• Powertrain and equipment revisions improve performance, choice and value for money in Volvo's top-selling XC40 premium compact SUV range
• Power increase and new automatic transmission option for highly efficient T3 three-cylinder petrol engine
• T4 petrol powertrain now available in two-wheel-drive form
• Even more generous equipment specifications and options, enhancing practicality, safety and convenience
• New colour choices introduced
• New XC40 range on sale now, priced from £28,965 on the road
The Volvo XC40 has already proved a great success, the soaring popularity of the brand's first compact premium SUV helping deliver unprecedented sales growth since it arrived in showrooms in February 2018. Now the appeal of the multi-award-winning XC40 is being enriched with new powertrain options and features, and even more generous specification levels.
Where powertrains are concerned, the highly efficient 1.5-litre three-cylinder T3 petrol engine, introduced to the range 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 smooth-shifting 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 2.0-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 £1,400 below the equivalent AWD version.
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 features build on the generous standard specification, highlights of which include the 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).
World renowned for its leadership in vehicle safety, Volvo is 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."
The updated XC40 is available to order now, with on-the-road prices from £28,965.
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. Full details of the T5 Twin Engine will be announced shortly.
For more information on the Volvo XC40, and to use the online car configurator, please go to www.volvocars.com/uk/car-configurator/suv/xc40
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