Launch
Volvo Philippines first introduced the XC40 in September 2017. A couple of years later, they released a refreshed model in March of 2019 updated with the latest technologies and safety systems.
Exterior
The Volvo XC40 is the compact SUV that shows the brand’s playful and progressive aesthetic. Its
boxy profile, clamshell hood, and unique rear window shape makes it stand out among vehicles in its segment. What makes the premium SUV distinguishable is the two-tone color scheme in which the roof contrasts with the rest of the vehicle’s paint.
Despite the fun, sporty vibe of the XC40, it remains to follow the Swedish brand’s minimalist and elegant design philosophy. Narrow LED head lamps and T-shaped LED running lights accentuate the hexagonal mesh grille that houses the iconic Volvo emblem in chrome. Its sloping roofline comes with a roof rack and sunroof that add to the athletic guise of the SUV. Finishing the look are 18-inch alloy wheels.
Interior
Volvo’s signature design and layout extends to the interior that boasts of generous space for up to five people and plenty of ingenious storage solutions. It features a design similar to the XC60 with the fully-digital instrument cluster and the Swedish brand’s iconic trademark vertical touchscreen. It is complemented by a multifunctional steering wheel with controls for added convenience.
Seats are wrapped in premium leather with electric adjustability. On the rear is an expansive cargo space that can carry up to 460 liters with a clever folding floor providing much needed flexible space.
Technology & Safety Features
The Volvo XC40 offers the best possible safety standards combined with a user-friendly interface and connected services. Crowning the dashboard is a 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system which Volvo calls “Sensus”. It displays vehicle information and provides easy access to entertainment and safety features of the vehicle.
The SUV’s entertainment package includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for smartphones, plus wireless charging of mobile devices. Audio comes out of a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system.
As expected from Volvo, the XC40 comes with a whole suite of safety features from the standard City Safety full auto brake systems and a 360° Camera, to more advance features such as the Cross-Traffic Alert with auto brake, and Run Off Road protection. The new system enables automatic passenger restraints as it detects that the vehicle leaving the roadway. Other usual protection technologies the XC40 is equipped with are Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Lane Departure Warning System, front and rear parking sensors, a push start button, and keyless entry.
Platform & Chassis
The 5-door, 5-seater compact luxury SUV is the first model Volvo built upon their Compact Modular Architecture platform. Suspension comes in the form of Independent McPherson strut in front and Independent multi-link at the rear. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Volvo XC40 comes in two engine options that produce 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The D3 variants are powered by a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine while the T5 comes with a 2.0 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine. Both are mated to an 8-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The D3 variants’ transmission send power to the front wheels, while the T5's transfers power to all wheels.
