Inside the layout is practical and comfortable.

I particularly like the heated front seats with electric adjustment for the driver and the vertical style central touch screen.

The driver feels at home with a thicker steering wheel and clever and different transmission lever.

Rear seats are spacious and comfortable. There is good rear leg and head room for this size vehicle. Boot space is equally spacious.

The XC40 B5 is powered by a mild hybrid 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. There is reasonable power with 183 kilowatts and torque of 250 newton metres. This drives through an all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

At times around the suburbs, it felt a little slow to start with, but was smooth and easy to drive. Economy is rated at 7.2l/100k but we used around 10 litres per 100 kilometres around town.

The Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark we tested was priced at $69,690 including options, plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE XC40 B5 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

More Volvo XC40 B5 Dark details

XC40 B5 Dark Exterior

First up I like the chunky, quirky styling. It’s got a bit of an edge to it.

The car I drove came in the optional Fjord Blue colour which was appealing.

The front bonnet with its sloping detail lines flows into the grill and LED lights. It’s a sleek style yet bold as well.

From the side it sits a bit upright, with a high roof and boot lone. This contrasts with the coupe/Sportback style many smaller SUVs are going with these days.

Its chunky and stylish and the 20-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres compliment it.

From the rear it looks typically Volvo.

What is the XC40 B5 Dark like inside?

This is the first Volvo I’ve driven in a while, and it takes a little getting used to.

Overall impressions were uncluttered, northern European and inviting.

Seats are comfortable and supportive with electric adjustments. I get cold in the mornings so the heated seats as part of the climate option pack were appreciated.

Almost the first thing you see is the tall central touch screen. This is becoming a style trend these days and its practical and mirrors our phones.

The Orrefers crystal transmission lever is an unusual touch.

Touch sensitivity was a little delayed, but it was easy to use.

Rear seats are designed for two people really and getting in and out is a little tight. Head room is generous though.

One advantage of the high style boot line is a large boot space. The middle seats fold 60/40 with a ski port. The boot opens nice and high so taller people don’t hit their head.

Some XC40 B5 Dark feature highlights

• 20-inch double-spoke black alloy wheels
• Alcantara-accented upholstery

Other features include:

• Automatic headlights with automatic high beam
• DAB+ digital radio
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Hill-descent control
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless entry and start.
• Wireless phone charging

Infotainment and connectivity technology

• High Performance Sound System.
• 9” vertical touch screen centre display.
• Inductive charging for smartphone.
• Smart phone integration (iPhone and Android) with 4 USB connections.
• Driver Display in dash.
• Digital Radio (DAB).
• Bluetooth® (inc. audio streaming).
• In-car web apps.
• Audio controls in steering wheel.
• Satellite Navigation with Road Sign Information

Option pack added to test vehicle.

Lifestyle Pack: ($2,600)

• Panoramic Sunroof,
• Harman Kardon Premium Sound System.

Climate Pack: ($900)

• Heated Front Seats,
• Heated Rear Seats,
• Heated Steering Wheel.

Exterior Colour: Fjord Blue: $1,200

XC40 B5 Engine and drivetrain

The XC40 has a 2.0L 4-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine. It drives all four wheels through an AWD system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

There is a stop/start function. It works well but can be a bit intrusive

It comes with front and rear disc brakes and 20″ 5-Double Spoke Black Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels

XC40 B5 comes with MacPherson Strut front and multi-link rear suspension and a Touring Chassis.

What is the XC40 B5 like to drive

For the week I drove mostly around town with a linger weekend drive as well. Perhaps typical of what buyers would do.

Overall, it was easy to drive. There was a slight hesitation at times, through the stop start function. I usually turn these off, but you can’t in the XC40. That was a little frustrating.

There was one time where I was coming into a roundabout and the stop start function kicked in, but when I went to go it hesitated, dangerous in a busy intersection. That’s why I don’t like them.

But it was responsive to everything I asked it to do. Its not a sports SUV by any means but I would say zippy. The 2.0L engine has enough get up and go for everyday driving.

Volvo XC40 B5 Dark Safety features

The Volvo XC40 B5 comes with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Features include:

• Pedestrian, Vehicle, Large Animals and Cyclist Detection,
• Intersection Collision and Oncoming Mitigation with Brake Support.
• Steering Support.
• Driver Alert.
• Lane Keeping Aid.
• Adjustable Speed Limiter function.
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation.
• Blind Spot Information (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA),
• Front and Rear Collision Warning with mitigation support.
• Run-off road Mitigation.
• Hill start assist.
• Hill Descent Control.
• Park Assist Front and Rear.
• 360 Camera.
• Rain Sensor.
• Drive mode with personal power steering settings.
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
• Emergency Brake Light (EBL).
• Frontal Airbags,
• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with airbags in front seats,
• Inflatable Curtains and Whiplash Protection System.
• Driver’s knee airbag.
• Belt Reminder all seats.
• ISO-FIX outer position rear seat.
• Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS)

Volvo XC40 B5 Dark final thoughts

The XC40 is a little quirky and edgy. Its comfortable with a lot of luxury features.

