Volvo XC40 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

The XC40’s engine line-up comprises state-of-the-art motors, with a wide range of electric, hybrid and petrol units. The efficiency figures on the XC40 are respectable for the class, but no better than that.

The cleanest XC40 is the Recharge P8 pure electric which emits 0g/km. Next up are the Recharge T4 and T5 plug-in hybrid models which emit 47-57g/km, depending on chosen specification. 

As you might expect, the standard petrol XC40 takes a hit on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions; at 157g/km in entry Start trim, the T2 probably has a big enough tax hit for lots of company car choosers to overlook it. In reality, it’s a very thirsty unit, too - we struggled to get mid-thirties mpg out of the T2 in our time behind the wheel. The front-wheel drive B4 with mild-hybrid tech offers greater performance than the B3, and the same returns in real world economy.

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Insurance groups

Insurance groups for the XC40 range from Group 18 to Group 32. On a like-for-like basis, the Volvo is ranked slightly lower than its German rivals - not least helped because of the Swedish brand’s reputation for passive and active safety systems. 

Depreciation

Volvo is currently on the crest of wave in terms of customer demand, and when you also factor in the strong desirability within the premium SUV market, and it's no surprise that the XC40 has some of the best residual values of any new car on sale, ranging from 55-59%. In comparison, the BMW X1 has residuals around 10% lower than this.