Volvo XC40

Score: 8.2 / 10
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find aspects of modern Volvos to criticise – each is a step forward in comfort, practicality, style, economy, performance and particularly safety.”
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Model reviewed: T5 plug-in hybrid
“Our first impression is that the new powertrain makes a strong package even more compelling. It keeps everything that ensures the Volvo XC40 remains one of our favourite small SUVs, and adds a compelling new powertrain option.”
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Model reviewed: T5 AWD R Design Pro
Score: 8 / 10
“The change in character brought about by the Polestar optimisations isn’t quite a Jekyll and Hyde transformation, stopping short of turning the Volvo XC40 into a true driver’s car but adding a level of engagement that was previously missing from the otherwise sedate SUV.”
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Score: 9 / 10
“Just as the XC40 plainly isn’t short of visual appeal, though, so it isn’t short of quality, richness, refinement, dynamic ability and performance. Right now, premium-level compact SUV cash could hardly be better spent.”
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Model reviewed: T4 AWD automatic Momentum
Score: 8 / 10
“Where the T3-engined XC40 left us feeling a touch underwhelmed, the T4 unit feels well-suited to the smallest of Volvo SUVs. Its willingness to pull means overtaking needn’t be a nerve-wracking process, while its generally quiet and calm demeanour should make it well-suited to extended stints on the motorway.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual T3 Momentum Pro
Score: 6 / 10
“Volvo’s first three-pot motor and standard suspension settings aren’t so flattering in a car that’s markedly better to drive in other forms.”
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Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Volvo XC40 is a stylish small SUV that comes loaded with safety equipment and feels upmarket, but it’s only average to drive.”
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Score: 10 / 10
“Inside and out, the XC40 is refreshingly different yet achingly on-trend, and is about the best car in its class, which is saying something given that it includes rivals like the BMW X2, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Pace and Audi Q3. It’s even a pleasure to drive and, provided you stay away from the options list, makes sense financially.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8.6 / 10
“Popular family SUV is easy to like”
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“The XC40 packs a significant wallop and has an elegant exterior, which offers a pleasant driving experience.”
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Model reviewed: R-Design
“The XC40 has all the brilliant qualities from the XC60 and XC90 but possesses something much more edgy, personalised and sleek.”
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Model reviewed: XC40 D4 2.0-litre diesel automatic AWD R-Design
Score: 8 / 10
“Premium small SUV with a Swedish sense of style.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol automatic T3 R-Design
Score: 10 / 10
“Volvo knocked it out of the park with the XC40, and this newly upgraded T3 only enhances its smallest SUV further. It looks great, feels terrific and drives brilliantly, even in this R-Design form. Want a compact, comfortable, upmarket SUV? Then look no further.”
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Model reviewed: D4 AWD R Design automatic
Score: 8 / 10
“If you can live without a sporty driving experience there’s little not to like about the Volvo XC40. It is roomy, very comfortable, thoughtfully designed and powered by a good range of engines. In fact, we’d go so far as to say it’s one the most desirable SUVs on sale.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“Volvo has made something nicely distinctive here. It’d be impressive even if they’d been practising for years.”
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Score: 10 / 10
“The multi-talented XC40 is so good we named it our 2018 Car of the Year.”
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Score: 6.3 / 10
“A practical dose of Swedish cool.”
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