Page 30 - Motoring Winter 2022

TEST REVIEW VOLVO

VOLVO XC40 T5
VOL VO XC40 T5 performance that can be very enjoyable, as
well as the additional safety factor supplied
by the All-Wheel Drive system. The only
place where you pay the penalty is with
the fuel consumption, as this is a car that is
very difficult to drive sedately - it’s just too
much fun!
With all the standard Volvo safety
equipment added, the only item that
seemed to be missing on the test car was
blind-spot warning. The lane-keep assist
is effective and almost too vigorous in its
response. The camera system provides
360 degree views with options to see all
directions at a touch on the screen.
Overall, the XC40 encompasses an
excellent blend of performance, safety and
luxury spec in a premium medium SUV.
It is currently priced at R820 322,
and this includes a 5-year/100 000km
maintenance plan. n

Use this link to view our video review:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=5sRGL9PvHfU

he Volvo SUV range has a richly
deserved reputation for quality, safety
Tand sheer presence on the road.
The Volvo XC40 may be the smallest
of the range, but it’s quite deceptive how
much space is actually available in the cabin.
Add in a large boot of more than 500l, and it
is well suited as a family SUV.
The test car, the T5, is the most
powerful petrol version, which provides
185kW and 350Nm to all 4 wheels through
a smooth and efficient 8-speed torque
convertor automatic transmission.
The transmission delivers multi-modes
at the click of a button. Eco through
Comfort, Dynamic and Off-road plus an
Individual mode allow the driver to tailor
various functions to personal taste. This
includes steering wheel height, throttle
response, brake pressure and more.
The programming involves scrolling
through many menus on the tablet-style
infotainment screen and then adjusting the
options to your liking. These settings then
remain in memory and engage with a touch
on the screen.
The T5 offers almost sports car-like

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