The new Volvo XC40 compact SUV has been named 2018 European Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show.
The final contenders were the Seat Ibiza city car, the BMW 5-Series sedan, the Kia Stinger, the Citroen C3 Aircross, the Audi A8, Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV, and the Volvo. Last year the winner was the Peugeot 3008 SUV. Interestingly enough, the Volvo XC60 is a finalist for the World Car of the Year 2018.
Volvo South Africa will be releasing the XC40 locally in April. The compact crossover is aimed squarely at the Mercedes GLA, BMW X2 and Audi Q2, and is the first vehicle to sit on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture. All models are all-wheel drive and automatic. The D3, T4 front-wheel drive versions will arrive later in the year.
XC40 D4 AWD Momentum (140kw/400nm) : R595 054
XC40 T5 AWD Momentum (185kw/350nm) : R605 016
XC40 D4 AWD Inscription (140kw/400nm) : R626 554
XC40 D4 AWD R-Design (140kw/400nm) : R633 554
XC40 T5 AWD Inscription (185kw/350nm) : R636 516
XC40 T5 AWD R-Design (185kw/350nm) : R643 516
Also worth a look: the 315kW of Swedish Grit: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed and the Volvo EX90: The Future of Safety Lands in SA in 2025.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volvo XC40 cost in South Africa?
The Volvo XC40 starts at R595,054 for the D4 AWD Momentum and goes up to R643,516 for the T5 AWD R-Design, with pricing depending on engine and trim level.
Q: Is the Volvo XC40 worth buying?
The XC40 is absolutely worth considering if you want a premium compact SUV with proper build quality, all-wheel drive as standard, and Volvo's legendary safety tech, though you'll pay premium prices for the privilege.
Q: How does the Volvo XC40 compare to BMW X2 and Audi Q2?
The XC40 offers more practical interior space and comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the German rivals often charge extra for AWD and focus more on sporty handling than practicality.
Q: What engine options are available in the Volvo XC40?
The XC40 launches with the D4 diesel producing 140kW/400Nm and the T5 petrol with 185kW/350Nm, both paired with automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive as standard.
Q: When will the Volvo XC40 be available in South Africa?
Volvo South Africa released the XC40 in April 2018, with front-wheel drive D3 and T4 variants following later in the year.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Volvo XC40 is worth buying if you have R600,000 to spend on a compact premium SUV. The best XC40 for most buyers is the D4 AWD Momentum at R595,054, which gives you the essential Volvo safety tech, decent fuel economy, and all-wheel drive capability without the premium trim markup. The XC40 beats its German rivals on practicality and standard equipment, plus you get that Swedish build quality and the bragging rights of owning the 2018 European Car of the Year. Just remember you're paying a premium for the badge, but in this case, it's actually justified by what you get.
