Volvo XC40 @ auto express – 24 january 2018

ROADTESTS

44

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for the latest new cars and drives

S-CLASS vs 7 SERIES Battle of the limos as new Mercedes S 350 d takes on BMW 730 Ld.

Three

in a row?

We see if Volvo can repeat the success of its XC90 and XC60 with its smallest SUV yet as new XC40 faces BMW and Audi

FOLLOWING the launch of its XC90 and XC60 models, Volvo’s new SUV blitz continues in 2018 with the arrival of the smaller XC40 in the UK. Auto Express got early access to a pre-production prototype to put the baby XC through its paces against two of its closest rivals, the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

This class is one of the most hotly contested in the market, but Volvo has form because its seven-seat XC90 SUV

is a past winner of our Car of the Year crown back in 2015, while the mid-size XC60 took the Best Premium SUV title at our annual New Car Awards last year.

So can this smaller XC40 complete a hat-trick for the Swedish brand?

The D4 R-Design model we’re testing pitches the Volvo squarely in the firing line of BMW’s X1 xDrive20d in M Sport trim. And while the Audi Q3 is showing its age, with an all-new replacement

Testers’ notes

“There’ll be a less powerful 148bhp D3 XC40, which will no doubt prove more popular, giving more efficiency. The D3 is still a 2.0-litre unit, but unlike the D4, it’s available in two-wheeldrive form and with a manual gearbox, offering more choice.”

Sean Se Carson Chief reviewer

34 24 January 2018

due later in the year, the car is still a popular choice. We test it in 2.0 TDI S line specification to match its rivals.

All three SUVs feature four-wheel drive and automatic gearboxes, and offer a similar level of kit. There’s only £845 between their list prices, too, so will this be reflected in the brands’ PCP deals and will the result be marginal?

Or will we have a runaway victor in the class? Read on to find out.

Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design

Price: £34,655 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 187bhp 0-60mph: 8.2 seconds Test economy: 36.6mpg/8.1mpl CO2: 131g/km Annual road tax: £140

www.autoexpress.co.uk

50

GRAND SCENIC SUV-styled Renault MPV joins our fleet, and feels at home in the country.

52

FORD FIESTA Does award-winning supermini live up to its billing? We find out.

55

SKODA KODIAQ Seven-seat SUV is still a star, but infotainment niggles hold it back.

Pictures: Nathan Morgan Location: Longcross Proving Ground, Chobham, Surrey

BMW X1 xDrive20d M Sport

Price: £35,470 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 187bhp 0-60mph: 7.6 seconds Test economy: 37.6mpg/8.3mpl CO2: 127g/km Annual road tax: £140

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Audi Q3 2.0 TDI quattro 184 S tronic S line Edition Price: £35,500 Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel, 181bhp 0-60mph: 7.3 seconds Test economy: 39.8mpg/8.8mpl CO2: 139g/km Annual road tax: £140

24 January 2018 35

ROAD TESTS Volvo XC40 vs rivals On the road

MODEL TESTED: Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design

Firm suspension is only upset by larger bumps, and XC40’s handling feels composed

PRICE: £34,655 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp VOLVO might be a little late to the compact premium SUV party, trailing its two German rivals here by more than half a decade, but it’s on a roll with its 4x4 line-up. So can this smaller XC40 – tested here in £34,655 D4 AWD R-Design trim – maintain the momentum?

Design & engineering

4.1

THE seven-seat XC90 and mid-size XC60 are both based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, but the XC40 bucks the trend by being the first model from the Swedish brand to sit on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) underpinnings.

This uses MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link rear axle, which means the new Volvo matches its German rivals here for chassis technology under the skin. And the XC40 is very interestingly styled. It’s derivative, just like the BMW and Audi, linking it to models higher up in the range, but the design gives it a squat look that reinforces its scaled-down SUV credentials.

While the platform might not be shared with its siblings, the D4 engine and transmission are.

Producing 187bhp and 400Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel sends its power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

This is very similar to the X1 and Q3, and therefore means price and equipment will have a big bearing on the outcome; here the XC40 scores strongly.

In sporty R-Design trim the Swedish newcomer is the cheapest model on test, at £34,655, and yet you get a comparable level of kit to its rivals. The list includes a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sat-nav, DAB, Bluetooth, LED headlights, climate and cruise control and half-leather seats.