Around town and on longer drives it cruises easily.

The option packs on the test vehicle were worth the money and complete the package.

At a touch under $70,000 its also well priced.

Yep, worth a test drive if you’re looking for a premium small to mid-size SUV.

Also look at.

Smaller mid-size SUVs are seemingly everywhere now. The choice can be a bit daunting.

Buyers could look at the Audi Q3 Sportback, Citroen C5 Aircross Sport, Lexus UX, Peugeot 5008 GT, Subaru Outback XT, Citroen C5-X.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Volvo XC40 B5 mild hybrid 2023 review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

For the first time, these new powertrains are available on the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, including rear-wheel-drive variants and a revised all- wheel-drive variant. It is the first time in 25 years that Volvo is offering a rear- wheel-drive car.

In another first, the second-generation permanent magnet electric motor driving the rear axles for the fully electric C40 and XC40 models has been developed in-house at Volvo Cars.

Rear-wheel power returns

The new rear-wheel drive powertrain features a single motor driven by a 175kW permanent magnet electric motor (e-motor), providing a 3% increase in power output over the outgoing 170kW single-motor front-wheel drive variant.

In the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric (single motor), the same 69kWh battery capacity is carried over, but enhancements in cooling efficiency mean it can now deliver increased range and driving up to 460 kilometres according to the WLTP test cycle, compared with 425 kilometres before (WLTP).

The range of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric (single motor) improves from 438 kilometres up to 476 kilometres (WLTP). A 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 34 minutes using a 130kW DC public charger.

XC40 Recharge – Updated all-wheel drive variant

The all-wheel drive variant also benefits from these updates, realising even more impressive range improvements. The previous set-up of two 150kW e- motors on the front and rear axles has been replaced Volvo’s in-house developed 183kW permanent magnet e-motor on the rear axle and a new 117kW asynchronous electric motor on the front axle – with the combined outputs remaining the same at 300kW and 660Nm.

The acceleration times for both powertrains remain impressive – the single motor achieves 0-100km/h in 7.4 seconds, and the dual-motor at 4.9 seconds.

This new configuration, paired with an 82kWh battery pack and overall efficiency improvements in battery cooling, means the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin (all-wheel drive) can now drive up to 500 kilometres on a single charge, a 62-kilometre increase in range.

The range of the C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin (all-wheel drive) has improved up to 507 kilometres from 451 kilometres (WLTP).

Charging power has improved as the larger battery pack allows for fast charging at an updated top rate of 200kW DC (previously 150kW DC maximum), while a 10-80 per cent charge takes approximately 28 minutes, a nine-minute improvement.

Volvo has made exterior updates that help to improve efficiency where possible. New 19-inch alloy wheels on both XC40 and C40 Recharge helps to reduce drag through its aerodynamic design, while boosting the overall look of the cars.

XC40 Recharge

“These updates are another big step in our stated local strategy of becoming fully electric by 2026,” said Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Stephen Connor.

“Two of the most frequently asked questions customers ask about our fully electric XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge are: “How far will it go on a single charge?” and “How long does it take to charge?”

“These upgrades address those questions and will make our fully electric models even more attractive than they already were.

“Globally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia we’ve previously announced we will make the transition to full EV happen by 2026.

“The powertrain and battery upgrades in XC40 and C40 Recharge models will help us achieve this goal and accomplish our aspiration of selling 20,000 fully electric cars every year in Australia. ”

These upgrades are part of the new model year (MY24) introductions with the vehicles set to commence arriving quarter 3, 2023 but available to order from now and carry a manufacturer recommended retail price of $76,990 for the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and $78,990 for the C40 Recharge Pure Electric (single motor variants) and $85,990 for the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin and $87,990 for the C40 Recharge Pure Electric Twin (twin motor variants).

The post Volvo XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge fully electric SUVs appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Volvo’s small SUV the XC40 comes with a variety of engines some with two-wheel drive some with four-wheel drive. The most expensive version is the PHEV – Plug-in Electric Vehicle which we are testing here.

Typically, ordinary hybrid vehicles are a petrol engine with some help from an electric motor who’s batteries are charged by the petrol engine or when slowing down using regenerative braking.

This system allows you to travel on local trips (approx. 40 kms) on battery power if you have plugged it in and charge them up.

What is the Volvo XC40 like outside?

The ratio of height to width makes it look a little tall and narrow.

The back has a slight wave pattern that gives a faint bulge just below the rear window and then a convex line before leading down to the bumper bar level.

The front grille has a slight recess that makes it distinctive without being toom much over the top.

Exterior features include:

• Panoramic Sunroof
• R-Design glossy black integrated roof rails
• R-Design grill
• Glossy black window trim
• Black exterior roof colour
• Colour coordinated door handles with Illumination and Puddle lights
• Dual integrated tail pipes
• Wipers with integrated washers
• “Hammer of Thor” LED Active Bending and High Beam Headlights with Headlight high pressure cleaning

What’s it like inside – XC40S Features

Unlike most vehicles the style of the dashboard focuses on the vertical rather than a horizontal spread across the interior.

The overall interior colour scheme is strongly black.

