DRIVE SOUTH AFRICA: The Volvo XC40 T3 ticks the boxes

Another SUV upgrade – this sector is booming and brands can barely keep up with the demand for a crossover. To stay at the top of the pile there has to be more than just capability. 

Drivers want an alternate vehicle to take on long drives with comfort, luxury and performance. The Volvo XC40 T3 ticks the boxes. But you be the judge. 

This is a well-rounded crossover with endless details to delight the driver and passengers alike. There’s storage spaces to keep the cabin tidy and enough room for 5 passengers. It comes standard with refined technology and impressive features. 

I can remember a time when a Volvo was a stiff-looking mobile with perfect box edges. There was nothing youthful about it. That time has thankfully passed. It retains its great measure for safety though and if you’re crazy enough to crash it there were other factors at play. 

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The XC40 has 360degree parking cameras, lane assist and cross traffic alert. If you’ve ever driven a Volvo you know that it is hyper sensitive to everything going on around you. It’s all-seeing to give you confidence on the road. 

How dark can you get? Try Onyx Black with its brilliant sparkle in the day and high-gloss at night. The grille on the Inscription model floats below the bonnet and the curves along the side hug in just the right place. How do I feel about the gear knob? I’m not sure whether it’s too much or completely irrelevant. The double tap into gears still drives me a little batty though. The fuel consumption is anything but efficient on this vehicle. Town runs clocked 10.1-litre per 100kms which – let’s face it – in this economy is hardly affordable.

But, like any brand you’ve grown to love over the years, you will stick with it and Volvo fans are loyal. Who can blame them, the Swedes know how to show up and show off their vehicles. 

In comparison to the BMW X1 and the Jaguar E-pace, the Volvo Inscription is safely priced at R728 000. It’s all about preference. 

Volvo is built on stability and pragmatism – and that right there is what I love about it – it’s never going to let you down. I’ve always said, Volvo drives you, you don’t drive it!

Features:

– Cruise control
– dualzone climate control
– 9-inch tablet touchscreen
– 18-inch alloy wheels
– LED headlights and rear parking sensors
– power-folding door mirrors
– ambient interior lighting
– electrically adjustable driver’s seat
– front parking sensors
– electric tailgate
– wood trim inlays
– crystal gear selector
– 360 degree camera
– pilot assist
– city safety
– run-off road protection
– cross traffic alert
– petrol turbo-charged 110 Kw Engine, 265 Nm