Version review

Volvo XC40 2.0 B4P Plus Dark 5dr Auto Review

Why the overall winner won

Best small SUV

Best family car

Best small electric car

Best luxury car

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

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This 2.0-litre petrol engine packs 194bhp, so acceleration is surprisingly nippy with 0-62mph taking just 7.6sec. The B4 is a good engine and well worth considering if you need a bit more oomph than the B3 provides, but just be aware that it costs significantly more than the entry-level car. 

2.0 B4P

Estate

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

XC40

Our preferred Plus model gets heated and electrically adjustable front seats, a reversing camera and a more efficient interior heating system that helps to improve the car’s driving range in winter conditions.

Plus

2.0 B4P Plus Dark 5dr Auto

20-b4p-plus-dark-5dr-auto

Lane keep assist with driver alert control

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Vehicle deceleration control with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist

Adaptive brake lights with high level LED brake lights

Power driver seat with memory + exterior mirrors memory

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Front and outer rear seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

Driver awareness - blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake, rear collision warning and migitation

2 zone electronic climate control with clear zone air quality system and pollen filter

Colour coordinated auto folding and heated power door mirrors

Black stone colour auto folding and heated electric door mirrors

Gesture tailgate/boot lid opening and closing

Climate pack without heated front seats - XC40

Volvo XC40

The XC40 blends generous passenger space and a practical boot with a quality interior and top-notch safety. That makes it a hugely desirable product backed up with real substance. The T4 plug-in hybrid is a great choice for both private buyers and company car drivers.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

The Seat Ateca and&nbsp;Skoda Karoq should definitely be on your shortlist. But if you have a bit more to spend,&nbsp;the Range Rover Evoque is another strong option. If money is a concern, then the Dacia Duster provides comfortable, spacious and well-equipped transportation for an affordable price.

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Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Volvo XC40 2.0 B4P Plus Dark 5dr Auto Review

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42.1

452

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152

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