Volvo XC40 Ultimate SUV 2023 Review

Volvo XC40 – Last week I drove the Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 SUV. Here is a mid sized European SUV that is stylish and spacious.  It has a somewhat edgy appearance with a boxy tailgate. It’s a look that grown on you.

Inside the layout is practical and comfortable.

I particularly like the heated front seats with electric adjustment for the driver and the vertical style central touch screen.

The driver feels at home with a thicker steering wheel and clever and different transmission lever.

Rear seats are spacious and comfortable. There is good rear leg and head room for this size vehicle. Boot space is equally spacious.

The XC40 B5 is powered by a mild hybrid 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. There is reasonable power with 183 kilowatts and torque of 250 newton metres. This drives through an all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

At times around the suburbs, it felt a little slow to start with, but was smooth and easy to drive. Economy is rated at 7.2l/100k but we used around 10 litres per 100 kilometres around town.

The Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark we tested was priced at $69,690 including options, plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE VOLVO XC40 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

What is good?

Quirky but stylish Cool interior layout SUV practicality and functionality

What is not so good?

Can be a touch thirsty around town. Mild hybrids stop and go a bit frustrating. No full-size spare tyre

Also look at.

Smaller mid-size SUVs are seemingly everywhere now. The choice can be a bit daunting.

Buyers could look at the Audi Q3 Sportback, Citroen C5 Aircross Sport, Lexus UX, Peugeot 5008 GT, Subaru Outback XT, Citroen C5-X.

Volvo XC40 B5 Dark final thoughts

The XC40 is a little quirky and edgy. Its comfortable with a lot of luxury features.

Around town and on longer drives it cruises easily.

The option packs on the test vehicle were worth the money and complete the package.

The Orrefers crystal transmission lever is an unusual touch.

At a touch under $70,000 its also well priced.

Yep, worth a test drive if you’re looking for a premium small to mid-size SUV.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.