Compared with the rather dark, dull interiors of the other models here, the XC40’s cabin feels fresher – especially with our test car’s bright orange carpets – even if material quality is only on par with the Audi’s and a little bit behind the X1’s.

Driving

score

3.9

THIS R-Design model feels firm on typically torn UK roads. The chassis deals with more flowing undulations well, but sharper bumps shock the chassis, whereas the X1 smothers imperfections a little more adeptly.

However, the light steering and more focused chassis set-up in R-Design trim mean that the Volvo does at least respond well to inputs. It’s not as involving or as quick to change direction as the BMW, but for a tall SUV with a relatively short wheelbase, it offers a decent level of composure.

Despite identical power and torque, the XC40 trailed the X1 in our performance tests, while it also lagged behind the less powerful Q3. The deficit to the BMW in the sprint from 0-60mph was six tenths; it took 8.2 seconds. Part of that is down to the Volvo’s more sluggish transmission, which is slower to change, but at least the box is smooth when cruising.

Yet it’s also due to the heavier, 1,698kg kerbweight.

The combination meant that the XC40’s in-gear acceleration wasn’t as quick as its rivals, but it wasn’t desperately slow, either, taking 6.0 seconds between 50 and 70mph in fifth gear, which was just three

36 24 January 2018

4L

score

tenths behind the Audi. Given the Volvo turns lower revs at 70mph, it’s no surprise. This helps motorway refinement, although put your foot down in town and the D4 engine does drone. It’s not a leader in any one area dynamically, but the XC40 is a good all-rounder that’s competent in the areas where you want it.

Practicality

3.9

THE Volvo has a decent-sized boot, at 460 litres. This is still 45 litres down on the BMW’s, but clever packaging means there’s lots of usable space inside.

There’s a decent level of legroom in the back, too, and because the XC40 is the tallest car of the three, headroom is good. You sit a little more upright than you do in the rear of the X1, but this means you can tuck your feet under the seat in front. However, you do notice the sharply rising window line at the rear of the Volvo, which restricts visibility in the back.

Yet this is a minor drawback of an otherwise fairly versatile cabin. In the front there’s plenty of storage for oddments, while the raised driving position, which is more like the Q3 than the X1 here, means forward visibility is good, helping you place the car.

Ownership

4L

score

score

4.2

VOLVO was the strongest-performing brand of this trio in our most recent Driver Power satisfaction survey, finishing seventh overall out of 27 manufacturers.

However, this relatively good reputation for dependability wasn’t backed up by its dealer service according to owners, where Volvo’s garages scored a middling result of 16th out of 26 franchised networks.

Yet the brand has a great reputation for safety, and the XC40’s list of standard kit is exemplary. Volvo’s City Safety pack – which includes collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist and animal detection and autonomous braking – is fitted as standard, as are lane keep assist, seven airbags and a system that will swerve to avoid oncoming traffic if you stray on to the other side of the road. Euro NCAP hasn’t yet tested the car, but we’d expect a five-star result.

Running costs

score

3.9

WHILE the XC40 is a late entry to the class, this model won’t depreciate as quickly as its rivals, according to our experts. It’s predicted to retain 54.5 per cent of its list price (£18,901), so will lose £15,754 over 36 months.

This compares with 52.5 per cent (£18,634) for the Q3, which will drop in value by £16,866 over the same period. The BMW will keep 46.8 per cent (£16,600), shedding £18,870 over three years or 36,000 miles.

4L 4L

Volvo XC Cool new small SUV is looking

4L Legroom is good; rising window line restricts view

Testers’ notes

“Unlike on the X1 and Q3, adaptive dampers are not an option on the XC40. This is a shame, because they’d soften the Volvo off that little bit more and improve the car’s ride and refinement.”

am Naylor Senior reviewer Sa Fold rear seats and Volvo splits rivals for capacity

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Volvo XC40 vs rivals

ROAD TESTS

Auto gearbox is sluggish; Harman Kardon Premium Sound system is a £550 option

C40

to build on the success of its big brothers

Running costs

Performance

36.6mpg (on test)

0-60mph/top speed

£67 fill-up/£140 or 28% tax

8.2 seconds/130mph

Practicality

Braking

Boot (seats up/down)

70-0/60-0/30-0mph

460/1,336 litres

51.1/36.8/10.9m

!

