All The Best Tech In Volvo’s 2018 XC40

All The Best Tech In Volvo’s 2018 XC40

The first car I ever bought myself was an extremely second hand Volvo 240 GL. And things have come a long way since that old mate first hit the market. Actually, I hadn’t driven another Volvo until I spent a few hours road testing the new XC40 in the Barossa. I’ll get the chance to do a proper review in a few weeks, but in the meantime, here are the tech features that really stood out.

Note: not all of these features will be standard across both the momentum and R-Design ranges.

Safety

  • Pilot-assist (semi-autonomous driving tech)
  • City Safe (identifies other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and large animals ahead, warning you if a collision is imminent)
  • Rear parking sensors
  • Park assist pilot
  • Rear collision warning
  • rear cross traffic alert
  • Automatic windscreen wipers
  • Automatic headlights
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • 360 degree camera
  • LED active bending headlights

Volvo’s have always had a reputation for being safe cars, and the XC40 series strives to continue that tradition.

I was in an accident a few years ago, right when I moved to Sydney – a city I haven’t found myself needing a car in very often.

It took me a few years to get back in the saddle properly, and even now I find myself a little more nervous than I use to be on the road. That’s why I really appreciate the rear tech features – the parking sensor, collision warning and cross traffic alert.

While these kinds of features are becoming the norm in modern cars, I am still a firm believer in manually checking behind you. That being said, I did feel a great deal more comfortable driving when I knew that the car was also looking out for me. It’s a yes from me.

General Tech

  • Qi wireless charging
  • Smart phone integration, including Apple Siri or Google Assistant.
  • Touch screen
  • Harman Kardon sound system
  • Air Woofer Technology
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Keyless start
  • Electric tailgate
  • A huge amount of storage (I’m counting it, come at me)
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Heated front seats
  • Panoramic roof
  • Manual front seat cushion extension

Much like with the Commodore VXR Liftback from earlier this year, my favourite feature here is the Qi wireless phone charging. Located under the dash, it’s tucked away neatly and conveniently. I’m a fan of features that future proof vehicles, and this didn’t disappoint.

And while it won’t be the fastest charge in the world (no wireless is, yet) it will help top you up on longer drives. I’m waiting to hear back from Volvo on what the exact wattage is on the charge.

I also enjoyed using the large vertical touch screen. With the ability to both swipe and pinch the screen, it really felt like I was using a tablet.

And in case you were wondering, here’s how much the XC40s will set you back.


T5

185kW/350Nm

  • Momentum – $47,990
  • Momentum Launch Edition – $52,990
  • R-Design – $54,990
  • R-Design Launch Edition – $56,740

D4

140kW/400N

  • D4 Momentum – $50,990
  • D4 Momentum Launch Edition – $55,990
  • D4 R-Design – $57,990
  • D4 R-Design Launch Edition – $59,740

I’m really looking forward to spending a bit more time behind this wheel in the near future.


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