Volvo unveils XC40 to rival Jaguar’s E-Pace SUV

Volvo has taken the wraps off its new entry-level XC40 SUV, which is expected to rival Jaguar’s upcoming E-Pace and the Mercedes GLA.

It’s a more compact version of the company’s luxurious XC90, which The Daily Telegraph says is “aimed at primarily at urban drivers”.

While the newspaper says the XC40 takes much of its styling from Volvo’s XC90 and XC60, the entry-level SUV’s design is more angular at the front – and the plastic body panels around its wheel arches suggest it may perform well off-road.

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At the rear, the tailgate is more rounded and the bodywork cuts into the back windows at an angle – a feature that doesn’t appear on any other Volvo model.

“Two powertrains will be available from launch in the UK”, says Autocar, both based on 2.0-litre turbocharged engines.

The range starts with a 187bhp D4 diesel motor, the magazine says, while a T5 petrol delivering 247bhp and 258lb-ft of torque sits above it. Both get four-wheel drive systems and eight-speed automatic gearboxes as standard.

Inside, says Auto Express, the XC40 is packed with technology derived from the company’s existing SUVs, such as a “nine-inch portrait touchscreen offering up sat-nav with an optional SIM card for real-time traffic data”.

There’s also “advanced voice control and a host of web apps for increased connectivity”, the magazine says, while Momentum models get a 12.3-inch infotainment system and dual-zone climate control as standard.

Orders for the compact crossover are open now, says Top Gear, with prices starting from £27,905 and deliveries expected early next year.

The website says the XC40 is “the first car to be offered with the ‘Care by Volvo’ subscription service”. This gives customers insurance, tax and the option to drive a different Volvo for up to 14 days a year.

“Only a couple of models get it at launch,” says Top Gear, “and it’s £629-per-month for two years.”