THROUGH THE RANGE Which trim level might suit you?

THIS D4 engine fitted to our test car isn’t available in Momentum or Momentum Pro trims, so this R-Design is the lowest trim level available with the D4 motor.

Put down a £3,500 deposit based on a three-year PCP deal limited to 10,000 miles per year and this model will cost you £454 per month. Stepping up to R-Design Pro adds electric heated seats and 20-inch alloys, as well as £37 to your monthly bill.

Inscription spec gets full leather and front parking sensors. This softer, more luxurious model costs £451 per month, while the Pro variant is £483 per month.

At the top of the pile is the XC40 First Edition, which comes loaded with kit, including smartphone integration with wireless charging, heated rear seats and an upgraded stereo for £514 per month.

Our choice:

XC40 D4 AWD Inscription Orange carpets and door trim brighten interior, which has a fresh, modern feel, but material quality trails BMW’s

www.autoexpress.co.uk

NEXT CAR

24 January 2018 37

ROAD TESTS Volvo XC40 vs rivals On the road

MODEL TESTED: BMW X1 xDrive20d M Sport

X1 is the most driver-focused car here, with more grip and less body roll, but is still comfortable even in Sport mode

PRICE: £35,470 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp THE second-generation BMW X1 revamped the model from an also-ran in this sector to a class leader when it went on sale in 2015. Given how competitive this area of the market is, it’s no surprise that the X1 xDrive20d M Sport that we’re testing here comes in close to the XC40 at £35,470; but is it worth this small amount extra?

Design & engineering

4.1

UNLIKE most BMWs, the X1 is available with front-wheel drive. That’s due to the UKL2 platform that underpins it, which it shares with sister company MINI. Yet it’s the four-wheel-drive xDrive20d model that we’re testing here; as with the new Volvo, this uses an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, a conventional eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces an identical 187bhp and 400Nm of torque.

Like the XC40, the X1’s chassis is controlled by strut-type suspension at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear. However, our test car was also fitted with BMW’s adaptive dampers, which bring big benefits for ride and handling, and at only £150 are well worth paying the extra for.

While the dampers are optional, you get plenty of kit in the M Sport trim that we’ve lined up to match the R-Design-spec Volvo and S line Edition Audi.

Parking sensors, LED headlights, climate and cruise control, sat-nav, DAB and Bluetooth are all included, as they are with the Volvo, but on the BMW heated seats feature, too. Leather is an £800 option, but material quality throughout the rest of the cabin is a slight step up from the XC40’s.

The dash is clad in soft-touch plastic, while more forgiving material is used elsewhere in the interior. It doesn’t feel as fresh or as funky as the cabin in the Volvo, with more black expanses of plastic, although the position of the infotainment unit is the best of the three cars.

Driving

score

4.2

AFTER only a few miles behind the wheel of the X1 it’s clear that this is the most driver-focused model of the trio. It feels more like a conventional car than an SUV because you sit lower, but this means it also feels sportier. Combined with weightier steering than in the Volvo and less roll, it offers more grip and corners harder, making it the more involving choice.

There are different drive modes, just like in the XC40, and with the adaptive dampers connected to the toggle switch that selects these different settings, the X1 feels alert in Sport mode. Yet the ride is never as crashy as the Volvo’s, even in the stiffer setting.

In Comfort mode and on the same size wheels as the XC40, the BMW is more absorbent, filtering out suspension movements with more finesse and keeping things more level. This means it’s more comfortable around town and on the motorway, while the engine isn’t quite as noisy, either.

At our test track the car was slightly faster than the XC40, beating it by six tenths from 0-60mph, with a time of 7.6 seconds. It was also a few tenths faster from 30 to 50mph in the lower gears, while this advantage increased between 50 and 70mph

38 24 January 2018

4L

score

in the higher gears. The engine is more refined and the gearbox a little snappier to change in manual mode as well, tying in with the extra focus placed on the driver. There’s nothing to split the transmissions or the traction the four-wheel-drive systems offer when cruising, though, because both are smooth.

Practicality

score

4.0

AS with the seats up, the BMW has a boot space advantage with them down, because it has the most spacious load bay here. A capacity of 1,550 litres beats the Volvo’s by 214 litres and the Audi’s by 225 litres.

A power tailgate is fitted as standard across the X1 range, too, making it easier to load and unload the car if you’ve got bags in your hands.

