This particular XC40 is the D4 AWD R-Design — the sportiest of the lot. Sporty performance from an efficiency-oriented, four-cylinder diesel engine is, honestly, expecting a little too much. Even so, the Volvo XC40 is quite an exciting, albeit relaxing, proposition. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine makes 190 PS and 400 Nm. Drive is handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission that goes through the gears smoothly and makes its way to the all-wheel-drive system. Yes, it’s front-biased and, no, it doesn’t feel slow. It’s sprightly enough, dismissing the dash from naught to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. Overtaking acceleration, too, is more than adequate, with the sprint from 40 to 100 km/h taking just over seven seconds. Volvo claim it will do over 200 km/h, given the room, of course. The XC40’s drive modes include a “Dynamic” mode that holds gears long and the revs even longer for maximum acceleration. Switch to “Comfort” and it eases off, steadily going through the gears and holding on to the top four at highway speed.
The Volvo XC40 is extremely calming to be in and, with thoughtfulness of the interior as well as the suite of active and passive safety features, you just know that Volvo have given every area its due attention to detail. The ride quality is excellent, even for an R-Design; they are known to be rather stiff. The sound insulation is good, too, and everything around you feels robust and built-to-last. The ergonomics are sublime and allow driver or any passenger to simply sink in and get comfortable. The seating systems also include the “Run Off-road Mitigation” system which doesn’t just detect an excursion away from the white line, but also dynamically steps in to correct it and ensure you stay on course.
That said, the Volvo XC40 feels planted and rather agile. The steering feel is very good and the response is just as good. It feels nicely weighted without feeling overly heavy and gives a sense of reassurance even at speed. Shedding speed is an equally effortless exercise. Stomping on the brake pedal at 100 km/h brings the XC40 to a standstill in just 2.8 seconds and within less than 40 metres. Do that at 80 km/h and it’s a shorter still: 2.3 seconds and 25.6 metres. Of course, it isn’t merely about how quickly it can stop; it’s about how effortless and drama-free the experience is and the XC40 scores high in those assessments, too. The electronic nannies are always watching over you and that brings an undeniable added sense of protection. Changing lanes has its own set of assists, as do the cruise control and collision warning. You also have hill start assist, hill descent control, and the much-needed parking camera.
Overall, at Rs 41.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the Volvo XC40 peace of mind that you’re really paying for. Labels and definitions can go out the window. “Luxury” is a term that essentially encompasses comfort, well-being, safety, technology, equipment amidst quality craft, fit and finish, with the sort of attention to detail that effortlessly brings peace of mind and the much sought “feel good factor”. After all, is there any greater luxury than a sanctuary where you can simply be yourself in complete peace?
Also read: Volvo XC40 International First Drive Review / India First Drive Review
Need to Know – Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design
Price: Rs 41.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,969 cc, in-line four, i-ART direct injection, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 190 PS @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, all-wheel-drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, four-link rear
Weight: 1,733 kg
