![]() But, it didn’t, instead choosing to be the cool kid that never forgets its raising. Nerdy little Volvo could have just built another perfectly pleasant and competently safe compact crossover. From behind the wheel, it seems like a far more expensive vehicle. Seats are supportive, encouraging very long drives. Flip it onto a quick on-ramp, or through curvy backroads, to be absolutely delighted. It feels heavy and safe, the suspension rumbling over rough pavement while barely bothering occupants. None of this would matter if the XC40 didn’t drive like a star. Given the XC40’s performance, 23/31-MPG city/highway is impressive. Whisking onto the freeway, or away from speedy semis, was just a snap of the ankle. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive puts power to pavement expeditiously. Under the sculpted sheetmetal is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. The party moves into the streets when the geek puts on his running shoes. Also control the automated parking system and adaptive cruise. Swipe right for a full menu of crash avoidance systems: Lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian/cyclist/large animal detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection with crash mitigation. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot connect your toys. Infotainment is controlled with a big 9-inch center touchscreen that looks intimidating, but after a few moments, I was swiping through logical screens to conjure music and navigation. Given 400 watts of Harman Kardon audio from 13 speakers, you’ll hardly miss the divine Bowers & Wilkins system from larger Volvos. Designers worked in storage under the driver’s seat, artful air vents, sport pedals, and paddle shifters. ![]() Heated Nappa leather seats, heated steering wheel, and power panoramic sunroof delight. Aluminum inlays with black dot pattern add a touch of Euro cool. As in top-flight autos, the instrument cluster is a large flatscreen. It seems a little avant-garde at first with its unique style and black accents, but quickly blends as a familiar part of the Volvo family.įrom orange carpet on the floors and doors, it was obvious riding inside the XC40 would not elicit the typical compact crossover boredom. Modern touches include “Thor’s Hammer” running lamps, LED headlamps, LED foglamps, and 20-inch R-Design alloy wheels. Yet, it’s still recognizably Volvo with a reinterpretation of the brand’s trademark grille, strong shoulders, and curved taillamps. Gone is boxy sheetmetal, replaced by a taut suit distinguished by chiseled fenders, upturned rear side window, and available contrasting color floating roof. Over the last decade, through ownership by China’s Geely, Volvo kept all you loved about the little nerd, but taught him to cut a rug in his stylish Swedish rumpus room. Volvos were like the nerdy little kid you knew in elementary school who was incredibly smart and sensitive, dressed like a geek, and was overly-protected by his parents – a reliably safe kid who seriously needed to have some fun.
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