Volvo XC40 hybrid test

[jimKRFC]

Hi all,
Not seen much chat about the XC40 hybrid here so thought I'd share my experience. I had a 3 day test as part of chosing the my new company car. The car is lovely, I had the top spec model on test. I was looking to see if the size would be ok and they had no full electric ones to test.

The interior is really good, most of the touch points were not far off my 530e for apparently quality. The only slightly disappointing part was the plastic along the centre bins. Compared to the dash it seemed a much cheaper plastic. The infotanment system, not the google version, was really easy to get used to and the voice control was ok. I'm not sure if it was my accent (a hint of Bristolian) throwing it or if I was not using the right key words but it struggled with some stuff.

The drive was good fun, there was a reasonable amount of power to give it decent acceleration, and the shortish wheel base and high seating made it feel like it was faster than it actually was. There was quite a lot of road noise, quite a lot louder then the 530e, but I suspect that would be better with 20' wheels rather the 21's this one had.

For me it was a nicer place to sit than the Model 3 (yes I know the EV version is slower, less range and no supercharger - but I don't care about those) and the car gave more feedback and was more fun to drive.

Any questions please ask and I'll do my best to answer.

The only downside was the pcn while I had it but here's the photo of limited edition XC40 Deliveroo edition:

Edited by jimKRFC on Thursday 28th January 10:37

[wassap]

I tried me last year. Really liked the car, I had a XC60 at the time and it wasn’t too much smaller inside. I ended up with a 330e as it was cheaper on our company car scheme. I also tried the Superb PHEV and the 508 PHEV. I though the 508 was a fantastic car, but I’m a bit of a pug fan boy!

[ZesPak]

So you're looking out for the EV version? Or did I get that wrong?

As for fun to drive... interesting. I haven't been in a hybrid version yet but I found the regular XC40 competent but far from "fun".
Might have been the lack of poke in the one I've been in though .

[jimKRFC]

ZesPak said:

So you're looking out for the EV version? Or did I get that wrong?

As for fun to drive... interesting. I haven't been in a hybrid version yet but I found the regular XC40 competent but far from "fun".
Might have been the lack of poke in the one I've been in though .

I was looking at the EV version because of the tax, but as they had on the fleet I got a hybrid (I just wanted to see how the 4 kids could fit).

The handling wasn't fantastic, more that it had some steering feel (compared to the M3 which felt dead), and the hight meant the lean and roll made it feel quicker and entertaining (for me).

I've gone for the EQC though as I let the wife have final say.

[ZesPak]

jimKRFC said:

I've gone for the EQC though as I let the wife have final say.

I'd have thought the EQC would be a serious step up budget wise, can I ask how it compares to the XC40 in that way?
I'd say the just announced EQA is a more direct competitor?

[jimKRFC]

ZesPak said:

jimKRFC said:

I've gone for the EQC though as I let the wife have final say.

I'd have thought the EQC would be a serious step up budget wise, can I ask how it compares to the XC40 in that way?
I'd say the just announced EQA is a more direct competitor?

When I get a chance to try an EQC I'll let you know - HR/Zentih messed the list up and put on there so I grabbed it but they've taken it down now but order got through in time! :-)

[ZesPak]

I don't think I'd take an XC40 over a TM3.

But the EQC, any day!