XC40

The Volvo 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.

Volvo C40 Recharge

Posted 09/09/2022 by Terje Bjørnstad

Will low-built SUVs become a new trend for electric cars? We have spent an autumn day on a trip in Volvo's crossover C40 Recharge.

SUV as packing seal?

The battery pack in "our" Volvo C40 weighs 500 kg and probably requires an SUV platform due to its weight and volume. Do customers who want an electric car with a large battery pack have to involuntarily buy an SUV? In that case, the coupé variant can be a good alternative for those who prioritize skjønnhet rather than space. They make the SUV's undercarriage carry the battery pack, but a lower, more rounded and elegant glass housing. Coupé-like SUVs have been made in the past without much success. Would cars like the Volvo C40 have the right to life if the batteries could be placed in ordinary passenger cars?

Marks the weight well

Already after a few meters I felt the weight of the car. Undoubtedly heavier than the XC40 with a diesel engine that I have driven in the past. According to the vehicle license, the electric car also weighs 450 kg more. In traffic, you notice that you are driving a towering vehicle. When I close in behind other cars at traffic lights, they almost disappear under the front. You only notice the coupe shape when you use the side mirror. The field of vision through the rear window is extremely narrow and the blind spots large. I appreciate the blind spot warnings in the side mirrors. Reversing is also a breeze with the 360-degree reversing screen where you can see the car from above.

Can be driven with one pedal

You can choose whether you want to drive in one-pedal mode or as a normal car. I used one pedal all the time and was comfortable with it. But in the instruction manual, Volvo recommends using one pedal only in city driving. The one-pedal solution requires getting used to when you switch between the point where the car accelerates or brakes - i.e. where it can roll freely. The engine brake kicks in quite strongly, so that you can easily end up in a brake-gas-brake situation. Taking advantage of the fact that the car rolls freely can be profitable and easier to achieve if you switch off the one-pedal mode. Volvo has a point there.

volvo c40 — The color Fjord Blue harmonizes nicely with Glomma. Parked here at Sanngrund where we had lunch.

If you drive with one pedal, the car slows down and recovers energy when you let off the gas pedal - only weakly if you let off careful, and stronger if you let go suddenly. The handbrake automatically engages when the car stops. It is also switched on when the car is put into "Park" with the "P" button. I couldn't find a separate handbrake. I couldn't find a start button either. When the key - or perhaps the owner's mobile phone - is nearby, just put the car in "Drive" and drive away. This is modern user interface.

Google is involved

On my way to pick up my wife, I tuned into her radio channel, P5 Hits, and familiarized myself with the infotainment system. I noted that there is Google software on board and that the navigation system is based on Google Maps - the world's best map system. I realize that I am not made to fiddle with small computer screens. With my big fists, I often hit several buttons at the same time and swipe so everything disappears. But on the C40 it worked quite well. This was thanks to Google, right?

My critical wife

I admit that I like Volvo better than many other cars. They are made for tall northerners like me. This also applies to the C40. And by the way - I find that fellow road users are extra considerate and positive when I drive a Volvo. My wife is more objective than I am. I was anxious to hear her verdict.

Volvo advertises with "sustainable" - that parts of the interior in the C40 use recyclable plastic and are free of animal skin. "Our" car had fabric with something similar to alcantara in the seating surfaces. The seats were quite hard, but provided good support all the way for me. My wife completely agreed. She liked the fabrics and the seating comfort. Her only critical remark concerned the interior soundscape. Well, I mean, this might be nitpicking, but it seemed like the car's interior acoustics killed the sound from the music system. "Our" car had a sound system from Harman/Kardon with a bunch of speakers scattered around which will automatically adjust the sound image according to who is sitting in the car and according to the speed conditions. The interior noise in the C40 is not bothersome. The frequency is quite low and monotonous. If we compare it to the Tesla 3, the tires there give a much more marked and sharper sound image, but that does not come into conflict with the sound system.

