Volvo XC40 review

The XC40 has relatively compact, city-friendly dimensions, but still packs plenty of space inside. There’s lots of head room in the front, even if you go for the space-sapping optional panoramic glass roof. You won’t be banging elbows with your front passenger, either, because the interior is reasonably broad. 

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It’s full of thoughtful details, too. You get a pop-out rubbish bin between the front seats, and door pockets that are each big enough to take a laptop or two large bottles of water. If you go for the reasonably priced Convenience Pack, that adds sliding draws under the front seats as well as a host of other goodies, which we'll cover in the next few sections.

The XC40 has more rear leg room than the Range Rover Evoque. It's certainly roomy enough for taller adults to sit comfortably without their heads brushing the roof lining or their knees bashing the back of the front seats. It’s still just a tad behind the BMW X1 for leg room, but it'll only cause a problem if you carry a car full of giants. 

Thanks to a relatively wide rear bench, three adults can fit easily side-by-side, with lots of foot space under the front seats for feet. The high central tunnel along the floor does give the middle passenger something to straddle, though.

Those in the rear benefit from reasonably big door bins and cup holders in the centre armrest.

Split-folding rear seats are standard and, if you add the optional Convenience Pack we mentioned earlier, can be lowered electrically with the flick of a switch by the boot's entrance. However, the seats are split 60/40, rather than the more versatile 40/20/40 arrangement that the Evoque, X1 and Tiguan offer.

It's also a pity that, unlike the X1 or Tiguan, the XC40's rear seats don't slide to let you alter the balance between rear leg room and luggage space, or recline for extra rear-seat comfort.

The XC40’s boot has a capacity of 460 litres, which is less than you get in a Tiguan or an X1. However, its commendably square proportions make packing super easy. And, if you don't opt for a spare wheel, there's also a large under-floor storage area added into the mix.

That extra space allowed us to fit seven carry-on suitcases inside, so the XC40 ended up managing as many cases as the Tiguan. The Evoque will only take five. If you do have the spare wheel there's still storage beneath the boot floor, it's just not as voluminous. The standard 12v power outlet is handy, too. 

What’s more, there’s no load lip to heave luggage over, and if you opt for the Convenience Pack, the hinged boot floor can be folded up vertically, creating a divider to stop smaller items from sliding around. This also provides handy hooks for hanging shopping bags from. Another feature you get with that pack is a powered, hands-free tailgate and keyless entry.