Volvo XC40 review

There’s lots of space to stretch your legs and loads of head room in the front, too – even if you go for the optional panoramic glass roof that reduces the height a little. You won’t be banging elbows with your front passenger, either, because the interior is broad by class standards. 

It’s also full of thoughtful details. You get a pop-out rubbish bin between the front seats, and carpeted door pockets that are each big enough to take a laptop or two large bottles of water.

It's also pity that, unlike the X1's and Tiguan's rear seats, the XC40's don't recline for extra comfort or slide back and forth to increase luggage space.

The XC40’s boot has an official capacity of 452 litres – slightly less than you get in non plug-in hybrid versions of the X1 and Tiguan. However, the load bay's commendably square proportions make packing super-easy and, if you don't opt for a spare wheel, you get a big underfloor storage area that makes up for any shortcomings above deck.

Ultimately, you can squeeze seven carry-on suitcases below the XC40's parcel shelf (the same number as we fitted in the Tiguan), while the Evoque swallows only five. The Recharge T4 and T5 plug-in versions offer the same space above in the main boot area because, unlike many PHEVs, the battery has no impact on boot space.