Volvo has expanded its range of premium compact SUV’s to now include new powertrains and trim levels that strengthen the appeal of the, already car of the year, XC40. The new powertrains are lead by the debut of Volvo’s first ever three-cylinder engine. The T3 is Volvo’s latest addition to their Drive-E family, and it is ideally suited to the nimble, efficient and urban-friendly XC40.
Volvo Introduce Their First Ever Three-Cylinder Engine
The T3 engine is a compact, 1.5-litre, direct-injection unit that develops a healthy 156hp at 5000rpm and is paired with a six-speed transmission. There will also be an eight-speed automatic transmission introduced to the engine but that will come at a later date.
There’s no shortage of pulling power from the XC40 T3, with 265Nm of torque available from 1,850 all the way to 3,850rpm. This helps support a towing capacity of up to 1.6 tonnes with a braked trailer. Acceleration is equally impressive for an entry-level petrol engine, with 0-62mph dispatched in 9.4 seconds, however most people that will be interested in this car will be more impressed with its efficiency stats. Going against the considerably lively performance statistics, benchmark efficiency figures reveal a combined fuel economy of up to 45.6mpg, that’s quite impressive for a petrol SUV. It’s worth noting that CO2 emissions are 144g/km.
Volvo Have Also Added Their Proven 2.0Litre T4 And D3 Engines To The Line-up
The XC40 line-up has further grown with the addition of the well proven 2.0-litre, four-cylinder T4 petrol and D3 diesel engines. The 190hp T4 comes with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission as standard, while the 150hp D3 offers both manual and automatic options, the latter, with the added choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The established 247hp T5 petrol and 190hp D4 diesel complete the engine line-up, both with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.
Jon Wakefield, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, says, “The XC40 is the ideal recipient of the new T3 engine, a unit that demonstrates Volvo’s commitment to innovative engineering and technology that prioritises compact packaging without compromising performance and efficiency. Together with the other powertrain additions to the line-up, it gives us a comprehensive model range that will help the XC40 achieve its full market potential.”
Volvo Have Added Equipment Upgrades To Go With The New Powertrains
The XC40 range has not only been expanded in terms of powertrains, the range also now offers a full spectrum of equipment upgrades. These include: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription, and each offers an optional ‘Pro’ upgrade.
Momentum Models
The standard equipment featured on Momentum models reflects Volvo’s progressive connectivity, entertainment and safety innovations. They include features such as the Sensus nine-inch touchscreen control for multiple on-board functions and easy smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation, automatic LED headlights with Active High Beam, 18-inch alloy wheels and a dual-zone climate control system that monitors and maintains cabin air quality. The Volvo On Call remote control and emergency assistance service is also provided as standard, together with keyless start, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and integrated roof rails.
R-Design Models
R-Design models are distinguished by exterior features such as a Black Stone roof and door mirrors, high-gloss black grille, front and rear skid plates, roof rails and window frames, dark-tinted rear windows, integrated dual tailpipes, and alloy wheels with a striking diamond-cut and matt-black finish. The sporty theme continues inside with R-Design tread plates, black headlining, sports pedals and a perforated leather wrapping for the steering wheel and gearknob. Equipment features include leather and Nubuck upholstery, front seat cushion extensions and LED front fog lights. The R-Design also gets more dynamic suspension settings than other XC40s, including stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars and faster-acting rear shock absorbers.
Inscription Models
The Inscription specification builds on the Momentum grade with contemporary luxury items including Driftwood cabin inlays, leather-faced upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, ambient door and instrument panel lighting, and a powered tailgate. An Orrefors crystal glass inset adds a special quality to the gearshift lever on automatic versions. Front parking sensors, matt silver skid plates and chrome grille inserts are also part of the package.
The Pro versions of each package introduce further comfort and convenience elements, including heated front seats, larger-diameter wheels (on R-Design Pro and Inscription Pro models), active bending headlights, LED front fog lights with cornering function, and also a heated windscreen.
Volvo Also Include Option And Accessory Packs
A wide range of option and accessory packs are available for customers to make their XC40 more tailored to them. All models are available with the Intellisafe Pro pack, which includes Volvo’s pioneering Pilot Assist driver-assistance system. This provides steering, braking and acceleration control to help keep the car within its lane, and at a set speed or a safe distance from any vehicle ahead.
The full XC40 range, extending to 38 different combinations of engines, equipment grades and transmissions, is on sale now, with on-the-road prices ranging from £27,610 for the T3 Momentum manual to £37,620 for the T5 Inscription Pro automatic.
