Volvo XC40 styling kit to be added to options list

Volvo is set to release an optional styling kit for its XC40 SUV that includes revised bumpers, bigger wheels and a smattering of metallic trim pieces.

The ‘Exterior Styling Kit’ includes 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, stainless-steel front and rear bumper trims, revised side mouldings and a black rear spoiler.

The new pack will cost £2,285 when it arrives in June this year. For now, the included 21-inch wheels included are available as a £1,400 option on their own when specified on the top-spec Inscription Pro model.

New Volvo XC40

Following in the successful footsteps of of the stylish XC90 and XC60, the new Volvo XC40 is a fresh compact SUV for the premium end of the market.

Pitched squarely at potential Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLC customers and designed “primarily for the city”, the XC40 offers a new and arguably subtler option for buyers after the latest in technology, a plush cabin and that all-important raised ride height.

We’ve driven the new Volvo XC40 – click here to read our review

Design

The XC40 clearly shares styling cues with its larger SUV siblings, with a proud radiator grille, by-now-hallmark ‘Thor’s hammer’ LED running lights and bluffly styled rear. Volvo has managed to give it a relatively distinctive appearance with an upwardly sweeping rear window line, tapering roof spoiler, deep side sculpts in the doors and low-set rear number plate.

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Three core trim levels are available: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Even the entry-level is well equipped thanks to standard sat nav, LED headlights, digital dashboard dials, 18-inch alloy wheels and Volvo’s nine-inch Sensus infotainment system.

Volvo is targeting younger customers with the XC40, and to that end its roof and carpets can be specified in matching or contrasting colours, its wheels can be ordered in eye-catching white and the portrait infotainment system supports apps such as Spotify and TuneIn.

Dashboard and interior

The XC40 is likely to win over many customers as soon as they sit inside it. While it may differentiate itself somewhat from its larger SUV siblings on the outside, its dashboard closely follows Volvo’s latest design philosophy – one that’s found much favour in the automotive press and beyond.

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In the centre of the dashboard sits a nine-inch portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen, which controls much of the car’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) settings as well as the sat nav and infotainment. While some may wish for physical HVAC controls, at least this screen is supplemented by physical knobs and dials for the media interface and other auxiliary functions.

Tactile-looking metal finishes sweep across the length of the dashboard, echoed by aluminium door handles and metal finishes for the air vents. Digital dashboard dials, a stubby little gear selector and a wireless charging pad are other highlights, while the carpets and door inserts can be specified in contrasting colours to the seats, adding further flourish.

Engines

The XC40 is being offered with three petrol and four diesel engines from launch, all of which are 2.0 litres in size, with the exception of the 154bhp 1.5-litre, three-cylinder T3. The T3 petrol is front-wheel drive, while the 187bhp T4 and 244bhp T5 are four-wheel drive. Those after a diesel can have the front or four-wheel drive 148bhp D4 engine or the four-wheel drive 187bhp D5. The T4, T5 and D4 engines come as standard with an automatic gearbox, while the D3 is manual as standard, with automatic an option. The most efficient diesel engine is the D3 in manual, front-wheel-drive guise, which manages 58.9mpg if fitted with the smaller 18-inch wheels, while the T3 petrol returns 42.8mpg with the same combination of gearbox, drive and wheels.

A smaller three-cylinder petrol engine will join the range later, as will an all-electric model and a hybrid, in line with Volvo's commitment to offer an electrified version of all its cars.

Trim levels and equipment

Entry-level Momentum trim includes digital dashboard dials, vinyl and cloth seats, LED headlights, sat nav, 18-inch alloy wheels and the option to add contrasting wing mirrors, wheels and roof. All XC40s will work in conjunction with a remote smartphone app, allowing you to remotely lock and unlock the car and pre-heat its interior if you go for the automatic gearbox.

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R-Design XC40s will feature gloss-black exterior trim details and diamond-cut 18-inch alloys, as well as leather seats and aluminium dashboard inlays. Top-spec Inscription cars gain even plusher leather for the seats, all-round parking sensors, extra chrome exterior garnish, a powered tailgate, wooden dashboard inlays and heated front seats with power adjustment on the driver’s side. Pair the automatic gearbox with Inscription and you get a crystal glass gearlever, too.

‘Pro’ equipment packs can be added to all three trim levels, and while these differ depending on which model you choose, Pro pack goodies include 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlights and a heated windscreen.

The Xenium bundle, meanwhile, brings an opening panoramic sunroof, 360-degree bird’s-eye parking camera and an automated parking system to all XC40s.

Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous suite of systems is also available across the XC40 range, joining the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance for a semi-autonomous experience.

XC40 Care by Volvo option

Volvo is using the XC40 to introduce its new ‘Care’ package. Essentially an all-in-one personal contract hire agreement blended with a subscription service, this costs £629 a month over two years and is initially being offered to customers living within the M25 area.

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That monthly outlay will get you a T5 or D4 Momentum XC40 for two years and also covers insurance, servicing and breakdown cover for the car. Care by Volvo is renewable at the end of the contract, effectively getting you a new XC40 every two years. Other models will be available after the scheme has been introduced, while in some markets owners will be able to share their XC40 with others via a digital 'key' - though the UK won't get this service immediately.

Volvo XC40 First Edition

As is becoming increasingly common with modern car launches, the XC40 will initially be offered in First Edition guise. This is based on R-Design Pro trim and also features the Xenium package and Pilot Assist suite described above, plus an upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo.

Volvo XC40: price and on-sale date

The XC40 is available to order now, with first deliveries expected in May 2018. The range starts with the T3 petrol front-wheel-drive model in Momentum trim and with a manual gearbox, priced at £27,905, although this engine won't be available until the summer. The front-wheel-drive D3 diesel is available from £28,965, while upgrading from Momentum to R-Design costs around £1,800. The XC40 range tops out with the D4 First Edition, which costs £39,305.