Volvo XC40 was the first model on which the Cma platform was used. The square and high profile amplifies the proportions and makes the car imposing, even if it is the smallest SUV of the Swedish house.

Approximately 4.53 meters long and just over 1.86 meters wide, the Volvo XC40 has one of the best luggage compartments in the segment with a load capacity of between 460 and 1328 liters.

We tried the Momentum Pro version with T2 engine, or 1.5 petrol with 129 horsepower, combined with the 6-speed manual transmission. The slightly more powerful T3 and mild-hybrid petrol B4 engines are also available for the Volvo XC40.

The first thing you notice when getting on board is the comfort: the space available, even in the rear, is sufficient for all 5 passengers.

As in all Volvos, comfort is the key word even while driving: on rough terrain, driving is still smooth and not annoying for all passengers on board. The engine is extremely quiet, no rustling is heard, except the air conditioning fan. Standard on this version is the 18 "tires that contribute to comfort by keeping the roughness outside the passenger compartment.

Although the motre is 1.5, it is a lively and better engine than other 3-cylinders of the competition that favors the fluidity of travel. The 129 horsepower, which may seem low, are supported by the turbo and the 6-speed gearbox well spaced between them which cancel the need for a more powerful engine both for everyday driving and for longer trips too. on the highway.

The manual gearbox is 6-speed and precise in the grafts and soft to the point that the gear change is imperceptible.

For safety, Volvo offers as standard, from the entry version - the Momentum Core - emergency braking, lane keeping, fatigue recognition and numerous options that help the driver not to get distracted. Autonomous driving level 2 (Cruise Control) is available as an option. Volvo's driver assistance is among the best, the lane keeping we have tested is fast and accurate but does not disturb driving. When reverse gear is engaged, the rear view camera is activated which allows you to clearly see all the surrounding area; the camera is automatically deactivated as soon as driving is resumed.

Getting on board it is impossible not to notice the diagonal 9 "touch display in the center of the dashboard from which it is possible to control almost all the car's functions, including navigation, radio, driving aids and Apple CarPlay or AndroidAuto. it is possible to adjust the air conditioning so that you can choose the temperature of the two right and left sides of the car, but you can also choose an air conditioning function when the car is parked to keep cool as soon as you leave.
The keys are reduced to a minimum: only the defrost, audio and four arrow keys remain.

The totally digital picture is also very impressive: clear to read, simple and with clearly visible numbers. The style is classic, effective when you look quickly while driving.

Inside, the Volvo XC40 is elegant, with chrome finishes on the dashboard, in the interior door moldings and in the vents that characterize the Momentum Pro version, while they are available in other materials, including wood in the Inscription version.

There are numerous storage compartments and bottle holders and a large central compartment hidden under the armrest.

The driving position is excellent and adjustable, as in all Volvos.