Volvo XC40 T2 – More than the “basic” version.

The reason for the well-known three-cylinder petrol engine of 1.5 liters which in this version produces 129 hp and 245 Nm of torque and which is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. What is surprising is the fact that it does not have any kind of electrical assistance and what is even more surprising is that, as you will read below, we never ran out of anything. Drive is transferred to the front wheels only, and engine and gearbox operation is exemplary, as is their partnership.

In practice this means that power is available everywhere and engine revs rise evenly and linearly, without bursts or jerks. The 10.9” required for 0-100 km/h is a very real number, while top speed, as is now the case for all Volvo models, is 180 km/h. However, the most important of all the above is that during the test of 2000 km, the average consumption did not exceed eight liters per 100 km, with fast driving rates almost always.

Premium and on the road

The biggest and most pleasant surprise of the XC40 T2 is its handling on the road. Because obviously we were aware of the very high quality of the ride as well as the careful sound insulation, which together create excellent traveling conditions. What we didn’t know and didn’t even expect, is the performance and about the engine’s operating conditions. There was no place where we lacked energy, when we made the trip Athens – Thessaloniki, and when we moved to the mountain part of Halkidiki. Power everywhere, and the gearbox chooses the right gear in every situation and in a very direct way. You choose the driving profile you want based on your driving needs and feelings, and the car follows, without hesitation.

Suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link at the rear strikes the perfect balance between comfort and dynamic handling. As tough as it is supposed to be, it filters out the harshness of Greece’s roads without grumbling. It is clear that the XC40 T2 is not a car for off-road adventure, being two-wheel drive and with asphalt tires. However, the 20.5cm of ground clearance, along with the off-road driving profile, will work well in all suitable off-road activities.

In conclusion, we would say that the Volvo people made sure that the T2 version of the XC 40 was only “basic” in terms of its price and despite the fact that the company’s direction is towards full electric, they showed their possibilities. have heat engines. This is because the premium feeling of the Swedish company is very much in the materials, quality and construction method, and especially in the feeling it leaves with its behavior on the road. Finally, the 40,563 Euros that this edition starts with, is a reasonable number, in the new car environment with increased prices especially for all models, of all companies.