As a small SUV the space for front passenger and driver is good but not large for rear passengers.

Interior features to help the driver and passenger include:

• 9” vertical touch screen centre display
• Power adjustable Driver seat with memory
• Power Adjustable passenger seat
• Inductive charging for smartphone
• Front seats with cushion extensions
• Smart phone integration (iPhone and Android) with 3 USB connections
• Premium Sound System – Harman Kardon; Digital Radio (DAB); Bluetooth® (inc. audio streaming)
• In-car web apps
• Satellite Navigation with Road Sign Information
• 2-Zone Electronic Climate Control
• Cooled glove box
• CleanZone Interior Air Quality System
• High level interior illumination
• Windscreen ticket holder
• Storage box under driver seat
• Glove box bag hook

Interior fashion features include

• Aluminum decor inlays
• Charcoal Nubuck Textile /Perforated Nappa in Charcoal interior
• Illuminated vanity mirrors in sunvisor;
• R-Design gear lever knob
• Three-Spoke R-Design steering wheel with Uni Deco inlay
• R-Design pedals; Automatically dimmed inner and exterior mirrors
• High gloss black tunnel console;

What Engine and Transmission does the XC40have?

This system has a smallish turboed petrol engine (1.5 litres) that can drive the car on its own but it also allows a vehicle to use only batteries for about 40 kms if you have charged it. This means that you can do a lot of your local short trips on electric drive without producing local pollution.

The vehicle has a 7 Automatic 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission.

The fuel consumption figures are rated at 2.2 L/100km (Combined) but this is rarely a representative figure.  It assumes that you start with a fully charged battery and you do a driving cycle that befits a good proportion of battery powered driving.  If you charge regularly and do very short trips, then in theory, you will not use any fuel. On a long run without charging you will get fuel consumption of the petrol engine which will be higher and is rated at 6.1 litre per 100 kms

• Displacement for petrol engine 1477cc
• Power output 132kW @ 5800rpm (Petrol) + 60kW @ 4000rpm (Electric Motor)
• Max torque 265Nm (Petrol) + 160Nm (Electric Motor)
• Fuel consumption 2.2 L/100km (Combined)
• CO2 emissions 50 g/km
• Fuel tank 48 litres
• Weight 1760 kg
• Transmission Automatic 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission

What are the safety features?

• Pedestrian, Vehicle, Large Animals and Cyclist Detection,
• Intersection Collision and Oncoming Mitigation with Brake Support;
• Driver Alert
• Lane Keeping Aid
• Adjustable Speed Limiter function
• Oncoming Lane Mitigation
• Blind Spot Information (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)
• Front and Rear Collision Warning with mitigation support
• Run-off road Mitigation
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Emergency Brake Light (EBL)
• Frontal Airbags
• Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with airbags in front seats
• Inflatable Curtains and Whiplash Protection System
• Driver’s knee airbag
• Belt Reminder all seats
• ISO-FIX outer position rear seat
• Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS)

Driver comfort assistance features

• Hill start assist
• Hill Descent Control
• Park assist Front and Rear
• Rain Sensor
• Drive mode with personal power steering settings

XC40 S Summary

Volvo have produced a distinctive car with credible efficiency and pollution reducing technology.

The interior has a unique appearance with a good ambience.

This is not a car, however, to trust your response with one quick drive.

If you are going to test the vehicle do not get too involved with the infotainment system. You need to set aside time when you are not in a rush to go through some standard information requests.

Good Bits

1. Plugin hybrid efficiency
2. Distinctive appearance inside and out
3. Comprehensive features including safety

Not So Good Bits

1. Infotainment system takes a long time to get use to
2. Ride is a little firm
3. The feel of the brakes is somewhat artificial and needs time to get use to

Facts and Figures:

• Petrol engine: 1.5 litre 132kW @ 5800rpm; Max torque 265Nm – Fuel tank 48 litres
• Electric Motor: 60kW @ 4000rpm; Max torque 160Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission
• Warranty: years/ unlimited km
• Safety: Five stars (tested in 2018)
• Origin: China
• Price: $64,990 base price plus $4,770 MLP*

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

The post Volvo XC40 PHEV 2020 Review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.

Volvo XC40 PHEV Typically ordinary hybrid vehicles are a petrol engine with some help from an electric motor who’s batteries are charged by the petrol engine or when slowing down using regenerative braking.

But Volvo has gone the next step with its XC40 small SUV by offering a plug-in hybrid variant.

This plug-in system allows a vehicle to use only batteries for about 40 kms.  This means that you can do a lot of your local short trips on electric drive without producing local pollution.

The 1.5 litre three cylinder turboed petrol engine can come into play under heavy acceleration and when the battery runs low.

You don’t have to charge it at all, but, of course, you will not get the fuel economy benefits if you don’t.

The base model non-hybrid is listed at $47,000 but the top of the line plug-in hybrid is $65,000 to both figures you must add on-road costs.

Im David Brown

Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. Motoring Minutes have an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. Motoring Minutes are also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 450,000.

The post Volvo XC 40 PHEV Radio Review appeared first on Eco Car Guide.