Volvo updates XC40 powertrains, 1.5 auto is a cracker

Excellent T3 1.5 I3 can now be had with an eight-speed automatic

Volvo's XC40 took the Geely owned automaker into a new smaller SUV segment when it arrived in UK showrooms in February 2018 and has recently gained new powertrain options and features, and more generous specification levels.

The highly efficient 1.5-litre three-cylinder T3 petrol engine, introduced to the range a few months after launch last summer, benefits from an increase in power, from 156 to 163hp. It is also now available for the first time with the option of an eight-speed automatic transmission, in addition to the existing six-speed manual gearbox. As a result of the changes, the manual version's 0-62mph time is cut from 9.4 to 9.3 seconds, while the automatic takes 9.6 seconds. Efficiency has also improved, with WLTP combined fuel economy of between 37.2 and 41.5mpg for the T3 manual, against figures of 36.7 and 39.8mpg for the previous version. The manual car's CO2 emissions are also lower, ranging from 142 to 146g/km, compared with 144 and 148g/km previously.

The 1.5, which we've previously sampled as a manual, is a cracker with a delightful offbeat engine note, typical of all I3s. It has plenty of power and torque though doesn't have as much heft as the two-litre sampled in a fully loaded Launch Edition last year. The newly available auto is a good match with almost always super smooth, barely detectable ratio changes though we did catch it out once or twice with a sudden demand for power, catching it momentarily in the wrong ratio. Most times it was as smooth and seamless as a DCT.

The two-litre four-cylinder T4 petrol engine is now available with two-wheel drive, to complement the existing all-wheel-drive version. The front-wheel-drive T4 manages 0-62mph in just 8.4 seconds – 0.1 seconds faster than the AWD version – while its combined fuel economy ranges from 33.6 to 36.7mpg. The T4 FWD is priced GBP1,400 below the equivalent AWD version here in the UK.

In line with the R-Design grade's sportier profile, all versions with an automatic transmission now come as standard with paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel, giving the driver a more connected and engaging driving experience.

Equipment changes include the addition of auto-folding door mirrors, a 12v power outlet in the luggage compartment, a locking glovebox and a load protection net. These build on the standard Sensus nine-inch touchscreen, voice-activated control system, automatic LED headlights, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels and the Volvo On Call connected services platform.

For added comfort in cold weather, there is a new Winter Plus pack option, which adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats to the contents of the established Winter pack (heated front seats, a heated windscreen, headlight cleaning system and heated washer nozzles).

Volvo is also introducing an upgraded Blind Spot Information System option with a new Steer Assist function to the XC40 range. This automatically applies corrective steering to return the XC40 to its lane to help avoid the risk of collision with another vehicle in the driver's blind spot.

To complete the updates to the XC40 range, there are three new exterior paint finishes to choose from: Thunder Grey, Glacier Silver and Pebble Grey.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK managing director, said: "The XC40 has been a huge success since it arrived in UK showrooms early last year, and these new powertrains will only enhance its appeal to customers who want a desirable and distinctive premium compact SUV, which offers class-leading interior usability, connectivity and safety technology."

On-the-road prices are from GBP28,965.

The XC40 range will soon expand further with the introduction of a T5 Twin Engine petrol-electric plug-in hybrid variant, UK deliveries of which will start in early 2020. Having tried the XC90 Twin Engine, I can't wait.

Volvo Cars global sales continued to grow at a steady pace in July 2019, up 7.1% year on year. Total sales during the month reached 54,546 cars, as all the major regions of China, the US and Europe reported growth in volumes. Year to date, total sales reached 395,372, up 7.3%. Volume growth in July was on the back of continued strong demand for SUVs, led by the XC60, XC40 and XC90. The V60 estate and US-made S60 saloon also contributed to the volume.

The XC40 recently claimed yet another honour, New Car of the Year in the Motor Trader 2019 Awards.

Motor Trader's judging panel was full of praise, saying: "The XC40 is a star turn. It shines on all the crucial fronts: convenient size, engaging driving dynamics, impeccable safety credentials and excellent build quality. These combine to make it an outstanding car."

The XC40 was admired for its restrained styling in contrast to more "pumped-up" SUVs, projecting a look that is "more mannerly and less confrontational". The judges were also impressed by the car's ride, handling, performance and refinement, ideal over long distances. Further appreciation was given to the "cool Scandinavian interior" and the impressive array of safety features fitted to every version in the range.

Elvefors said: "The XC40 has enjoyed an exceptional reception from the media and public alike, and we will continue to develop and improve its qualities to ensure it remains the car that sets the standard in its class."

Volvo's UK sales growth was up 27% in the first six months of 2019 and over 15,000 XC40s have been sold in the UK since its launch in February 2018.

Volvo Car UK is boosting its in-car connectivity offering by fitting a data SIM card as standard to all its new models. The feature is being introduced on all model year 2020 cars  and can be retro-fitted to any that have already been delivered to customers. The SIM card allows the driver and their passengers to be fully connected at all times, with access to 100GB of data for up to one year, making this the longest and most generous Vodafone plan currently offered by a car maker in the UK. It is available for the first 12 months for no extra cost on top of the car's initial purchase price.

Operation of the SIM card, which is supported by Vodafone, is independent of any of the occupants' own SIM-equipped devices, so there is no impact on their personal or business data usage, or device's battery charge.

The provision of an integrated SIM card brings multiple benefits in terms of access to entertainment and information apps, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) for efficient journey planning, and cutting-edge connected safety services. Users also benefit from a stronger signal while on the move, since reception is through their car's antenna.

The SIM card creates an on-board WiFi hotspot that can be used by up to eight devices for streaming music or movies, or playing online games. It also gives seamless access to all the native information and entertainment apps that are built into the car's Sensus touchscreen system, including Spotify, TuneIn, Google Local Search, Yelp, Park and Pay, Record & Send, Glympse, Weather and WikiLocation.

It allows Real Time Traffic Information to be gathered and viewed on the navigation screen, keeping drivers up to date on incidents and delays, and provided with efficient re-routing options for programmed journeys. Further convenience is provided by over-the-air updates for the Sensus system's navigation maps and apps.

Automatic roaming covers 42 European countries and overseas territories, so performance is uninterrupted on any long, cross-continental drives.

As part of Volvo's industry-leading commitment to safety, the SIM card also enables alerts to be received and transmitted when a similarly connected (Volvo) car's hazard lights are triggered nearby, or slippery road surfaces are encountered. By sharing information in real time via a cloud-based network, Volvo cars can give drivers early warnings about potentially dangerous conditions ahead, reducing the risk of an accident.