Volvo XC40 – classy step into electric driving, with the comfort of a petrol tank

It’s a sign of SUV dominance, not mention the volatility, of the car market that a couple of years ago Volvo announced they were ending the sale of estate cars in the UK. Volvo not selling estate cars! Less than a year later they relented and you can still buy a new V60 estate. The fact remains though that the SUV isn’t losing its appeal anytime soon, and Volvo’s array of SUV models is comprehensive to say the least with nine examples offering full electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid power.

The XC40 mild hybrid SUV is an impressive entry to Volvo’s line-up with prices starting from £35,860. Four trim levels plus a Black Edition model offers a very good array of standard equipment including wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise, heated front seats, dual-zone climate, front and rear park assist with rear view camera, powered heated and folding door mirrors, auto dimming rear view mirror, auto lights and wipers, power tailgate plus Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

In top-line Ultra trim, with more powerful engine, such as my test model, a panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, rear privacy glass, leather upholstery and a semi-auto foldable tow bar and a premium Hardon Kardon sound system that sounds like an orchestra in-your-car, are among the extras for your £43,960. Both engines are 2-litre mild hybrid petrol units with one developing. 163hp, the other 197hp. Both are driven through a 7-speed automatic transmission taking power to the front wheels. Even the lead-in engine is more than adequate with the benchmark 62mph passed in 8.6 seconds and nearly 43 mpg in combined driving.

Volvos do tend to be just very nice places to be whether the journey is short or long with a tactile quality that makes them feel a cut above most rivals. There’s plenty of passenger space and from a driving point of view a good range of seat adjustment. A real feeling of refinement adds to the Volvo’s premium feel and even the worst our roads can offer is soaked up with little upset to the XC40’s equilibrium. It’s no sports machine but the handling, despite the softer more comfortable ride, still has a crispness when pushing through the bends.

They may no longer be big into estate cars but the XC40 makes an excellent case for moving into a Volvo. With such a premium feel, high equipment levels and a classy ambience, the XC40 is a good way of stepping into electric driving, while retaining the comfort of a petrol tank.

Facts at a glance

• Model: Volvo XC40 Ultra mild hybrid B4
• Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol with mild hybrid
• Gears: 7-speed automatic
• Price: £42,960
• Performance: 0 – 62mph 7.6 seconds, maximum speed 112 mph
• Economy: 42.8 mpg combined driving
• Emissions: 149 g/km

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets