2019 Volvo XC40

The New 2019 Volvo XC40

VOLVO’s Compact Crossover Luxury SUV

Written by Marco Carvajal

Photographs by Marco Carvajal

Volvo has officially introduced in the United States the long expected small SUV, the new compact off-road car XC40, the younger and smaller brother of the XC60 and XC90. Volvo Swedish automaker novelty could become the safest in its class, something to expect from one of the safest automotive brands in the world. This crossover was built on a completely new platform, the new compact modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will be a base for all upcoming cars in the 40 series, which the company developed together with Chinese car manufacturer Geely, the company that owns Volvo. The XC40 is the first Volvo model to use this new compact modular vehicle architecture.

From Sweden to America, it is a work of art, the small luxury SUV with great innovations, the new 2019 Volvo XC40!

Developers have installed in the cabin 9 airbags and even an additional one for the pedestrian. Designers created the features of the XC40 in the styling of the entire line of Volvo crossovers, clear lines, LED headlamps Thor and much more to produce a very appealing small SUV that could easily become a bestseller in the U.S.

Introduction

Welcome to the most compact Volvo SUV, the 2019 Volvo XC40 crossover, with a length of about 174.2 inches. The design resembles the concept car Volvo 40.1, but in appearance it will be different from older and bigger brothers, SUVs Volvo XC60 (middle size SUV) and XC90 (full size SUV). The XC40 is the first Volvo model on the new CMA platform and it is produced in Belgium.

The XC40 is now available on T5 all-wheel drive, later in 2018 there will be a front wheel drive version available. The XC40’s stylish exterior is available with a wide range of body colors and color-contrast roof, providing up to 17 combinations with different looks and colors. There are many interesting combination of colors available having the option to have the roof in one color and the body in another color, something that gives the XC40 a beautiful retro look that makes it different from most compact SUVs.

The XC40 has a strong, structured image with youthful expression. Volvo’s signature Thor’s hammer daytime running lights provides a great look for the XC40’s front grill. Large wheels, wheel arches and an 8.3” ride to complete a strong and beautiful look on the design of this small SUV.

The XC40 is a beautiful car to own and to enjoy with family and friends, it is a compact SUV, but it is big compared to a regular sedan, it is a very nice compromise between a city and country car, perfect for small families, also perfect for singles or couples.

The new Volvo XC40 was named the 2018 European Car of the Year ahead of the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland in March of 2018. It was the first win of this prestigious award for Volvo Cars.

Storage

One of the details that make this SUV very unique is that the XC40 has lot of storage space everywhere, and we are talking about a lot….Volvo was able to use every space of the car to create several storage compartments. For example it comes with a small storage bin for trash in the front, there are several small compartments for saving things like keys, wallet, phone, etc.

Volvo conducted extensive global research and discovered that proper storage is essential for an SUV. Smart daily-use features such as large door pockets, integrated bag hooks and a customizable cargo area help organize the driver’s life.

It comes with optional storage and organizing compartments for the trunk that will make your life easier. The front doors have large space for storage in the sides as the sound speakers that usually use a lot of space in the front doors were moved to a different location, a unique air-ventilated woofer located behind the dashboard allows for more storage in the door panels without sacrificing stereo sound in the cabin, providing larger space for storage in both doors and more space for the driver and copilot.

Wireless QI mobile phone charging and Bluetooth connectivity with the standard 9” Sensus Connect touchscreen will reduce charging wire and connectors in the front. A dedicated cell phone storage space frees up cup holders and other areas commonly used by customers to store their phone.

There are 3 different trims of the 2019 Volvo XC40:

• Momentum
• R-Design
• Inscription (available later in 2018)

The Momentum is the base model and comes with:

• 18″ 5-Spoke Silver Alloy Wheels
• 12.3″ Digital Driver Display
• Power Operated Tailgate
• Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)

The R-Design has a sporty design and more features like:

• 19″ 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
• Sensus Navigation Pro (not std. for Momentum Care by Volvo)
• 12.3″ Digital Driver Display
• Keyless Entry w/ Hands-free Power Tailgate Opening

The Inscription will be available later in 2018 as a more luxurious level. The Inscription unique exterior styling details will include skidplates, side window and grill mesh chrome and model-specific car colors. On the inside the Inscription adds a newly designed crystal gear knob and the attractive Driftwood deco, which Volvo first introduced in its award-winning XC60 mid-size SUV.

