New 2020 Volvo XC40: plug-in hybrid tech, specs and release date
New Volvo XC40 T5 Twin Engine to join revised engine and kit line-up for 2020
Volvo is set to introduce the first plug-in hybrid version of its XC40 SUV – badged T5 Twin Engine – alongside a revised range of engines and equipment upgrades.
The T5 Twin Engine model will be available to order from early 2020, priced (preliminarily) from £42,305; the rest of the revised range is available to order now, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2020.
The new XC40 T5 Twin Engine incorporates a 1.5-litre three-cylinder with 178bhp and an electric motor producing the equivalent of 81bhp, with both engine and electric motor driving the front wheels only. Volvo has quoted preliminary performance figures of 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 127mph.
Volvo claims an all-electric range of 26.1 to 28.6 miles, although a miles-per-kWh figure for electricity consumption is not yet available. Fuel economy figures sit at 112.8 to 141.1mpg combined; CO2 emissions are quoted at 38 to 43g/km depending on wheel size, which means the T5 Twin Engine will be eligible for free first-year road tax.
All-electric drive is selectable by the driver via ‘Pure’ mode, while default ‘Hybrid’ and performance-orientated ‘Power’ modes are also offered alongside a customisable ‘Individual’ setting.
The XC40 T5 Twin Engine also features a ‘Hold and Charge’ function that gives the driver control of how much battery power is used on the move. Meanwhile, Volvo’s Regenerative Stability Control system helps to recharge the car’s batteries under braking.
New Volvo XC40: engines and gearboxes
Volvo has updated its XC40 range with a revised entry-level engine, new drivetrain options, an improved standard specification and a suite of fresh customisation options. The changes are available to order now, with prices climbing a few hundred pounds to £28,965.
The XC40’s turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder T3 petrol engine has received attention, and Volvo is offering the unit with an eight-speed automatic for the first time. Power has increased from 154bhp to 161bhp, which drops the manual-equipped version’s 0–62mph time from 9.4 to 9.3 seconds. The automatic version offers a time of 9.6 seconds.
Economy has improved, with the new XC40 T3 manual returning figures between 37.2mpg and 41.5mpg, against figures of 36.7mpg and 39.8mpg for the outgoing version. CO2 emissions have also reduced, now ranging between 142g/km and 146g/km compared to the previous 144g/km and 148g/km.
In addition, Volvo now offers its 2.0-litre four-cylinder T4 petrol engine with front-wheel-drive. The new drivetrain shaves 0.1 seconds off the four-wheel-drive model’s 0–62mph sprint (with a time of 8.4 seconds) and offers economy figures between 33.6mpg and 36.7mpg. The front-wheel-drive T4 is priced £1,400 lower than the equivalent all-wheel-drive version.
Specification and equipment
Volvo has also improved the XC40’s specification with the addition of automatically folding door mirrors, a 12V power outlet for the boot, a locking glove box and a luggage net. The updates add to the old model’s standard equipment, which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, dual-zone climate control and a nine-inch infotainment system.
The XC40’s options list has grown, too. A new Winter Plus pack adds a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats over and above the existing Winter pack. Three new paint colours, Thunder Grey, Glacier Silver and Pebble Grey, have been added to the XC40’s palette.
TrustpilotNot a car ever lacking in safety tech, Volvo has further improved the XC40’s accident avoidance systems. An upgraded Blind Spot Information system with Steer Assist function is a new optional extra: in addition to warning the driver if they veer off course, the system can steer the car back into its lane, too.
Now read our review of the Volvo XC40. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…
