Volvo XC40 Fills Out Its SUV Series With A Smart Compact Crossover

When discussing a new Volvo test drive … for full disclosure it should be noted that my father and I picked up our first European delivery 1969 Volvo 142S at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands … and there have been many Volvos in the family since.

The 2019 Volvo XC40 compact crossover SUV in the top tier T5 AWD Inscription edition priced at $40,000, fits comfortably into the luxury niche of this vehicle segment up against fierce Euro, Asian and American competitors.

With a combination of rugged but crisply modern exterior sculpting including the new Volvo compressed horizontal front grille and side-swept complex LED headlamps, the Swedish heritage shines through the Chinese-owned influences. The two tone models with the black top are particularly sharp looking.

Motivated by a 2 liter turbocharged 248 horsepower engine, this smallest in the highly rated Volvo XC SUVs series, offers clean confident power beyond a tendency for a lurching take-off.

Inside the Volvo XC40 is a study in spare Scandinavian elegance and hi-tech amenities, with leather swathed seating particularly welcoming to the stout and surprisingly accommodating for drivers of significant stature.