The XC40 is a small SUV, not an CUV, in general the difference between an SUV and a CUV, is that a Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) is based on a car’s platform, while an Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) uses the chassis of a truck. The result is that crossovers use “unibody” architecture, meaning the body and frame are one piece, while SUVs use a “body on frame” design.

“The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive.

“With the XC40, we enter the fastest growing segment in the industry,” said Björn Annwall, senior vice president of strategy, brand and retail at Volvo Cars. “The XC40 completes our global SUV line-up, bringing the award-winning safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies known from our larger cars to the small SUV segment. These latest figures show that our customers clearly like what they see.”

The XC40 will be produced with a T5 a gasoline 4-cylinder engine. We expect farther powertrain editions, including a hybridized one, also a clean electric version, will be supplemented later.

About Volvo

Volvo Car USA, LLC, is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Group of Gothenburg, Sweden. VCUSA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States.

Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) of China.

Volvo gained a reputation as a manufacturer of expensive, prestigious, reliable and safe cars. The company’s role in the development and implementation of modern security systems is widely known, for which the company has repeatedly won international prizes, for several car experts it is considered the safest car in the world.

Volvo was part of the Swedish Volvo group until 1999, at that time the company was bought by Ford Motor Company of the USA. Since 2010, Volvo Cars is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) of China.  Even if Volvo is owned by a Chinese company, it still keeps its Swedish culture and Scandinavian style.

Today, Volvo Cars is one of the most well-known and respected car brands and is heralding an all-electric future.

Volvo is a truly global organization with Scandinavian roots and manufacturing in Sweden, Belgium and China, with plans to open manufacturing plants in the United States in the near future.

XC40 Prices & Versions

At the present time there are 2 models available for the XC40, the Momentum and R-Design. There will be a third model available later in 2018, the Inscription. There is a new innovative purchase/subscription system available, Care by Volvo.

Care by Volvo

You can purchase the XC40, or Volvo has started a new all-inclusive subscription program called Care by Volvo, similar to leasing but with no negotiation and with no long term commitment or compromise. Subscribing to the XC40 will provide you with amenities such as insurance, maintenance, road hazard protection and normal wear-and-tear all rolled into one flat-rate monthly payment. Subscribers will enjoy a simple ownership experience.

Subscribing to the XC40 Care by Volvo will provide you with amenities such as insurance, maintenance, road hazard protection and normal wear-and-tear

XC40 Momentum Care by Volvo includes:

Packages: Premium, Vision, Heated Front Seats/Heated Steering Wheel. Options: Panoramic Roof, 19″ 5-Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels.

19″ 5-Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
12.3″ Digital Driver Display
Power Operated Tailgate
Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)

XC40 R-Design Care by Volvo includes:

Packages: Premium, Vision, Advanced, Heated Front Seats/Heated Steering Wheel. Options: Panoramic Roof, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, 20″ 5-Double Spoke Matte Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels.

• LED Active Bending Lights (not std. for Momentum Care by Volvo)
• Sensus Navigation Pro (not std. for Momentum Care by Volvo)
• 12.3″ Digital Driver Display
• Keyless Entry w/ Hands-free Power Tailgate Opening

The 2019 Volvo XC40 is the first car to be equipped with the car sharing feature, thanks to the Volvo digital key technology, XC40 owners can simply share their car with family members or friends without passing a physical key.

Exterior

This SUV received brand headlights, a well-developed radiator grille and a structured profile, which along with 17 combinations of colors for the body and roof should make the XC40 attractive to young buyers who are looking for both practicality and style.

A top branded spoiler, which gives the body power and aggressiveness. The spoiler over the trunk plays some functions: first, it affects on the braking positively, and secondly, balances the speed mode. Complement the stylish image of the novelty package R-Design and an extensive selection of 17-18 inch alloy wheels. If desired, you can even order larger wheels 19, 20 and 21 inch.

Exterior Features

Interior

The interior of the new Swedish crossover Volvo XC40 resembles the interior of the Volvo XC60 model, but with several original details. Attention should be paid to decorative inserts in front of the passenger on the front panel and door cards, large side deflectors of the vertical configuration, in addition a platform for wireless charging of the smartphone. On the front panel of the crossover there are several compartments for small things, while the pockets in the doors became roomier, because the Swedes transferred the speakers of the audio system from the doors to the front center.