Visibility is good and the model is easy to manoeuvre, but room inside the cabin is on par with the XC40’s, offering a good level of space in the rear and decent storage up front.

Ownership

score

3.7

4L

BMW trailed Volvo in the makers’ chart of our Driver Power 2017 satisfaction survey by two places, ranking ninth. Its dealers finished way down the order in 21st, making them the worstperforming official network of these three brands.

Although the X1 scored a full five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s crash tests, autonomous braking isn’t standard. It’s part of a £495 pack that also adds forward collision and lane departure warning, so while six airbags and the usual stability control systems are all included, the BMW is not as well equipped as the XC40 when it comes to safety.

Running costs

score

4.0

THE BMW was slightly more efficient, though, returning 37.6mpg compared with the Volvo’s 36.6mpg result.

This means you’ll pay £1,792 in fuel over an average year’s driving (12,000 miles) in the BMW against £1,841 in the Volvo. However, with a result of 39.8mpg, the Q3 was the runaway efficiency champ in this test, because owners of the Audi SUV will only pay £1,693 per year at the pumps.

Where the BMW does steal an advantage over its German rival is when it comes to servicing costs.

A three-year servicing pack on the X1 comes in at £299, whereas maintenance prices over the same time period on the Q3 will set you back £663.

However, Volvo hasn’t yet released prices for routine check-ups or the cost of a three-year servicing pack yet, because the model is so new.

4L 4L 4L

BMW X1 German SUV is still the choice

Space in rear is generous, and on par with Volvo

Testers’ notes

“Given these small SUVs will often be used as family cars, having no standard autonomous braking could count against the X1 when that feature and lots of other safety tech are fitted as standard on the XC40.”

Sean Carson Chief reviewer Se Total boot space is over 200 litres more than rivals’

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Volvo XC40 vs rivals

ROAD TESTS

Drive modes tune car’s set-up; auto box is smooth, but snappy in manual mode

1

Running costs

Performance

37.6mpg (on test)

0-60mph/top speed

£63 fill-up/£140 or 27% tax

7.6 seconds/136mph

Practicality

for keen drivers in this class. Is it a winner here?

Braking

Boot (seats up/down)

70-0/60-0/30-0mph

505/1,550 litres

48.6/35.7/9.2m

!

THROUGH THE RANGE Which trim level might suit you?

THIS xDrive20d powertrain is available with all trim levels in the X1 range. The entry-level SE model gets nav, climate and cruise control, DAB and parking sensors.

With a £3,500 deposit to match the Volvo (BMW dealers will also add a three per cent contribution, so £105 here) and the same terms, an SE will cost £446 per month.

Stepping up to Sport increases this to £469, but adds 18-inch alloys, sports seats and gloss black styling add-ons.

Above this is the xLine model, which gets leather trim, LED lights and heated seats. At £493 per month, it’s more expensive than the £485-per-month M Sport model we’ve tested, which has all these features plus a sporty bodykit and different wheels. You lose the leather in favour of half-Alcantara trim, though.

Our choice:

X1 xDrive20d M Sport BMW doesn’t feel as fresh inside as Volvo, but it scores with its finish and infotainment screen is best placed

www.autoexpress.co.uk

NEXT CAR

24 January 2018 39

ROAD TESTS Volvo XC40 vs rivals On the road

MODEL TESTED: Audi Q3 2.0 TDI 184 S tronic S line Edition

Q3 has adequate grip and traction, thanks to quattro 4WD system, but there’s more body roll than in rivals

PRICE: £35,500 ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 181bhp THE Audi Q3 has been an incredibly successful product and captured the essence of what a small, premium SUV should be when it launched in 2011. However, six years on, is this still true of the £35,500 2.0 TDI quattro 184 S tronic S line Edition model that we’re testing here?

Design & engineering

3.8

UNLIKE most of Audi’s hatchbacks and smaller SUVs, the Q3 isn’t based on the VW Group’s MQB platform for front-engined, front and four-wheel-drive models. Instead, due to its age, the car uses the firm’s older PQ35 underpinnings. While this platform isn’t as advanced or as versatile as the more modern MQB set-up, it does still feature the same MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear axle as its rivals in this test; it’s just that the older chassis’s packaging constraints are obvious.

