2019 Volvo XC40 Momentum – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs
A Crossover of Absolute Lust
Designed from the same innovative origins as IKEA, the Swedish automaker brings sleek, stylish and comfort of choice to the car market. That’s something already available though. Crafting the warm and contemporary character so well tailored towards the human touch was what departs from the ordinary and ultimately warmed our hearts with this week’s exclusive access to the 2019 Volvo XC40 Crossover.
Essentially sharing the genetic blueprints as its larger XC60 and XC90, the smaller XC40 still comfortably carries 5 passengers while holding its own unique set of charming traits. Propelled by a 4 cylinder turbocharged GDI engine gets you 248 horsepower and 285 lb.ft of torque with AWD weather immunity will sufficiently meet the demands of small family needs.
Funky but not Outrageous
The art studio grade light color shades and bubbly styling helps separate the XC40 far from the boundaries of boring while still giving the human eye a refreshed perception.
Its youthful character doesn’t compromise quality either. The exceptional quality leather seats are luxuriously comfortable while offering a clean and spacious interior cabin space of unique shapes well balanced between form and function.
Part of the clean slate interior is described by a short leather wrapped gear shifter, but more particularly the large tablet-like universal tablet-like infotainment screen. That erases the presence of all button and knobs found in more conventional vehicles – luxury or not.
The user interface is responsive for the most part and that’s also helped by minimal colors for simplicity of use. Still, there were times I missed the direct human tactile touch of mechanical buttons and knobs – a design trade off for the most part.
The all-digital 12.3″ LCD instrument cluster also proved to be a design indulgence. Font color and styling flows well with the overall contemporary feel of the car and simplified navigation graphics are conveniently displayed during navigation mode.
Exceptional Performance
The Volvo XC40 gets a 4 cylinder turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine producing 248 horsepower and 285 lb.ft of torque. Acceleration reveals promise for performance showing both smooth and responsive power output helped by the careful decisions made by the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Stressing the XC40 on a winding road also reveals its fun and spirited driving character. Steering is responsive and cornering stayed true and obedient to driver input. Its suspensions are tuned in favor of comfort over performance, and that’s a compromise well taken.
Final Impressions
The Volvo XC40 showed a think-outside-the-box design approach that proved to bring value to customers both forms of styling and comfort.
Base price of our XC40 Momentum model comes in at a base price of $39,900. That alone comes with a very generous offering including a Harmon Kardon audio system, heated front seats, interior leather upholstery, a digital instrument cluster and smartphone integration.
We highly recommend the Momentum Package upgrade for an additional $2,600 to take advantage of the well-graded luxury features. That gets you a panoramic sunroof, leather seating and keyless entry.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2019 Volvo XC40
- Model : XC40 T5 Momentum
- Vehicle Type : Crossover SUV
- Seating Capacity : 2 + 3
- Powertrain Configuration : AWD
- Engine : 2.0L 4-Cylinder GDI
- Transmission : 8 Speed automatic
Pros
- Cute, Clean and Refreshing Styling
- Exceptional Quality, and Build Quality
- Smooth Ride Quality and Good Acceleration
Cons
- Large infotainment screen is hard on your wrist with long usage