JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG – Volvo Cars has been on a bit of a roll of late. I guess that’s fitting considering that the name Volvo was derived from the Latin term for “I Roll”. Over the last few years the Swedish automaker has launched a few all-new, extremely impressive products, including the XC90, S90 and V90 Cross Country, all of which have been heaped with praise. And now it adds the Volvo XC40 to the family.

A new addition to the family

A few days ago Volvo Cars SA introduced the all-new XC40 into the local market. This newcomer arrived with the 2018 European Car of the Year title already under its belt, so it, too, continues in the same vein as other recent models.

XC40 is a premium small SUV, making it the first Volvo to contest this particular segment. It goes up against models such as the recently launched BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace, not forgetting the likes of the Range Rover Evoque and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

A handsome devil

In part Volvo’s resurgence has been driven by a bold and appealing new design language. All new Volvos, the XC40 included, have a distinctive frontal aspect, with signature headlamp motifs and elegant lines; the XC40 is no different.

It is a quite a handsome looking vehicle and, to my eyes, seems to have been designed in an industrial design studio. The lines are strong, as is the wide stance, yet somehow it also manages to exude an air of sophistication. At the same time the XC40 is undoubtedly a Volvo.

Lovely inside

The understated elegance continues in the cabin. Materials used feel premium to the touch and centre stage on the facia is taken by Volvo’s full-colour Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, flanked by beautifully integrated air vents.

Added to that, there are plenty of nifty/novel touches in the cabin. Among these are a removable bin, induction phone charger and massive front door pockets – large enough to hold a small laptop computer – thanks to removal of the door speakers and relocating them behind the facia.

Not only is there plenty of occupant space, but the XC40 features a large boot, too. Rear knee room may feel tight for taller adults, but I had no issues. The eco conscious will be happy to note that the Oxide Red leather and ‘Lava’ carpets are made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

The best part, for me, is the relative lack of exterior noise inside the cabin, this in itself makes the XC40 feels upmarket.

Choices

Right now, potential local Volvo XC40 buyers can choose from two trim levels, R-Design and Momentum and two engines (D4 turbodiesel or T5 turbopetrol). Diesel and petrol models feature eight-speed automatic transmissions with all-wheel drive. Top-of-the-range Inscription derivatives arrive later in 2018

Power in the oil burner is rated at 140 kW/400 N.m, the corresponding numbers for petrol engine are 185 kW/350 N.m. Entry-level, three-cylinder, T3 models are powered by a 115 kW/265 N.m motor and are all front-wheel driven.

How does it go?

Pretty darn impressively is my short answer. XC40 is based on Volvo’s all new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture). This platform will underpin all new small Volvo products. Under the skin is an all-independent suspension set-up that, I think, endows the XC40 with the best ride characteristics of any Volvo product I’ve ever driven.

Isolation from external inputs is excellent, even bumps encountered at speed are damped from the occupants as are the associated suspension noises. Ride and handling are extremely well judged even riding on optional 20-inch alloys (standard fitment is 18 inches in diameter).

More Pep

I spent all my time at the launch driving the D4 model. At lower speeds the diesel motor can be heard but once revs rise its presence is less noticeable. The advertised torque peak is available at a 1 750 r/min.

Up in the thin air of the Gauteng region, the motor lacks a little bit of low-down punch. It doesn’t quite feel as lively as I’d like, or maybe as lively as the impression its funky exterior creates. I am sure that sensation is alleviated somewhat at the coast.

I look forward to getting my hands on the petrol derivative at some point as I think the 185 kW motor would feel as quick as I’d like. For most I suspect that the D4 will suffice, and be the more attractive option as it boasts a fuel consumption figure of 5,1 litres/100 km.

Summary

I really like the XC40. I’ve not yet sampled the BMW X2 and Jaguar E-Pace but I would have the new Volvo over the likes of several other similar products from Volvos main rivals.

In the past Volvo SA was not inundated with pre-orders for its new models. But such is the new-found appeal of the brand, and the XC40, that an unprecedented 170 customers were keen to purchase an XC40 before the car was launched locally.

If you are keen to buy one of the 430 remaining cars allocated to South Africa for 2018, you’d better hurry as I suspect these will sell out pretty quickly.

QUICK FACTS

Price: R639 200

Engine: 2,0-litre, twin-turbocharged inline four

Power: 140 kW

Torque: 400 N.m

Claimed fuel consumption: 5,1 L/100 km

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

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