The 2021 Volvo XC40 is available in four different variants, with prices ranging from $46,990 before on-road costs for the XC40 T4 Momentum to $64,990 before on-road costs for the XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid.

    Introduced in 2018 as an indirect replacement for the V40, the XC40 is the Swedish brand’s cheapest model and has quickly become its second-best seller after the mid-sized XC60.

    It’s also gunning for the number one spot in the small luxury SUV segment, breathing down the necks of the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 in the battle for first in the sales race.

    Mid-next year, Volvo also plans to introduce a battery-electric XC40 model called the Recharge Pure Electric EV.

    Pricing

    • 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum: $46,990
    • 2021 Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription AWD: $51,990
    • 2021 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design AWD: $56,990
    • 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid: $64,990

    All prices exclude on-road costs.

    Engines

    The 2021 Volvo XC40 is available with a choice of three powertrains.

    T4 and T5 models both use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The T4 produces 140kW of power and 300Nm of torque and is available with either front- or all-wheel drive, with quoted 0-100km/h times of 8.4 and 8.5 seconds, respectively.

    The T5 produces 185kW of power and 350Nm of torque, is available only with all-wheel drive, and takes 6.4 seconds to do the 0-100km/h sprint.

    The Recharge Plug-In Hybrid mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine (132kW/265Nm) with a 10.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and an electric motor (60kW/160Nm). Total system output is 195kW and 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds.

    You can find official engine specs via the official Volvo XC40 specifications sheet.

    Fuel Economy

    The 2021 Volvo XC40 consumes 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle in the front-wheel drive T4, 7.4L/100km in the all-wheel drive T4, 7.7L/100km in the T5 and 2.2L/100km in the Recharge.

    All XC40 models require 95RON premium unleaded fuel and have a 54L fuel tank, except for the Recharge which has a 48L tank.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 Volvo XC40 measures 4425mm long, 1910mm wide and 1652mm tall.

    Luggage space is 460L, expanding to 1336L with the second row folded.

    Kerb weight varies. The T4 Momentum weighs 1609kg, the T4 Inscription 1657kg, the T5 R-Design 1684kg and the Recharge Plug-In Hybrid 1760kg.

    Safety

    The Volvo XC40 has a rating of five stars from ANCAP based on testing conducted in 2018.

    All models received an adult occupant protection score of 97 per cent, child occupant protection score of 84 per cent, vulnerable road user protection score of 71 per cent and a safety assist score of 78 per cent.

    All 2021 Volvo XC40 models come standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vulnerable road user detection, as well as lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front, side, head and driver’s knee airbags.

    Standard Equipment

    The T4 Momentum comes standard with the following features:

    • 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation
    • DAB+ digital radio
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Active bending LED headlights
    • Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
    • Rain-sensing wipers
    • Hill-descent control
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Proximity entry with push-button start
    • Leatherette upholstery
    • Power driver’s seat with memory
    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Eight-speaker sound system

    A $400 Comfort Package adds a powered passenger’s seat and mechanical cushion extension for both front seats, while a $600 Versatility Pack adds power folding headrests controllable via the touchscreen, plus a power tailgate and luggage nets.

    The latter two features are available as a combined $230 option across the rest of the range.

    The T4 Inscription adds:

    • Power tailgate
    • Leather upholstery
    • 19-inch alloy wheels

    The T5 R-Design adds:

    • Perforated Nubuck leather upholstery
    • 20-inch alloy wheels

    The XC40 Recharge adds:

    • Panoramic sunroof

    Options across the range include:

    • Panoramic sunroof: $2200
    • Surround-view camera: $990
    • Semi-autonomous parking assist: $650 (requires surround-view camera)
    • Harman Kardon premium sound system: $1200
    • Climate Package, with heated front seats, steering wheel and windscreen washers: $700
    • Heated rear seats: $350

    Servicing

    In addition to a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, Volvo offers a three-year/45,000km service plan priced at $1595.

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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