2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid

With the introduction of the new Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid, Volvo is the first manufacturer in the world that offers a hybrid version of every model that it sells.  Volvo’s 2021 SUV compact plug-in hybrid is designed for keeping the running costs low and the carbon emissions as close to zilch as possible.  This low emission role makes the new hybrid version of the XC40 family a perfect car for the urban environment, where it spends most of its time commuting about town.  Then, occasionally, when the call of the wild is heard, its owner will be more than impressed with the small SUV’s ability out on the open road and even out on the gravel.  This is an excellent vehicle with so much to like about it.

Let’s start at the business end of the vehicle, where an electric motor and petrol engine work in harmony to create a sweet blend of power and economy with less tailpipe emissions.  The new Volvo XC40 T5 Recharge Hybrid SUV uses a 132 kW of power from a petrol engine and a 60 kW electric motor.  By combining Volvo’s highly efficient, compact 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, this innovative plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers strong performance out on the road while allowing zero emission commuting in your concrete jungle.  The XC40 also puts out 265 Nm of torque, which is a decent amount of pulling power for most fully laden tasks.  Volvo has rated the Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid capable of towing a 750 kg unbraked trailer or a braked trailer up to 1800 kg.  Around 450 litres of boot space comes in handy behind the rear seats.

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid

There is a choice between driving modes, and the choice will come down to the driver’s needs and the mood they might be in.  The Hybrid mode is the default setting for the car, and this is where it uses both powerplants to optimise comfort and fuel range.  Pure mode means exactly that: in this mode you’re driving in 100% electric drive with zero emissions.  Pure mode is active at speeds up to 125 km/h, so is a perfect mode for inner city driving and commuting to and from work.  Then, there is Off-Road mode for when you really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and go and smell the roses.  Off-Road mode optimises the XC40’s stability and traction on poor roads and slippery surfaces at lower speeds.  Keeping in mind that this is a FWD only compact SUV and not a full AWD 4×4, you can then appreciate that you’re not going to go bush bashing in a car like this.

There’s also an Individual mode where you can configure your own customized drive according to what you think is best for your needs.  However, Volvo have done a great job with the standard Hybrid mode and thus I find it simpler to work with the car in this mode for the most part.  The car is always defaulting to driving in electric mode as much as possible, and who doesn’t appreciate a car that ensures that your drive is being worked out in the environment’s favour as well as your wallet’s.

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid SUV has regenerative braking as a feature that extends the electric range.  Every time you release the accelerator or press the brake pedal, electric energy is fed back to the battery.  Volvo have mounted the battery pack at the centre of the car for the perfect balanced weight distribution and low centre of gravity.  The clever design helps to make the XC40 hybrid feel very sure-footed while providing the most space for passengers and cargo.  The hybrid powertrain is mated to a very slick and quick-shifting 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission that drives the front wheels.  Up to 45 km on pure electric mode is possible on a full charge, and Volvo claim an average fuel consumption figure of well under 3 litres/100 km and on average an emission rating of lower than 60 g CO₂/km.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid is a delightful vehicle to travel in.  A nice view of the road in front, the ride is exceptionally comfortable, and the seats offer classic Volvo comfort.  The interior is very contemporary and feels superbly constructed.  The materials are of the highest quality and there is excellent technology as standard.  Rain sensing wipers, a powered tailgate, auxiliary inputs, USB sockets, Bluetooth, a multi-function infotainment screen, DAB+ radio, a 14-speaker sound system, GPS, electric front seats, 2-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a cooled glovebox, distance control, keyless start, voice recognition and under seat storage are all standard items on your brand new Volvo XC40 hybrid model.  If the standard version still isn’t quite enough, then optional packages are available to kit out the vehicle just the way you would like.

As far as safety goes, the small XC40 Recharge Hybrid SUV comes with 5-star safety that includes features like: active headlights with auto level adjustment, LED exterior lights, a rear camera, ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, collision avoidance systems, road sign displays, blind spot monitoring, pedestrian avoidance with braking, cross traffic alert, driver attention detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping – active assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill descent control and hill start assist.  There are seven airbags around the cabin.

Buy a new 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid and you drive off with a 5 year/unlimited km warranty with a 5 year roadside assist programme for the ultimate back up.  At around $65 k it isn’t the cheapest SUV on the market, but it does provide so much class and style in a growing hybrid SUV segment.  Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV still takes some beating, and so too Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid, so make sure you drive these before you buy to help you make the best-informed decision.  Volvo’s XC40 SUV definitely feels that little bit more special, not to mention unique.

2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge Hybrid

The new Volvo XC40 models include the:

• XC40 T4 Momentum
• XC40 T4 Inscription
• XC40 T5 R-Design
• XC40 Recharge Plug in Hybrid

For any more information on the new Volvo XC40 Recharge compact SUV or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Volvo dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!