The size of the wheelbase acceptable, as for a compact crossover, competent layout of the cabin and installed high rear seat allow you to fit comfortably, with a stock for the feet, in both the first and second row.

The useful volume of the luggage compartment with availability to fold rear sofa and loading to the level of the side windows. For interior finishing, are used only high-quality materials and the diversity of choice color solutions of the interior impresses.

Interior Features

Safety

Volvo XC40 safety features include a 360-degree camera, a semi-autonomous Pro Pilot Assist, City Safety, Run-off Road and Cross Traffic Alert. This equipment makes the XC40 “one of the best small premium crossovers on the market,” according to Volvo.

With 2019 Volvo XC40 you do not need to be afraid anything.

The City Safety System, which is standard on the car, is your personal co-driver, who cares about safety. This system recognizes other cars, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals on the road, reporting a collision threat. If you do not respond in time, the system will automatically engage the brakes to avoid collision or reduce its consequences.

Pedestrian airbag….The airbag for pedestrians contributes in certain frontal collisions to alleviating the collision of the pedestrian with the car. It is fitted under the bonnet near the windscreen. In the event of certain frontal collisions with a pedestrian, the sensors in the front bumper react and the airbag inflates if required, based on the force of the impact. The sensors are active at a speed of approx. 20-50 km/h and an ambient temperature between -20 and +70°C. The sensors are designed to detect a collision with an object that has similar properties to those of the human leg.

Standard Safety Features Included on the XC40

• Airbags, Driver/Front Passenger
• Automatic Braking After Collision
• Brake Pedal Release
• City Safety Collision Avoidance Technology
• Daytime Running Lights with Daylight Sensor
• Door Handle Illumination
• Driver Alert Control
• Emergency Brake Light
• Energy-absorbing Interior
• Head Restraints
• Hill Descent Control
• Hill Start Assist
• Inflatable Curtain
• Lane Keeping Aid
• LED Headlights with Thor’s Hammer Daytime Running Lights & Active High Beam
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Rear Collision Warning
• Reinforced Passenger Compartment
• Road Sign Information
• Run Off Road Mitigation
• Safety Belts with Pre-tensioners and Load Limiters
• Side Impact Airbags for Driver and Front Passenger
• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS)
• Tempa Spare Wheel w/Jack Kit
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Volvo On Call with Car Sharing
• Welcome and Home Safe Light
• WHIPS™ Whiplash Protection System
• Laminated Side Windows (not available for Momentum)

Optional Package Features

• Pilot Assist – Semi Autonomous Drive System w/Adaptive Cruise Control
• Power Child Locks
• LED Front Fog Lights with Cornering Function
• HomeLink™ + Compass In Inner Rear View Mirror
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Cross Traffic Alert
• Active Bending Lights

Conclusion

Expressive design, tons of storage space and intelligent technology, the 2019 Volvo XC40 is a real SUV! It has everything for your comfort on the streets of a large city. Youth beautiful design is combined with the proportions of a small SUV, creating a bright and distinctive car.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 has several innovative solutions like a storehouse, making daily life easier. You can place laptops and bags in the huge pockets on the doors in addition to several small compartments everywhere.

Great pricing for one of the safest Scandinavian European cars in the world, you can choose the Volvo XC40 T5 AWD Momentum starting at $35,200 or Volvo XC40 T5 AWD R-Design starting at $37,700. Later in 2018 there will be a more luxury trim available, the Inscription.  As a new pricing alternative Volvo is innovating by offering an all-inclusive, no hassle subscription system called Care by Volvo with pricing from $600 to $700 per month, something that some customers may enjoy in order to simplify car ownership.

Wonderful safety features like 9 airbags inside the cabin, and even an additional one for the pedestrian make the XC40 one of the safest SUVs in the market.

Stylish features like clear lines, LED headlamps Thor and much more have come together to produce a very appealing small SUV that could easily become a bestseller in the U.S.

We love innovations and new technology, on that area this crossover is full of new features, safety features, smarter storage and more efficient use of the space, it was built on a completely new platform, the new compact modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will be a base for all upcoming cars in the 40 series. The XC40 is the first Volvo model to use this new compact modular vehicle architecture, again bringing more value and appeal to this luxury small SUV, the XC40.