On the road

I don't think all the 408 horses are constantly with you when you drive, but they are quickly on the spot when you need them. The car certainly drives like an SUV. You sit high, have large wheels with long suspension travel and a chassis that swallows most things without being too soft. The steering is speed-sensitive – not super sharp, but not bad for an SUV either. But it could be the soft tires. The steering resistance can be set to soft or hard. I set it to hard and was happy with it.

The good torque means that the car can effortlessly maintain a steady speed, but the monotonous sound makes it easy to forget the speed if you drive alone on the road without cruise control. I also got to test the 4-wheel drive once when I had to drive off after reversing down a steep and rocky tractor road. It would have been embarrassing to get stuck. The 4 wheel drive can truly save your day!

Panoramic roof provides a pleasant indoor atmosphere

Volvo guarantees a leather-free interior

Tire selection

"Our" car was on 19 inch all-season tires with a 50 profile. When configuring the car online, the same all-season tires come up as default choices with a subtitle that winter tires may be necessary if driving in extreme conditions. All-season tires have softer rubber than summer tires and do not emit as much noise. Could noise be the reason why Volvo recommends all-season tires on the C40? Anyway, this fine car deserves separate summer tires.

Range

According to information on Vegvesen.no range is stated to be 441 km. As you know, real range can vary a lot with weather and driving conditions. My own experiences are that real range often ends up at 4/5 of the stated range measured according to WLTP combined driving. That is approximately 350 km for the C40. Based on our trip, I came up with an estimated range of 388 km. It is based on a driving distance of 186 km - half on the 80-110 motorway and the rest on country roads and in the city in the middle of the "rush". If we exclude city driving, the range would end up at 397 km over dry roads in 18-20 degrees with the air conditioning set to 22 degrees.

consumption

Stated consumption based on WLTP combined driving is 20 kwh/100 km. Our consumption based on the trip computer was 18,7 kwh/100 km when rush hour driving is excluded, - 19.1 kwh/100 km including traffic jams. This is favorable compared to the fact that the car weighs almost 2,3 tonnes with two people on board. It also strengthens the theory that the car engages engine number 2 only when needed.

Place

On paper, there is not much that separates the C40 from the more square XC40. The roof height at the back has been reduced by 6 cm, but is sufficient for the vast majority of people. The panoramic roof helps to give an extra sense of space in the compartment. The luggage volume is only 6 liters less with the seats up and 123 liters less with the seats down. In practice, the biggest miss will be that you cannot load as much over the hat shelf in the C40 as you can in the square XC40. Being able to load at height means that, among other things, you can transport suitcases standing up. The Volvo C40 still offers a decent luggage volume of 413 litres, which is divided into two parts with a plate. In front, there is a "frunk" with 31 liters of cargo space - big enough for a shopping bag.

Safety

Volvo C40 model year 2022 was tested by Euro NCAP with very good results. With one small exception, all the dolls came out with a green result and 5/5 stars. The total score was 92% for adults and 89% for children. The car has an automatic emergency call in the event of a collision and the brakes are then automatically applied to prevent consequential damage.

Euro NCAP report

The American IIHS - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - has awarded the Volvo C2022 the title in 40 Top Safety Pick+. Also in their tests, the C40 came out very well. One of the tests where electric cars can often come out worse than fossil cars is side collision. This passed the C40 fine.

Ordering online?

Volvo advertises that you can order your C40 online. You can not. You can do a lot, but you can not execute the order to the factory. It must be done by a Volvo dealer. The waiting time at the moment is stated to be 5-6 months before you can have the car delivered. The cars are produced at Volvo's factories in Ghent. The electric drive comes from Polestar in China. The batteries are either delivered from LG Chem in South Korea or CATL in China.

Beautiful door sides with recessed speakers from harman/kardon

Conclusion

Did we find the charm of low-built SUVs?

