[Asish_VK]

Fantastic review

Smart looking SUV from Volvo. Looks very nice.

Even though Volvo's sales are nothing to talk about, they didn't back off from Indian market. Guess they know the importance of our market. One right product at right price will change the future of the company in India.

Dare to say, Volvo's have 'THE' best interiors for some time now. Be the design, quality or the fit and finish. Volvo is on top of the game.

[SJM1214]

Thanks, khan_sultam Sir and Moralfibre Sir for the review.

XC40 is an amazing looking SUV. Or should I call it Compact SUV or Mini SUV? At least the photos say it looks small/mini/Compact. I tried to compare other vehicles with it. XC40 is not that small neither that big.

Creta: L-4270mm, W-1781mm, H-1630mm
Compas: L-4395mm, W-1820mm, H-1640mm
XUV 500: L-4585mm, W-1890mm, H-1785
Tuscan : L-4475mm, W-1850mm, H-1660mm

XC40: L-4425mm, W-1863, H-1652mm

Noob Question :
What is the basic difference between "Official Review" and "Driven: XYZ"?

[GTO]

This is one of the best brand transformations we've seen in the last decade. Well done, Volvo! From boring & stodgy, you've become sexy & youthful.

Originally Posted by drive2eternity

I am stunned. What a car. Move over Kodiaq, there's a new winner for my 'achievable dream car' list.

Have driven both extensively and I'd buy the Kodiaq over the XC40.

Originally Posted by SJM1214

Noob Question :
What is the basic difference between "Official Review" and "Driven: XYZ"?

There are 3 checklists that each "Official Review" goes through - one is mine, another is for review parameters (e.g. space, ride quality) and the third for photography. All combined, they probably add up to 250 - 300 points. As you would imagine, an Official Review takes a lot of time & commitment, hence we reserve it mostly for mass market / high volume cars.

"Driven" reports are a little more informal. While the checklists are referred to as guidelines, they aren't strictly adhered to. "Driven" reviews are mostly for luxury / niche cars.

[bhavukjain]

Excellent review. Rated 5 stars.
Was glued till i completed it.

[Chethan B G]

Excellent review as usual! Thanks for sharing!!

Excellent quality and package. Plethora of features!! This will give a tough computation to Merc for sure!

Personally for me, interior color combination (black floor looks much better) and the rear seat comfort are the only letdowns.

Can the paddle shifts be used in all modes? Once the paddle shifts are used, how does one get back to Auto mode?

In the off-road mode, if the speed is increased above 40kmph, will it automatically change over to comfort or some other mode?

Is the AWD engaged only in off-road mode?

How does the engine+gearbox combination compare WRT BMW X1?

Thanks in advance!

[androdev]

I have been stunned by the looks of recent Volvo launches. S90 and XC60 totally own the looks department in their respective segments. However this XC40 disappointed me when I saw it in person. When looked from the rear quarter, it did not look premium at all. There is excess plastic cladding and the lines are a bit weird. I think this will do very low numbers compared to XC60 which would make it a missed opportunity. Volvo could have had a Evoque moment!

[Lone Ranger]

Great review of my current favorite car!
I do find it a bit ridiculous that we don't get the blind spot monitoring system here, and instead get adaptive cruise control and steering! Only a car towing a supercomputer in a trailer will be be capable of driving itself (safely) in our 'anything can happen anytime' roads. The blind spot monitoring system is something that would be extremely useful when you are attempting to reach your destination without helping suicidal individuals reach theirs.

[Hayek]

Great review of an interesting car. I really liked the looks of the new XC 90 and XC 60 - but I must say that the styling of this car does not appeal to me. It looks too much like a Vitara Brezza (yes, beat me up for that). The red interiors also seem overdone - perhaps I am just demonstrating that I am aging mentally. However, the Infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster are fabulous, and I like the fact that you get a proper space for a spare and an electrically operated tail gate. Pricing is probably a touch too high - Volvo will get volumes only once it starts local assembly. But guess this will have appeal to those who want something different from the X1s and Q3s that everyone and his neighbour seem to have.

[avdhesh15]

Originally Posted by GTO

There are 3 checklists that each "Official Review" goes through - one is mine, another is for review parameters (e.g. space, ride quality) and the third for photography.

Can you elaborate on what makes your checklist?

Having said that, this is a good option for someone in my immediate family looking for a premium entry level SUV. Skoda is mass market and hence he wanted either Germans or Swedish. Will surely recommended him this.

[naveenroy]

I am no car guy but I always check out the awesome reviews on Team-BHP - both for the review and the photographs. Nice to read a review on this car.

But pray, someone tell me - why do we need heated seats in India? Won't it be better to remove it from the specs and pass on that savings to the customer?

[shobhit.shri]

Nice, and long awaited, review


I have one additional but generic question; Isn't Volvo considered more reliable than German trio? I have heard that Volvo is the Toyota of luxury cars, but want to confirm with the forum. I think the total cost of ownership with Volvo is also significantly lower over the lifetime of the car.

[androdev]

Originally Posted by naveenroy

But pray, someone tell me - why do we need heated seats in India? Won't it be better to remove it from the specs and pass on that savings to the customer?

It will cost more to remove that feature as this car is from EU where seats with memory+electric will also have heating as standard. You are unlikely to find an EU car that has electric seat adjustments without heating. At best they will give you same seat without a switch to turn on heating.

[deetjohn]

Thanks for sharing this review with us. The XC40 got Volvo their first win at the coveted European Car of the Year. A first of many I am sure under the great leadership of CEO Hakan Samuelsson - he was also the 2018 World Car Person of the Year. And if I am not mistaken a S60 Polestar is his daily drive! What a dude!

Coming to the XC40, I very much prefer it over the 60. It just looks so perfect, except for that rug and mats which probably was picked up cheap after recycling from a casino. Spoils the classy look of the machine. In fact, that colour won't be my choice for the floor for any car.

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

The XC40 is powered by the same 2.0L D4 diesel engine that is found in the S60 and S90. This is the only engine option available in India, which is surprising considering the market's current swing towards petrol power plants.

Was really surprised to see it. I fully expected a petrol considering the fact that Volvo is ditching diesels pretty soon. They need to prep the market against the Germans. And having diesel only will hurt that transition. In the UK, the XC40 even gets a 3 pot petrol.

And anything wrong with the right front end of the car? The bonnet is not shut properly and looks misaligned.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by avdhesh15

Can you elaborate on what makes your checklist?

.

Thats a family secret!! Believe me it is long and annoys other car journos whom we share the car with! IT keeps us busy and prevents us from jumping into the pool and enjoying the hospitality! We much prefer having the car to ourselves.

Originally Posted by naveenroy

But pray, someone tell me - why do we need heated seats in India? Won't it be better to remove it from the specs and pass on that savings to the customer?

Well, if you lived in Himachal in winter , you will love it. If you dont want it, switch it off. It is part of the Swedish heritage. It adds little expense when produced en mass, merely a fine mesh of heating elements under the seat covers.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by avdhesh15

Can you elaborate on what makes your checklist?

You can see part of the list at this link (Please read these guidelines before posting an Ownership Report on Team-BHP!)

Originally Posted by shobhit.shri

I have one additional but generic question; Isn't Volvo considered more reliable than German trio?

I used to think so, but based on some Team-BHP threads & owners feedback, I don't think that's the case anymore.