Now, the engine. The Volvo XC40 T4 gets a Drive-E 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol with 190 hp and 300 Nm – more than enough for all need; as we would find out. An eight-speed automatic drives the front wheels and it’s quite brisk once its gets going. It can hold triple-digit highway speeds with ease However, it’s not the most urgent of combinations but it copes well with traffic, overtaking and changes in elevation. It also gets a little aural as the revs pile, but it’s not a bother. What is undeniable is its reassuring and planted feel, as well as the excellent ride quality and effortless braking. Four drive modes – Eco, Comfort, Dynamic and Off-road – allow for further specialization. The Volvo XC40 T4 feels sure-footed across all sorts of terrain, from paved roads, to dirt paths and rocky surfaces; the sort we encountered on our way to the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. Its high 211-mm ground clearance, multi-link suspension and good cabin sound insulation make for effortless driving over all surfaces. In tight spots, the park assist and camera make short work of manoeuvring out.
All said and done, the Volvo XC40 T4 takes to urban situations like a duck to water and, like some other migratory duck, doesn’t flinch when shown a cross-country route. It takes all conditions in its stride and is backed by truly unmatched safety features and equipment not just in its segment, but in what is probably the entire global automotive sector. There are rivals in terms of size, but, given the price and equipment level, they pale in comparison. Of course, if you want a driver’s car that sharp and agile, it may face some competition from Bavaria. But, for advanced equipment and safety tech, well, there’s more to life than a Volvo; precisely why one would choose the sensible Swede.
Need to Know – Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design
Price: Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,969 cc, 16-valve DOHC, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Max Power: 190 hp @ 4,700 rpm
Max Torque: 300 Nm @ 1,400-4,000 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, four-link rear
Weight: 1,598 kg
Also read: Volvo XC40 D4 AWD Road Test Review
