kong leg of the Volvo Ocean Race.

On the outside, a broad selection of possible color combinations range from a solid, monochromatic theme to dual compositions in vivid colors that lends themselves to self-expression, while the interior options deliver a truly youthful and premium feel. New interior color choices in the XC40 include a warm Lava Orange carpet, an Oxide Red upholstery, and a range of new and distinctive trims and materials with designs inspired by urban architecture and cartography. Natural, felt-based carpets, headliners and door inserts deliver a modern touch.

The XC40 also offers a radically new approach to storage inside the car. Ingenious interior design provides XC40 drivers with, among other things, more functional storage space in the doors and under the seats, a special space for phones including inductive charging, a fold-out hook for small bags and a removable waste bin in the tunnel console.

From start of production, the XC40 will be available with a D4 diesel or a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain. Further powertrain options, including a hybrid as well as a pure electric version, will be added later. The XC40 will also be the first Volvo model to be available with Volvo Cars’ new 3-cylinder engine.

Volvo’s first entry into the small premium SUV segment is proving popular among car buyers, with global XC40 orders already exceeding 20,000 units. “With the XC40, we enter the fastest-growing segment in the industry,” said Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Brand and Retail at Volvo Cars. “The XC40 completes our global SUV line-up, bringing the award-winning safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies known from our larger cars to the small SUV segment. These latest figures show that our customers clearly like what they see.”

The XC40 has also attracted acclaim from media around the globe. Volvo’s new small SUV is one of seven shortlisted for the 2018 European Car of the Year, the winner of which will be announced in March. This week, the XC40 was awarded the prestigious Car of the Year award by leading UK automotive publication What Car?.

Production of the new XC40 started in Volvo Cars’ plant in Ghent, Belgium last November and should be in local Volvo showrooms in a few months. Prices are expected to be in the 3-million-peso range.

Most Popular

Latest

More Articles Like This