[Auto] Test Volvo XC40 T2 Auto 8v. 129 CV: The new version of access

[#Steeven.™]

The Volvo XC40 continues to be the most valuable product for the brand in the Spanish market. It is not the most expensive or the most dynamic car, but it is the best-selling car in our country. Globally it also works really well, as it is the second best-selling Volvo model today, which is said soon.

Be that as it may, the brand recently invited us to discover a new version of access to its compact SUV. It is the T2 mechanics, which carries a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with three cylinders and turbocharging, developing 129 hp. Is the Volvo XC40 T2 a recommended version?

The XC40 has been on the market for a while. In fact, we already tested it in 2018 during its national presentation. Later, my colleague Enrique examined it in the mechanical version D4. That is why we are not going to go into details of design or habitability. We are going to focus on this new version of access to the Swedish model that, for sure, helps to increase your sales even more.

 

Technical data Volvo XC40 T2

This Volvo XC40 has external dimensions of 4,425 mm in length, 1,863 in width and 1,652 in height; as well as a wheelbase of 2,702 mm. And since we are talking about measurements, the trunk cubes 460 liters. It is a figure higher than that of the Mercedes GLA, but lower than that of other direct competitors, such as the Audi Q3 or the BMW X1.

But let's focus on the mechanics we've been testing. As I said, it is an inline three-cylinder engine, which has exactly 1,477 cubic centimeters. It has double camshafts, direct fuel injection and turbocharging, of course.

In terms of performance, its technical sheet declares a power of 129 hp at 5,000 rpm, as well as a maximum torque of 245 Nm between 1,500 and 3,000 revolutions. This motorization is available with a six-speed manual transmission and with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, it is always front-wheel drive.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h is identical whatever the transmission, and can be completed in 10.9 seconds. As with all newer Volvo cars, the top speed is limited to 180 km / h. The WLTP approved consumption does vary, being 6.8 l / 100 km in the manual versions and 7.2 in the case of the automatic ones.

 

At the wheel: Everything will depend on your usual trips
During this test we have been able to drive for several kilometers on two-way roads, mountain passes and highways. Surely many of you wonder if this access mechanic (the cheapest and the least powerful) is enough. I was asking myself this question before I got behind the wheel. The answer is yes, and no ... I'll tell you.

I sincerely expected the Volvo XC40 T2 to be a somewhat more refined engine in terms of noise. It is a three cylinder and logically it is not an easy mechanics to isolate. Once hot, at idle, the “imbalance” typical of tricylindrics is not noticeable. You have to pay attention and have the audio equipment turned off to notice it.

However, the same does not happen once we are underway. In accelerations, although they are not very strong, from approximately 2,500 rpm you notice that somewhat harsh sound of the engine. If we go with the music it is not appreciated too much, but I think it should be a little better achieved in the case of a car that starts at 31,450 euros without discounts.

The response of this engine to stroll is more than correct. We have tested it with the 8-speed automatic gearbox, and the truth is that it is a smooth and pleasant combination. In city and crossings the 129 CV and 245 Nm of torque are more than enough. Therefore, I consider that if the vast majority of your routes are urban, this option is very sensible.

I cannot say the same if you are going to use the car to travel with the family from time to time. It is true that there is no problem to maintain a constant high speed on freeways without slopes, but when an incline arrives the automatic transmission reduces one or two gears to try to maintain the rhythm.

We are also not overloaded when joining a fast road on a slope or when overtaking on a two-way road. You have to measure well, be proactive and accelerate hard to get enough speed. All this, in the case of our test, has been with a single occupant and a suitcase in the trunk. If we go four adults and the trunk loaded with luggage "we will suffer" more.

 

We solve the doubt
Is this T2 version with a 129 hp gasoline engine enough? If your usual routes are around the city and its surroundings, yes. But if you are going to go out on the road regularly, you will not find a very energetic response when overtaking or if you intend to carry out dynamic driving. In that case, you'd better opt for a more powerful variant.

Anyway, do not think that you are totally "sold". You can travel on the highway without problems at normal speeds as long as the orography of the area does not have too many slopes, which is where that extra performance is a bit lacking.

In fact, if you drive a lot of kilometers, you can also opt for a diesel version, such as the 150 hp XC40 D3, which is also offered with manual and automatic transmission, and can also be optionally combined with AWD four-wheel drive. The front-wheel drive manual D3 starts at 34,350 euros.

Of course, despite its lower power consumption could be more content. It is true that in these presentations the actual consumption cannot be measured well, but the 7.5 l / 100 km on the highway at 120 km / h seems like a high figure to us.

 

Leaving the engine aside ...

If we put engine performance aside, the Volvo XC40 is a very high quality and very comfortable product. It does not have a sporty orientation, but rather seduces drivers with a high level of comfort through its suspensions, really comfortable seats and a touch of all controls that its German rivals must respect.

What I did miss is a couple of paddles behind the wheel. It is not that we are usually going to change gears, but at certain times they come in handy to, for example, reduce a couple of gears ourselves, rev the engine and better prepare an overtaking. The operation can be done from the selector lever, but it is not as comfortable and fast.

At the level of driving assistants, the Volvo XC40 comes well loaded. To highlight the good operation of the Pilot Assist system, which helps us in driving by combining the adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping system. It works well and smoothly, something that cannot be said in all cars.

There are also other assistants and safety systems such as City Safety, blind spot control or cross traffic alert; technologies that contribute significantly to reducing accident rates on the roads.