Instead of sitting in a noisy coffee shop, I thought we could take a road trip - to "old stomping grounds". I had ordered a Volvo XC40.
It's actually one of the most interesting car innovations of the past year, even though it's not yet offered with any kind of hybrid or electric drive. I recognize Volvo's new user interface. The small gear lever that shifts "by wire" must be pushed twice separately between "Drive" and "Reverse". "Park" is on its own button. The large central screen replaces the old buttons that Volvo used to have. It works well, but I needed a few minutes to familiarize myself with the settings before hitting the road. I chose to switch off "Lane Keeping Aid".
Humane qualities
I had arranged to meet my brother. For various reasons, we hadn't seen each other for far too long. We talked about life and death, and things like that, as we often do. The Volvo formed a nice setting for the conversation. Ergonomically designed for tall Nordics, like us, and top class in terms of safety. In addition, a high feel-good factor - mile after mile - year after year.
We leave the city towards Nes in Romerike. It is almost Christmas, and we are looking for an area we knew well as children. My brother grew up there. I myself grew up somewhere else, but went there at Christmas. A small red-painted living room in the forest, Christmas food from our own pig, a storage cage, a sleeping kitty cat under the black stove, grain bins with dompap, rhymes on the apple trees and a coat of Gråtass in the garage. My brother and I now both have gray hair. Things look different today, - but inside our heads everything is exactly as before.
One of the best in the class
I am skeptical of tall cars. I think they can tip over with sharp evasive maneuvers. At least that's the feeling I get in small, light crossovers with short suspension. Basically, the compact SUV from Volvo looks like such a car, but the chassis is actually very competent. On the road, the car is stable, heavy and safe – over bumps and through sharp bends. The chassis captures the unevenness impressively well. Here, the Volvo XC40 feels a class above competitors such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Seat Ateca.
The car from Hertz Car pool has equipment grade R design. It is equipped with a sports chassis, a great sound system and a well-equipped infotainment system. As we drive and chat, my brother checks out the large center screen. He connects his mobile phone via Bluetooth and tries to connect to the "Volvo Wifi Hotspot" via password - but was unable to get a network, probably due to a lack of subscription. In a few years, I think all cars will have wifi on board. New Volvos seem well prepared to meet tomorrow's demands for information technology.
Must have four-wheel drive
There is snow on the road over Greniskogen. Fairly hard in the middle of the road and looser masses towards the edges. In the case of oncoming traffic, one must lay down neatly and be alert to correct in case the car pulls towards the edge. The XC40 was rock solid. As expected. Should instability occur, the car's Stability Traction Control and Haldex 5 four-wheel system intervene. I enjoy giving the gas around tight corners and feeling how the four-wheel system intervenes. Four-wheel drive is a "must" in cars like the XC40, although it is possible to order without it.
Old memories
We popped into a small cemetery and put down Christmas decorations in the snow, thinking good thoughts about the old days. My brother gazed thoughtfully over the snow-covered tombstones and remembered his best friends who lost their lives on the road at a young age. We drove up to the old, red-painted living room in the forest where our ancestors lived and celebrated Christmas. We then went to Sanngrund and had lunch while the daylight was waning. The food at Sanngrund is fantastic. Always good people in the kitchen. We ate lutefisk with bacon, fat, pea stew, salt and pepper to the view of the snow cover above Glomma.
Engines
Darkness had prevailed as we headed towards the city and a round of pre-Christmas family visits and gift exchange. "Our" XC40 was equipped with Volvo's D3 drivetrain. 2,0 turbodiesel with 150 HP and torque of 320 Nm from 1750 to just over 3000 revs. The gearbox is an 8-speed automatic from Japan
In Eco mode, the car was quieter. I therefore chose "Eco" in the city and "Comfort" on rural winter roads. There, I prefer the car to respond quickly to the gas. On dry roads, I would probably choose Eco more often.
Suitable as a family car
Place
The XC40 has most of what you need in a family car. In terms of size, it is in the same class as the Volkswagen Tiguan and Seat Ateca. The high seating position gives plenty of space in the cabin, - even when I sit behind myself (1,88 metres). The luggage compartment of 460 liters is easy to use. An intermediate plate provides a flat floor without a loading edge. Below the slab is a separate, shallow space. With a dividing wall, you will be able to load at height, too. But the trunk is smaller than the competitors – Tiguan (615 liters) and Ateca (510 liters).
Price and equipment
According to the price lists, the D3 Automat and AWD are not sold together with the R-Design, but on Volvo's Swedish website the combination is available. The prices for the Volvo XC40 AWD with 6-speed manually gearbox and all relevant equipment packages start at just under NOK 500 (source: Bilia.no). In comparison, a D4 AWD automatic R-design costs NOK 584 before equipment packages. I'm not usually fussy about equipment levels and such, but I liked the R-Design package - both the visual impression, with an all-black grill, black-painted exterior mirrors, interior trim and black headliner. I would also like to highlight the sports chassis. This can also be ordered as additional equipment on lower equipment series.
The biggest objection to the XC40 is that it cannot (yet) be supplied with tax-advantaged powertrains based on batteries and hybrids. Although, it's probably only a matter of time before it comes.
Safety
It is rare that I see so many green areas on NCAP's test dummies as after the crash tests with the XC40. "Volvo City Safety" was tested with good results. It stops the car automatically at obstacles in typical city situations, and is standard on almost all cars today.
consumption
If you live near Oslo, it may be unwise to choose diesel due to rumors of driving bans and second-hand value. If you drive a lot, diesel can still be an economically sound choice. The new 2-litre diesel engines from Volvo can be driven very economically. Stated EU consumption for "my" car is 0,54 liters per mile. I myself achieved 0,64 liters per mile measured on the trip computer over a wintry stretch of 249 km, half of which was city driving.
If you want diesel but fear that it will be difficult to resell, you can lease it. It has become more and more common as many car buyers are unsure which technology is worthwhile. In the case of leasing, the rent is calculated on the estimated residual value assessed with today's eyes. Should the market change, it isn't du who is left with his beard in the mailbox. Volvo is also involved in car sharing projects, including Hertz Bilpool.
Facts
Drive:
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 150 HP
Torque: 320 Nm between 1750 and approx. 3000 revolutions
Gearbox: 8-speed automatic (Aisin AW TG-81SC)
AWD: Haldex 5
Performances:
0-100: 10,4 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
Weights and Measures:
Length, width and height in cm: 443 / 186 / 165
Wheelbase in cm: 470
Tank volume in litres: 54
Luggage volume in litres: 460
Net weight in kg: 1659
Max trailer weight w/brakes (D3 AWD aut.) in kg: 2000
(With D4 AWD automatic, maximum trailer weight is 2100 kg)
Max trailer weight without brakes in kg: 750
Tires:
Hakkapelitta 235/55R18 studless winter tyres
Linkers:
Source: volvocars.no og volvocars.se.
Car owner: www.hertzbilpool.no
Hertz Bilpool currently has 3 Volvo XC40s for loan in Oslo.
PHOTOS
It is not so easy to take good pictures now that the sun is at its lowest, the cars are muddy and we had a lot to talk about. I promise better photos here at terjesbiler.no when weather and conditions permit.
See
