Volvo made a great decision when it added the XC40 subcompact crossover to its lineup five years ago. In Quebec, it and the compact XC60 have swapped the title of the brand’s best-selling vehicle for the past two years, and only the Audi Q3 is more popular in that category.
The latter is the best buy according to Le Guide de l’auto, just ahead of the XC40, which benefits from a number of changes for the 2023 model year. We tested it in early winter to see what type of wood it would warm up to .
micro hybrid
Both versions of the turbocharged 2-litre four-cylinder engine (T4 and T5) get a 48-volt battery and a tiny 10kW electric motor, forming a mild hybrid system (hence the new B4 and B5 designations). The first remains modest with its 194 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, but the second shows a certain wit at 247 hp and 258 lb-ft. It is perfect for the size of the vehicle, as evidenced by the 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds (according to Volvo). Additionally, the towing capacity exceeds 3,500 pounds.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
While the four-wheel drive shines with its efficiency, we find that the eight-speed automatic sometimes lacks smoothness at low revs and wants to upshift too quickly to save gas. The XC40 B5 officially consumes 9.2 L/100 km, almost three tenths of a liter more than the B4 … and two less than 2022, without electrification. Our test, which took place mainly in the city and at temperatures between -10 and 0 degrees, measured 9.9 L/100 km.
Nice little SUV
Apart from its performance, the Volvo XC40 2023 is fun, it shows a remarkable balance and a good compromise between comfort and agility. True to its reputation, the company has thrown in plenty of active safety and driver assistance features, which, by the way, we never found annoying. The 360-degree vision system is automatically displayed on the screen in certain situations to make maneuvering easier.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
However, the driving position is not perfect. The seat is firm (certainly more so than other Volvo models) but still comfortable on long journeys. The seat doesn’t drop low enough, making the XC40 feel like we’re sitting rather than actually sitting. Also, space for the right foot is limited, while the brake pedal has little flexibility in normal driving but is perfect for hard braking.
Rear and side visibility is hampered by the chunky roof pillars, while the cramped rear camera display doesn’t help. Plus points for the adjustable thigh rest included in our model and for the quick heating of the steering wheel and seats in both rows.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Google wins
To make life easier for Android device users, the Google-powered infotainment system – already standard on the 100% electric XC40 Recharge – will be extended to all versions of the XC40 for 2023. At the same time, Google Maps will become the default navigation system, the Google Assistant will be there for voice commands, and the Google Play Store will allow you to add new applications. Remote software updates are also possible to make continuous improvements.
The modern interface and the driver-oriented screen have it all. However, the system sometimes reacts sluggishly and often causes distraction when driving, especially when adjusting the heating and ventilation. The simplified home menu is not used much: it is better to use the applications. Having a few more physical buttons on the center stack, console and steering wheel wouldn’t hurt.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Chic and sophisticated
In our opinion, the 2023 Volvo XC40 is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful luxury small SUVs on the market, both for its silhouette and for details such as the LED daytime running lights and the optional contrast roof. New colors are available, Fjord Blue suits this Scandinavian everyday item very well.
On board, no one can deny the quality of the materials and finish. For example, we can cite the mix of faux leather and suede that covered the seats of our specimen. The digital instrumentation is appealing, if a bit lacking in information compared to the German competition. Ergonomics and storage space are satisfactory, whether in the console or the doors.
The rear passengers, after defeating the limited opening angle of the doors, discover a spacious bench seat for the category. The trunk is relatively long but not very wide, for an unimpressive volume of 452 liters. A hatch in the middle allows the insertion of long objects, such as e.g. B. Skis (maximum two pairs). Otherwise, folding the seat backs gives 1,628 liters of cargo volume, which is above average.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Which version to choose?
The 2023 Volvo XC40 starts at $45,484, including freight and delivery. It’s competitively priced, but then you’ll have to settle for the B4 engine. The extra $3,500 for the B5 engine is definitely worth it.
Alternatively, you can purchase the Plus package, which includes a panoramic roof, power tailgate, parking assist and more. The bill then comes to $52,684, which is only $2,000 of a roomier and fairly well-appointed XC60. Think about it.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Finally, at the higher end of the scale, an XC40 B5 Ultimate with semi-automatic driving, 360-degree camera, Harman Kardon sound system and other extras costs no less than $58,834, a frankly exaggerated price that can’t count the few options still added become, e.g. B. 21 inch wheels. Small consolation: The financing and leasing rates are currently somewhat cheaper than those of the competition.
Finally, with 402 horsepower and the ability to go 225 miles without a drop of gas, the XC40 Recharge has a base MSRP of under $60,000 and therefore qualifies for a total federal and provincial subsidy of $12,000. Others think about it.