Volvo unveils new XC40 compact SUV in Milan

Volvo has pulled the covers off its new XC40 compact SUV in Milan and confirmed that it will cost from £27,905 in the UK.

It is the first car to be based on the Swedish manufacturer’s new Compact Modular Architecture platform, which will be used on all future vehicles in the 40 series, including fully electric models.

“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 of Volvo Cars.

“It represents a fresh, creative and distinctive new member of the Volvo line-up. So it only feels natural to reveal the XC40 here in Milan, a buzzing European hotspot for fashion, art, design and lifestyle.”

The XC40 will be available with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines – all of which are 2.0-litre, four-cylinder units – with power ranging from 148bhp to 250bhp.

Samuelson added: “The diesel engines we are now launching comply with the very latest standards. They are much better than the old diesels, but these will be the last set of diesel engines we develop. After this they will all be hybrids with petrol.

“New models after 2019 will only get all-electric or petrol hybrid. We want to be clear we won’t be developing another generation of diesels after this one.”

Customers will be able to choose between three different levels of specification. Momentum is the entry-level offering, while R-Design and Inscription trims are tailored more towards sportiness and luxury respectively.

Standard equipment is generous, with Momentum models benefiting from features such as Volvo’s nine-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which includes voice control and satellite navigation, and is also available with real-time traffic information and apps such as Spotify, TuneIn and Google Local Search.

Volvo has placed a strong emphasis on standard safety equipment too. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is included on all models, as well as oncoming lane mitigation, which warns you if you move out of your lane and can control the steering to guide you back into the correct lane.

R-Design specification, which costs from £29,755, adds 18-inch alloys, contrasting black paint on the roof, lower bumper sections and door mirrors, and sports suspension.

Inscription models benefit from leather-faced upholstery, a powered tailgate, front parking sensors and chrome exterior highlights to name but a few upgrades. Prices for XC40s in this specification start at £30,405.

All models are available in Pro form, which improves standard equipment yet again. Momentum Pro adds a powered driver’s seat, heated front seats and active headlights. R-Design Pro adds 20-inch wheels, while Inscription Pro adds 19-inch wheels and a powered passenger seat

The first XC40s to arrive in the UK will be limited-run First Edition models, which will cost from £39,305. These cars are based on R-Design Pro specification, but add the Xenium pack – which includes a panoramic glass sunroof and 360-degree parking camera – and heated rear seats among other features.

Volvo offers its Pilot Assist semi-autonomous drive feature as an option across the XC40 range. This can help control the steering to keep the car in-lane at speeds of up to 80mph, and can also assist with acceleration and braking.

Also making its debut with the XC40 is the Care by Volvo package, which will initially be available only to customers living within the M25. Under this scheme, customers will make monthly payments of £629 for 24 months, which will cover car rental, scheduled maintenance, insurance and roadside assistance. It also covers a range of concierge services, such as refuelling, which will be expanded over time.

Order books are now open, with customer deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018.