For example, where its competitors’ vehicle architectures can accommodate plug-in hybrid powertrains, the Audi’s can’t. A replacement for the Q3 is due to arrive later this year, however.

Still, this car’s powertrain is bang up to date, because it features a 2.0-litre TDI unit that produces a little less horsepower and torque than the XC40 and X1 at 181bhp and 380Nm. While the Volvo and BMW use conventional eight-speed autos, the quattro (Audi’s nomenclature for four-wheel drive) Q3 features a seven-speed dual-clutch box.

Although its engine and gearbox match its rivals for tech, inside the car those packaging drawbacks are immediately apparent because the Q3’s dash design and layout looks dated, while the multimedia system feels old tech (see Infotainment, Page 42).

Material quality is good and stands up to scrutiny next to the Volvo, but the climate controls mounted low down on the centre console, which take up a lot of space, and the small screen highlight how the Q3 was conceived in an era before the XC40 and X1.

The driving position is the highest here, giving it more of an SUV feel akin to the Volvo than the BMW; and even though this oldest model is the priciest on test at £35,500, you do get a good level of kit.

Parking sensors, LED lights, part-leather trim, cruise and climate control, sat-nav, DAB and Bluetooth are included as standard, but there are some notable omissions from this S line Edition’s spec that we’ll come to later on.

Driving

score

3.7

THERE’S no ignoring the Q3’s age, because even on the move it feels dated. The ride isn’t as forgiving as the X1’s or even the XC40’s, while the body rolls more in corners so the Audi doesn’t feel all that composed, even though it offers adequate grip.

There is plenty of traction, though, thanks to the firm’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Together with the snappy changes from the seven-speed dual-clutch box in Dynamic mode, the Q3 was actually the quickest car on test from 0-60mph, clocking a time of just 7.3 seconds.

Part of that is due to shorter gearing, so the Audi can zip through its ratios faster, which also helped the car’s in-gear performance. It was pretty much on

40 24 January 2018

4L

score

par with the XC40 here with a few minor differences, despite giving away 20Nm of torque to its rivals.

However, you know you’re working the engine hard because refinement and isolation aren’t as good as in the Q3’s competitors. It’s dronier and rattlier, and while the gearbox is smooth most of the time, it does lurch aggressively when manoeuvring.

The steering weight is good and it’s quick enough to respond, with a suspension set-up that can deal with these inputs, but combined with the lumpier ride, the car lacks the refinement of the class leaders.

Practicality

score

3.4

THE Audi also can’t match the top dogs when it comes to practicality. The Q3’s 420-litre boot is small compared with the better-packaged cars it’s up against, while it also feels much more cramped in the rear. At least the tall roof means headroom is acceptable, though.

The cramped feel extends to the front of the cabin, where that slabby centre console imposes on space and also means there’s not quite as much storage as you’d like. This is no surprise, but at least S line Edition models get a power tailgate as standard.

Ownership

score

3.4

AUDI was the worst-performing brand of these three in Driver Power 2017, finishing 18th out of 27 manufacturers; 11 places behind Volvo. Conversely, its garage network was the best here, ranking 15th out of 26 in the dealers’ chart, although this still isn’t a stellar result.

Worse still is that the Q3 doesn’t get autonomous emergency braking, even as an option. While you can upgrade safety with more tech, as you can in the other cars – active lane assist and blindspot warning can be added for £900 – AEB is a feature that many buyers expect, so it’s a mark against the Audi.

4L

Running costs

score

3.8

THE Q3 isn’t quite as efficient as its rivals, emitting a claimed 139g/km of CO2. Many of these vehicles will be run by business users, so it means the 131g/km XC40 and 127g/km X1 both have an advantage when it comes to company car costs.

Higher-rate taxpayers driving the Audi will have to contribute £4,088 per year to the Treasury, because it attracts 29 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax, whereas that figure drops to £3,807 for the X1.

Although the XC40 is cheaper and emits only 4g/km more than the BMW, that puts it in a one-per-cent higher BiK band at 28 per cent, so Volvo drivers will have to find £3,853 every year.

4L 4L 4L

Audi Q3 A new model is due this year,

Rear seats more cramped than in Volvo or BMW

Testers’ notes

“Given the Q3’s age, our deals opposite are just a guide. We’d recommend driving a hard bargain with your local Audi dealer if you’re keen to get behind the wheel, because some good discounts will be available.”

