Motoring-Malaysia: First Test Drive: 2018 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design - Fabulous First Impression by the Smallest Volvo SUV to Date

Saturday, October 06, 2018

First Test Drive: 2018 Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design - Fabulous First Impression by the Smallest Volvo SUV to Date

Here are the First Drive Impressions of the very recently launched Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design here in Malaysia. Both in video which you see right below and also what I have written here also. Initially I thought of just covering the launch event but luckily me I was offered a short try of Volvo's newest compact to mid-sized SUV in and around the launch venue at Genting Highlands.

It was a nice short drive, about 45 minutes or so where we drove around the Genting resort area on top as well as heading down to GohTong Jaya for a short photo opportunity and to try out the XC40 on the twisties. It was basically a short but sweet first try of the SUV.

The route around the resort area simulated city traffic with a lot of slow moving traffic, pedestrian, some construction and other usual city obstacles. The route to and from GohTong Jaya was a nice steep downhill and uphill climb back to the venue. Those familiar with Genting will know that the route up and down has lots of steep angles that are also switchback corners. Quite a test for the handling of the XC40.

The ride of the XC40 is very good. Even on the large 235/50 19 tyres is rides exceptionally well. The ride is very pliant and handled the bumps and undulations of the road surfaces in and around Genting very well. No complaints whatsoever. For those that want comfort, this is ranked way up there among the best in the compact to mid-sized SUV class. Volvo has got the ride sorted out here with just the right amount of pliancy and firmness to exude a sense of solidity in the chassis.

As for handling, it is pretty good. The XC40 is all-wheel drive and it feels safe and secure as well as being easy to handle and maneuver around tight city streets as well as on the sharp corners. There is some understeer built into the chassis from the feel of it but overall, this is a SUV and not a performance hatchback. So the handling is actually very competent and suits the performance of the car.

In terms of performance, the 252hp, 350Nm 2.0liter Drive-E 4 cylinder engine is one of the most refined around. It pulls strongly to its redline yet is it hushed and there are no noticeable vibration whatsoever. The Aisin 8 speed automatic gearbox is the same in the other larger Volvo SUVs and it feels the same in terms of overall smoothness.

There is a noticeable lag however, if you are really pushing the XC40 that is. In some situations where you are attacking the corners and wish for the compact SUV to fly out of corners, it will want to compose itself first before knocking a gear down before pulling on hard again. Luckily there are pedal shifters to mitigate this issue.

Of course, 98.77456% of the time, the XC40 will be on your daily commute and you will never need to use the performance like what we did up and down Genting Highlands. So, it is perfectly fine most of the time and most likely this is because of the extra tight hairpin corners and steep angle which caused more cornering loads everywhere - drivetrain and suspension. I think most will never feel this slight lag on a flatter road surface.

The first impressions on the XC40's stying is that the SUV is unique inside and outside. The exterior looks small, but inside, you've got lots of space inside for an average family. The interior trimming is almost up to par with the XC60. Some bits here and there aren't as premium as the bigger sibling, but overall it is well executed with the fit and finish all nice and taut.

Outside, the car just looks superb. It is the face up front and the very striking rear end that attracts you to its styling. The front gets that promiment Volvo grille but the rear gets those nicely styled lights and that uniquely styled C-Pillars. Visibility is still very good even though it seems to be a little upswept and have more metal than glass for visibility

Overall, as first impressions go, the Volvo XC40 gives a fantastic impression. It seems that Volvo are getting better with each new model they launch. I hope to get my hands on one for a longer period of time so that I can tell you folks more about it. I think I've said a lot already and I hope you watch the video which is embedded above. It does show you what we thought about it when we drove it. Another insight which complements what is written here.

Launch details and some other photos are in the initial launch article which can be found here.