Volvo XC40 D4 AWD First Edition 2018 review

On paper, it looks a broadly competitive offering, matching the like-for-like BMW X1 on 0-62mph acceleration, although lagging slightly behind it a little bit on claimed fuel economy, CO2 emissions and kerb weight.

The XC40’s interior does a very commendable job of filtering the carefully constructed, tastefully rich and solid-to-the-touch ambience that you get in Volvo’s XC90 and XC60 SUVs down into this tier of the market. Some of the switchgear – on its steering wheel spokes and for its electric windows – isn’t of the grade you find in the bigger sister models, but the plastics coming in still feel tactile and expensive.

And the equipment specification makes it feel the same way: entry-level cars get Volvo’s 9.0in portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system as standard, and likewise 12in configurable digital instruments, 18in alloy wheels and LED headlights. First Edition cars also get Volvo’s semi-autonomous Pilot Assist lane-keeping system, a powered tailgate, a 13-speaker audio system and plenty of other expensive trappings. 

Anyone interested in a compact, premium-branded SUV primarily because they want a modern luxury car will find what they’re after in the XC40 - no question.

Space is very good in the front and the boot is big, but the back seats could be more a bit spacious. Taller adults are left slightly short on knee-room back there and could be better supported by the short, flat rear seat cushions – although only as much, in both respects, as plenty of other cars in the class are guilty of.

On the road, the XC40’s strengths are entirely as you expect to find them in a Volvo: this is a supple, comfortable-riding car that’s obliging and easy to drive. Refinement is great in some respects, with the 2.0-litre diesel engine settling to a particularly quiet background level at a cruise. Our test car’s 20in alloy wheels made for a little bit of noticeable road roar, but nothing intrusive.

Grip levels are assured and body control is likewise, while handling feels wieldy and contained for the most part. However, the XC40 can feel a bit under-damped at times; the suspension can struggle to keep its body in check laterally over bigger intrusions, setting up a second or two of excitable body fidget and some head toss – although this doesn’t present often.

The XC40 plays the rich, relaxing, lavishly equipped and nicely cocooning modern Volvo very well, particularly on the motorway slog. It has a likeable, unaffected character that’s at once refreshing among its rivals and should resonate strongly with buyers.

It’s not a car that’s one of the segment’s more interesting drives, and it’s not out to reinvent the Volvo brand, but it certainly stands to extend its reach by quite a way. If you like what Volvo does, there’s no denying how well the XC40 does it. And in light of that, we can’t think of many other premium-branded compact SUVs so plainly worth paying a premium for. 

Volvo XC40 D4 AWD First Edition

Where Middlesex On sale Now Price £39,905 Engine 4cyls inline, 1969cc, turbocharged diesel Power 187bhp at 4000rpm Torque 295lb ft at 1750rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic Kerb weight 1735kg Top speed 130mph 0-62mph 7.9sec Fuel economy 55.4mpg CO2 135g/km Rivals BMW X1 xDrive20d M Sport, Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 184 Quattro S line Edition