Sa am Naylor Senior reviewer Audi’s boot is smallest with the seats up or down

www.autoexpress.co.uk

Volvo XC40 vs rivals

ROAD TESTS

S line gets 18-inch alloys; auto gearbox can lurch aggressively, but is generally smooth

Running costs

Performance

39.8mpg (on test)

0-60mph/top speed

£79 fill-up/£140 or 29% tax

7.3 seconds/136mph

Practicality

but we see if current car remains a contender

Braking

Boot (seats up/down)

70-0/60-0/30-0mph

420/1,325 litres

50.4/35.5/9.4m

!

THROUGH THE RANGE Which trim level might suit you?

THIS range-topping 181bhp 2.0 TDI automatic Q3 is offered with all three trim levels in the line-up. Starting with the entry Sport model, with a £3,500 deposit to match its rivals (plus £1,350 from the maker), on the same terms Audi’s PCP deal comes out at £478 per month.

For this you get sat-nav, cruise control and parking sensors among other features, while stepping up to our S line Edition model adds LED lights, a power tailgate and half-leather trim. Yet, interestingly, there’s no price penalty to pay to move up the range, so for the same money we’d definitely go for the S line Edition spec.

That’s because the Black Edition – which gets larger 19-inch alloys, sports suspension, a Bose stereo and more black styling parts – costs £493 per month.

Our choice:

2.0 TDI quattro 184 S tronic S line Edition Cabin scores on quality, but positioning of air-con controls and small infotainment screen betray the Q3’s age

www.autoexpress.co.uk

NEXT CAR

24 January 2018 41

ROAD TESTS Volvo XC40 vs rivals

Infotainment Volvo XC40 Sensus Navigation Standard

score

4.1

Key features: Nav, connected services

AS with Volvo’s other SUVs, the XC40 gets a nine-inch tablet-style infotainment system mounted in the middle of its dash. The graphics are good and it’s easy to operate, because it works like some of the best tablets on sale, recognising pinch and swipe gestures.

The unit sometimes lags behind your inputs a little and because it’s a touchscreen, it’s not as easy to use on the move as the rotary controllers in its rivals here.

There are lots of features included, though. You get sat-nav with traffic info, plus you can send a destination to your car using the Volvo On Call with App smartphone function. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are part of a £300 smartphone connection package. Neat touches like a USB power point in the rear of the cabin help boost practicality, too, while the 12.3-inch digital dial pack is a cool, hi-tech feature that gives even more functionality.

Display Tablet-style touchscreen controls car functions, parking camera and phone connectivity. But Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are extra and system can lag at times

FOR AND AGAINST

4L

Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav & connectivity?

BMW X1

score

3.9

BMW Navigation Plus £1,370 option

Key features: Nav, live info, head-up display

SAT-nav is standard on the X1 range, but our car had the upgraded £1,370 Navigation Plus package. This brings a larger screen, lifetime remote services and a head-up display to put more information on speed and navigation instructions in the driver’s eyeline.

The beauty of the system is the simplicity of the controls. The iDrive rotary wheel has been refined over successive generations to the point where it’s the most intuitive and easy set-up to use on the move.

With the most logical menu layout and sharpest graphics of the three, it’s a great package; we just wish you didn’t have to pay extra for it. Apple CarPlay is also another £235 and Android Auto isn’t supported.

The X1 lacks the Volvo’s smart digital display, but the tech and speed with which it processes inputs are good. Wireless charging is available for £175; it’s a £395 option on the Volvo and not offered on the Audi.

Screen Optional BMW Navigation Plus

system is easy to use and controls features such as sat-nav and DAB radio. Android Auto isn’t available and Apple CarPlay costs £235

FOR AND AGAINST

4L

Audi Q3

score

3.3

MMI Sat Nav £995 option Key features: Traffic info, live services WHILE a 6.5-inch sat-nav system is standard across the range, our test car was fitted with the £995 Technology Pack, which upgrades this to Audi’s MMI Sat Nav Plus displayed on a larger seven-inch screen.

You get traffic information, voice control and a 20Gb hard drive for music storage. On top of this there’s a 36-month subscription to Audi’s Connect Infotainment Services, but apart from the standard iPod interface (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available even as an option) it shows the limitations of the Q3’s older set-up. The rotary controller – mounted on the centre console and not the transmission tunnel – isn’t intuitive to use, while the screen’s graphics are fuzzy compared with the sharper displays in the XC40 and X1.