If we compare the Volvo C40 Recharge Twin with the corresponding XC40, there are only marginal differences. C40 gear a bit better range, but offers a bit smaller luggage space and costs a bit more.

Is the C40 more beautiful than the XC40? - And does that make up for the loss of the ability to load over the hat shelf?

Taste and comfort. I think the C40 was nicer than I had imagined beforehand. It has a drivetrain from Polestar and oozes premium class through and through. For me, "good looks" count more than "more space", although I predict that the car type may disappear from the market when the less space- and weight-demanding "solid-state" batteries become more available.

Facts Volvo C40 Recharge Twin

Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 444 x 187 x 159 cm
Wheelbase: 270 cm
Net weight: 2110 kg (without driver)
Payload: 435 kg
Number of seats: 5
Max trailer weight w/brakes: 1800
– without brakes: 750
Roof load: Not stated in the vehicle registration card

Drivetrain
Engine: Two engines from Polestar, one located in the front and one located in the rear axle.
Power: 204 HP x 2 with a total boosted power of 408 HP
Torque: 330 Nm x 2 - with a total output of 660 Nm
Gearbox: 1-speed automatic
Electronically controlled four-wheel drive

Performances
Top speed: 180 km/h
0-100: 4,7 seconds

Battery pack
Manufacturer: The factory receives batteries from both LG Chem and CATL
Type: Li-ion
Position: Centered below, pulled in well from both sides
Total capacity: 78 Kwh
Available capacity: 75 Kwh

Range and consumption
Range WLTP combined: 441 km
Consumption WLTP combined: 20,0 kwh/100 km
Conditions during own measurement: Dry road, outside temperature 18-20 degrees, aircon, half on motorway, the rest on country roads and town.
Estimated range: 388 km
Measured average consumption: 19,1 kwh/100 km

Cargo
Contacts: Type2 and CSS
Charging time 11Kw onboard charger, 0-80%: 8 hours
Charging time CSS, 130Kw, 10-80%: 28 min.

Luggage compartment
As a five-seater: 413 litres
As a two-seater: 1205 litres
Trunk space: 31 litres

Tires
Dimension: 235/50R19
Type: All-season tire
Brand: Michelin CrossClimate 2

Prices
Twin Plus: NOK 568
Twin Ultimate: NOK 588
Metallic paint supplement: NOK 7
Towbar: NOK 9 (recommended)

About the car
Place of manufacture: Ghent, Belgium
Colour: Fjord blue/Black
Equipment grade: Ultimate
Leased by Hertz Car sharing
Owner: Hertz Car sharing
Model: 2022
Mileage: 5100
Km driven: 186
Sources: vegvesen.no, volvocars.com

On the way home after planting and caring for family graves for the autumn.

See

**Volvo XC40 D3 R-Design**
I like the R-Design package – both the visual impression with the all-black grill, black-painted exterior mirrors, interior decor and black headliner. I would also like to highlight the sports chassis.

How we test the cars

Volvo XC40 D3 R-Design

Posted 20/12/2018 by Terje Bjørnstad

Christmas card motif. R-design with a black frame around the grill and black-painted exterior mirrors.

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.

volvo xc40 — Ideal road for the Volvo XC40 AWD.

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.

Parked in front of beautiful Ingeborgrud church.

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 Aisin. The same gearbox is used in several of Volvo's powertrains, including the D4 and T3. I was surprised that the car always downshifted a little hard in the last few meters before coming to a complete stop, even when I was just gliding slowly towards a traffic light. When starting off, it let the revs go up correspondingly high in the first few meters. I imagined that Volvo had programmed the gearbox to quickly rev the engine from the start to eliminate turbo lag. When I changed the driving mode from Comfort to Eco, the jerks disappeared, – and still no turbo lag to be noticed.

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.

A plate in the boot creates a flat load space. A shallow space is located under the slab. On the left, the telephone kiosk at Skøyen station.

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.