Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design Geartronic

Good enough to be seen in greater numbers

I’ve enjoyed the use of a number of XC40 models since the suave Swede nosed into South Africa in April 2018 to great acclaim, and without exception, and irrespective of the colour, each version has attracted very positive “car park comments.”

The public likes the look of this premium compact SUV but the love affair simply doesn’t convert into the number of sales that the model’s undoubted virtues deserve. It’s that old bugbear that steers buying patterns in a predictable direction and that bugbear masquerades under the title “perception.”

Ask any competitive-brand salesman to take in a Volvo as a trade-in and you’ll get a look that suggests a cannister of sulphur has been uncorked. They don’t want “sitting stock” so the offer, if one is made at all, is lean enough to ensure the would-be-seller departs with the same set of car keys.

There’s also the issue of limited geographic dispersion of accredited dealerships. Such necessities are a bit thin on the ground which is understandable given the limited volumes on offer for any would-be participant, so to counter this, Volvo has devised various “in-house” sweeteners to encourage repeat sales, but such incentives don’t spread the net, so to speak.

I raise all these matters to make it quite clear that the XC40 is worthy of attracting far more custom and that it is not inherent deficiencies within the package that ensure this model, and the brand as a whole, remains a relatively rare sight on our roads.

So, what does the D4 R-Design bring to the table? Well the R-Design bit tells you it’s dressed up more than usual with more prominent air intakes framing a gloss black grille, two-tone paintwork and a fancy rear diffuser with rectangular chromed exhaust tips. The test unit also rode on optional twin-spoke polished alloys shod with substantial 245/45/R20 rubber.

The brick red paintwork sported a decent gloss but close inspection revealed lots of fine orange peel on the vertical surfaces. The gloss black roof extends one third of the way down the substantial, reverse-angle C-pillars which seriously impair rearward vision while the black theme is continued on the wheel arch trim, mirror housings, window frames and on the lower sills and rear bumper. My subjective opinion suggests that the black roof treatment would work better with a lighter primary body colour.

As for the interior, that R-Design theme brings seats trimmed in a mix of alcantara and leather, lots of attractive aluminium trim detailing and a thoroughly useful cell phone charging pad. Apart from the decidedly unusual use of carpeting on the doors, there’s no doubting the designers have succeeded in creating a premium ambience thanks to the use of lots of soft-touch surfacing and smart detailing.

This test unit happened to feature an all-black interior which should suit 99.99% of South Africans, but as with the exterior, I feel that paler colours better enhance the distinctive Scandinavian design theme which sets the XC40 apart from its rivals.

Both front seats are endowed with full electric adjustment, which includes variable lumbar support, and offer excellent comfort and good posture, so a long stint behind the wheel can be enjoyed without the usual aches and pains. Given that this is not a large vehicle, space in the rear is greater than might be expected and access through the wide opening doors is good. Luggage space at 460 litres is about par for the SUV course and extends to 1 336 litres if the complete 60:40 backrest is folded down from its rather upright position.

All the usual electronic aids, including keyless entry/start and Bluetooth, are on board along with effective air con that needs to be massaged through the now-familiar Volvo central infotainment screen display. I have had no cause to change my view that Volvo has assigned too many functions to this iPad-like screen – for example, the menus have to be called up to cancel the auto engine stop function when a single button on the console could do the job with no need for scrolling – but I do accept with familiarity, this once eye-popping feature will become easier to activate.

Other niceties include lovely Harmon Kardon sound, sat nav, a virtual primary instrument display, a huge panoramic sunroof, a virtual camera linked to park sensors, cornering lights, lane-keep assist, a plethora of air bags which supplement an already safety-orientated body structure and cruise control, to name the more important bits.

Talk of the body structure reminds me that the XC40 rides on what is known as the CMA platform which utilises MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Despite the slightly stiffer springing of the R-Design spec, this Volvo rides with a pleasing pliancy that makes for very comfortable progress, even on fairly broken surfaces. This softish undertone does not come at the expense of control at higher speeds or when cornering and while the XC40, rather as expected given its generous ride height, isn’t the last word in handling finesse, it’s certainly good by the standards of the class.

The power steering system will suit most drivers too as it’s light and endowed with a consistent weighting when twirled. Sure, the feedback may actually be a little artificial but that matters little in general road use.

As for motive power, the ubiquitous 140kW/400Nm 2.0 turbo D is a good all-rounder in that it offers snappy and mostly lag-free get-up and go as well as fuss-free and quiet cruising. It’s only when really pushed that it can become growly – a characteristic shared with Volvo’s petrol engine of the same displacement – and for the statistician’s, that means taking it to a max of 210km/h, or more commonly, surging to 100 in around 7.9s. I should make the point that the engine in this unit seemed particularly sprightly and I put that down to the fact that it had more kilometres on the clock than most press cars.

In terms of fuel consumption, I recorded an overall figure of 7.2l/100km but noted a rise to around 9.0 in twin traffic and a pleasing reduction to around 6.8 on the open road when the relaxed engine note and effective suppression of wind noise made for very good refinement levels.

Stopping the Volvo is a drama-free affair thanks to the nicely-weighted all-disc system that’s easy to feather at low speeds. And getting it off the line is just as assured thanks to an 8-speed auto that switches cogs unobtrusively if not especially quickly and which comes with all-important paddle shifters that offer the driver so much more control.

As with every XC40 except the entry level model, All Wheel Drive is standard fare and automatically distributes torque to the wheels that offer the most grip. Given the fact that this SUV does not suffer from excessive overhangs and sports generous ground clearance, not to mention an off-road Drive Mode, it should prove effective in the rougher stuff should anyone dare to take such a smartly-executed piece of kit off-road. For more normal use, that Drive Mode also includes Eco, Comfort, Dynamic and Individual settings.

The XC40 is available in a dizzying number of derivatives which offer equally variable colour combinations but whatever your final choice might be, if you’re in the market for a premium compact SUV, this is one that should be on your short list. Design detail is a forte and decent mechanicals, good finish and good dynamics all add up to a compelling package that should be seen in greater numbers if perception didn’t play such a dominant role in purchasing decisions.

Volvo XC40 D4 R-Design

Pricing: R664 492

Warranty/maintenance plan: 5yr/100 000km

Article & Photos: Richard Wiley