The Technology Pack also adds a 3.5-inch colour display between the instruments, but it’s nowhere near as advanced as Volvo’s digital instrument panel.

Option MMI Sat Nav is an extra, but the

graphics are not as sharp as rivals’. Car function control and nav are included, yet Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t

FOR AND AGAINST

Clear, large screen with good graphics, gesture recognition, digital instruments

Simple controls and menu layout, large, clear screen, impressive phone tech

Satellite navigation standard, connected services, not much else

Phone tech costs extra, tablet not easy to use on move, screen sometimes lags

Much of the tech is optional, plus best system isn’t standard (it is with Volvo)

Small, low-res screen, Tech Pack an expensive upgrade, poor connectivity

42 24 January 2018

www.autoexpress.co.uk

4L

Vollvo XC40 vs rivals i ls

Figures On the road price/total as tested Residual value (after 3yrs/36,000) Depreciation Annual tax liability std/higher rate Annual fuel cost (12k/20k miles) Insurance group/quote/road tax cost Cost of 1st/2nd/3rd service Length/wheelbase Height/width Engine Peak power/revs Peak torque/revs Transmission Fuel tank capacity/spare wheel Boot capacity (seats up/down) Kerbweight/payload/towing weight Basic warranty (miles)/recovery Service intervals/UK dealers Driver Power manufacturer/dealer pos.

NCAP: Adult/child/ped./assist/stars 0-60/30-70mph 30-50mph in 3rd/4th 50-70mph in 5th/6th/7th/8th Top speed/rpm at 70mph Braking 70-0/60-0/30-0mph Noise outside/idle/30/70mph Auto Express econ (mpg/mpl)/range Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Govt urban/extra-urban/combined Actual/claimed CO2/tax bracket Airbags/Isofix/park sensors/camera Apple CarPlay/Android Auto/wireless ch Auto box/stability/cruise control/AEB Climate control/leather/heated seats Metallic paint/LED lights/keyless go Sat-nav/USB/DAB radio/Bluetooth

Results ROADTEST ★★★★ VOLVO XC40

JAN 2018

Volvo XC40 D4 AWD R-Design £34,655/£34,6 655 % £18,901/54.5% £15,754 £1,926/£3,853 £1,841/£3,068 TBC/TBC/£140 TBC 4,425/2,702mm 1,658/1,910mm 4cyl in-line/1,969cc 187/4,000 bhp/rpm 400/1,750 Nm/rpm 8-spd auto/4wd 54 litres/repair kit 460/1,336 litres 1,698/515/2,100kg 3yrs (60,000)/3yrs TBC/114 7th/16th N/A 8.2/8.0 secs 3.2/4.3 secs 6.0/7.5/9.9/13.5 secs 130mph/1,600rpm 51.1/36.8/10.9m 52/71/64/70dB 36.6/8.1/435 miles 49.6/61.4/56.5mpg 10.9/13.5/12.4mpl 207/131g/km/28% Seven/yes/yes/£375 £300*/£300*/£175 Yes/yes/yes/yes Yes/half-leather/£500* £575/yes/£350 Yes/yes/yes/yes

R S U VALUES RESIDUAL U S

NEWER, more hi-tech XC40 is predicted to hold on to more of its value than rivals, so private buyers will be better off after three years.

DRIVER POWER

VOLVO was the strongest performer of the three brands in our latest satisfaction survey, giving an idea of what ownership will be like.

PERFORMANCE

XC40 was slowest from 0-60mph on test, but D4 engine delivered acceptable performance, while the auto box is smooth.

INFOTAINMENT

NINE-inch tablet system is standard, unlike upgraded set-ups on rivals.

XC40 offers the best smartphone connectivity of the trio as well.

VOLVO

1st

GIVEN the level of standard technology, the XC40 slots in straight at the top of the class. It’s good enough to drive, if not as advanced or refined as the X1, but it betters the BMW here thanks to its more attractive PCP deal, and mixes this with comparable day-to-day practicality, acceptable performance and decent economy. The fact it’s a fresher, smarter, higher-tech SUV cements the victory.

