Volvo launches award-winning XC40 SUV

Compact SUVs are the sweet spot in the automotive industry’s lineup globally, and the Philippine market is no exception.

Everyone and his uncle is piling into SUVs, from the popular under-P1 million crossovers stretching all the way to those in the luxury class, which could cost more than a small condominium unit.

Volvo will be joining the fray soon with its distinctively handsome XC40 SUV.

The XC40 will be targeting the premium category, with what is expected to be a full-featured car with just the right amount of performance.

The all-new XC40 is built on Volvo’s compact modular architecture.

The new platform will underpin the brand’s 40 series vehicles.

Volvo says that the XC40 was designed to be more playful in its color and material choices.

The side profile features an angular rear door cutout, leading to the trademark tall rear lights.

The Thor’s hammer T-shaped daytime LED lights are up front.

The XC40 features plenty of cabin space and storage. You can find bins to store your stuff under the seats, in the doors, and within the trunk. There’s even a removable bin in the mid console.

From left: Chris Lee Yu, Volvo Philippines, Marketing Head; Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, Volvo Philippines, President & CEO; and Miss Anette E. Andersson, Volvo Cars APEC Region, Market Area Director

Buyers expect full connectivity options, and Volvo offers up its Sensus infotainment system. Sensus combines touch screen interface for the car functions, navigation, and entertainment options. Apps like Spotify and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be on board.

The XC40 will be powered by a choice of turbocharged engines. The T5 will have 247 hp and 350 Nm from its 2.0-liter gasoline engine, while the D3 will produce 150 hp and 320 Nm from its 2.0-liter diesel engine.

The engines are from Volvo’s Drive-E engine family. Both are paired with an 8-speed automatic, with the T5 having an all-wheel drive system.

From left, Volvo celebrity guests KC Montero, Lauren Reid and Troy Montero

Safety will, of course, be paramount in the new XC40. Active driver assist systems include run-off road protection and mitigation, cross traffic alert with automatic braking, and a 360-degree camera for easier manuevering in tight spaces.

The city safety technology, standard on all Volvos, allows the car to perform automatic braking for collision avoidance. The system can detect pedestrians and cyclists as well as other cars.

Three variants of the XC40 will be available soon, and will be priced accordingly as follows:

XC40 T5 AWD R-Design – P3.895 million
XC40 D3 R-Design – P3.495 million
XC40 D3 Momentum – P3.350 million

Available colors will be: Bursting Blue, Onyx Black, Crystal White, Bright Silver, Osmium Gray and Fusion Red.