2019 Volvo XC40 R: Review, Specs and Price in UAE

The new Volvo XC40 R Design is smoking hot, super comfortable and not just a smaller version of the XC60 or the XC90. Unlike other car manufacturers, Volvo have gone further than just making a compact miniature of a popular mid size SUV. A lot of work has gone into designing and producing this car and it shows. Honestly speaking, compact SUVs are not my thing but I also can’t ignore their increasing popularity among smaller families. So, I asked my sister to help me review this car who currently drives a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, seats her family of 4 and practically goes to the mall every single day.  One of the first things she checked was the trunk. It was up to her expectation. I let her drive the car for a week and she used it on the school run, office rush hour, shopping mall and a trip to the Northern Emirates.  She was all praise for the car and why would she not? It is a good looking car, luxurious from the inside, ample room to seat 5 people, very safe, extremely fuel efficient and parks itself in the tightest of spots with the touch of a button. Difficult to find faults in the Volvo XC40 but even my sister complained the automatic gear was not shifting as per her liking. It was holding the smaller gears down longer and making the engine sound a bit rough. Volvo XC40 R has balanced the need for power and fuel economy very well. Fuel efficiency is unbelievable with almost 7.5 liters per 100 km. There is enough acceleration in the car. I did the 0-100 km per hour dash and it come up around 7 seconds. Having a double-wishbone suspension in the front allows the car to drive and turn smoother. The integral axel rear suspension then adds control to the car as you speed up.

Specs:

Engine: 2.0 Liter Turbo Charged 4 cylinders Horsepower: 247 Bhp Torque: 350 Nm Drive System: All Wheel Drive Transmission:  8 Speed – Automatic Seating Capacity: 5

Exterior:

The Volvo XC40’s two-tone paint schemes feature stands out and pulls you to have a closer look.The grille is very much signature Volvo: It sports the legendary badge, along with the newer headlights also popularly known as the “Thor’s hammer”. XC40’s overall design is mostly angular with relatively smaller side glass areas. In the lower body there are stretched octagonal cut-outs that define the shape of the car.

Interior:

A cozy, all-black leather interior welcomes you in the cabin.The heated steering wheel has the usual controls and knobs required to operate the vehicle functions. To add a sporty feel, there is an R-Design top stitching on the steering wheel.

Front seats are ventilated and heated. In UAE, you might never have to use the heating feature but it is there just incase.

The infotainment system is a bit complexed to use but features a 10 inch screen. Ideal for navigation and shows a range of information easily. High Performance Audio system is superb and special attention has been given to the cabin’s acoustics. There are a ton of safety features in the Volvo XC40. A 360 degree camera, front collision detection, rear cross path, power child lock, inflatable curtains, all around air bags and 57 other features that require an article by itself. One of the most attractive features for me on the inside is the Panoramic Sunroof with Power Sunshade. This is a sunroof you can actually use in the UAE without burning your head. Rear seating is comfortable for two adults and can easily accommodate a third slim shady like me in there. Leave me out and bring out the arm rest with your favorite drink in the middle. Storage space is adequate for its class. Just remember its a compact SUV, that has everything you need but in smaller quantities.

2019 Volvo XC40 R price in UAE: AED 154,900