★★★★★

ROAD RO D TESTS

MW X1 BM xDrive20d xD M Sport S

udi Q3 2.0 Au .0 TDI quattro 184 qua 84 S tronic S liine Ed t

£35 5,470/£40, 40,330 £16,600/46.8% £16 £18,870 £1,904/£3,807 £1,792/£2,986 32/£559/£140 £299 (3yrs)

£35 5,500/£35 5,500 £18,634/52.5% 2.5% £16,866 £2,044/£4,088 £1,693/£2,821 29/£542/£140 £167/£329/£167

4,439/2,670mm 1,598/1,821mm 4cyl in-line/1,995cc 187/4,000 bhp/rpm 400/1,750 Nm/rpm 8-spd auto/4wd 51 litres/£75 505/1,550 litres 1,625/595/2,000kg 3yrs (unlimited)/3yrs Variable/192 9th/21st 90/87/74/77/5 (2015)

4,388/2,603mm 1,608/1,831mm 4cyl in-line/1,968cc 181/3,500 bhp/rpm 380/1,750 Nm/rpm

7.6/7.3 secs 3.0/3.9 secs 4.8/5.8/7.7/10.8 secs 136mph/1,800rpm 48.6/35.7/9.2m 71/44/61/68dB 37.6/8.3/422 miles 50.4/64.2/57.6mpg 11.1/14.1/12.7mpl 201/127g/km/27% Six/yes/yes/£290 £235/no/£395 Yes/yes/yes/£495 Yes/£800/yes £550/yes/£350 Yes/yes/yes/yes

BMW

BIGGEST BOOT

THE X1’s 505-litre load bay is the biggest on test.

However, the XC40 will offer enough practicality for most buyers.

NCAP RATING

SAFETY is strong on the BMW, but AEB is an option.

Volvo gets much more protective kit as standard; expect a five-star result for the XC40.

COMPANY CAR TAX

LOWER CO2 means the X1 will be a more costeffective car for business users, while it was a little more economical than the XC40.

2nd

KEEN drivers should stick with the X1 because the chassis has the broadest spread of ability for dynamics and comfort. The powertrain is good and the boot is big, but a gulf between BMW’s monthly prices and Volvo’s counts in this class. While the X1’s infotainment is great, it’s an option, plus this compact family SUV doesn’t offer as much standard safety tech.

★★★★★

LIST S PRICE C

MANY people buy on PCP, but high list price and oldest technology make the Audi poorer value for money against its more modern competitors.

7-spd dual-clutch auto/4wd

64 litres/space saver 420/1,325 litres 1,625/600/2,000kg 3yrs (60,000)/3yrs Variable/118 18th/15th 94/85/52/86/5 (2011)

7.3/7.4 secs 3.4/4.0 secs 5.7/7.6/10.6/N/A secs 136mph/1,950rpm 50.4/35.5/9.4m 68/45/61/67dB 39.8/8.8/560 miles 44.1/60.1/53.3mpg 9.7/13.2/11.7mpl 190/139g/km/29% Six/yes/yes/£325 No/no/no Yes/yes/no Yes/half-leather/£295 £550/yes/£425 Yes/yes/yes/yes

AUDI

ACCELERATION

DESPITE power and torque deficit to rivals, Q3 was the fastest car on test in the sprint from 0-60mph, helped by its dual-clutch automatic box.

EQUIPMENT

Q3 comes loaded with kit but no AEB, even as an option, could put many off.

Replacement (below) will address this.

3rd

THE Q3 feels tired in this company, and the lack of safety tech and connectivity hurts it now it’s in its twilight years. It’s desperate for a refresh with an all-new model arriving later this year (below), and while performance is decent, the Audi isn’t as efficient on paper (although it returned good mpg with us). Poor packaging also means it’s just not isn’t as practical as its rivals here.

★★★★★

AEB = Autonomous Emergency Braking. *Part of option pack. Insurance quotes from AA (Tel 0800 107 0680 or www.theAA.com) for a 42-year-old living in Banbury, Oxon, with three penalty points. Residual values provided by CDL VIP Data.

Coming soon www.autoexpress.co.uk

THE next Q3, as previewed by our exclusive image, will switch to the MQB platform. There’ll be a 187bhp 2.0 TDI, but petrol turbos and plug-in hybrids are also likely to feature.

Avarvarii

Is it worth waiting for this model?

Audi Q3

DUE: Late 2018 Price: From £27,000 (est) Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 187bhp

24 January 2018 43