Volvo XC40 - Compact SUV as an innovative idea carrier
VOLVO The Swedes are not only launching their first compact SUV with the XC40, but are also introducing new services such as the "Care by Volvo" purchase flat rate and simplified car sharing with On Call connectivity. Making its debut in the XC40 is the modular vehicle architecture developed jointly by Volvo and its Chinese parent company Geely. The CMA platform will also be used in all forthcoming [...]
The XC40 marks the premiere of the modular vehicle architecture developed jointly by Volvo and its Chinese parent company Geely. The CMA platform will also be used in all upcoming 40 series models, including e-mobiles. The XC40 will make its debut in mid-February still with conventional 2.0-liter internal combustion engines: D4 turbodiesel with 190 hp or T5 turbocharged gasoline engine with 247 hp. Both get permanent all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic. On first drives, the power output in the T5 is convincing, as is the abundance of torque in the D4, and both impress with sporty sprinting power and pulling power suitable for everyday use.
Place madeThe abundant storage space and clever solutions for holding groceries, pads and laptops are impressive in the compact 4.46-meter crossover. The redesigned audio system in particular, in which the doors have been stripped of the speakers, has slimmed down the door compartments. The sound has not suffered in the process, as critical audiophiles have noted with satisfaction.
With On Call, Volvo offered connectivity and automatic emergency calls in the event of an accident as standard features years ago. Today, On Call can do much more. In four cities for the time being (Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Zurich), the driver's own car becomes a delivery point for LeShop.ch online shopping. A novelty in the XC40 is car sharing without keys, only with connectivity via smartphone between owner and "sharer." This means that the car can be borrowed at any time and from anywhere, even if the owner has taken the car key with him on a business trip.
Flat rate ownershipCare by Volvo will be introduced in Switzerland later this year. With the all-inclusive service, you pay a fixed amount over two years that includes everything except fuel: Down payment, insurance, taxes, service. With the clearly defined price, discount negotiations and the rate differences for age, gender and nationality that have often been customary up to now are no longer necessary. With this system, Volvo aims to accommodate the changed buying and ownership behavior of the younger generation. The flat rate prices are not yet known.
Since Care by Volvo will only come to Switzerland later this year, the only option left at first is the traditional purchase of the XC40. The D4 diesel costs from 49,800 francs, the T5 turbo gasoline starts at 52,100 francs.
