Volvo XC40 Interior
Step inside the XC40 and you are greeted with a cabin that is appointed in a very funky way and definitely has oomph. Volvo offers two interior choices: All Black and Black with Lava. While we did check out a red car with all black interiors, our test car came with the latter combination. The door pads, carpets and floor mats finished in Lava Orange lend a super contrast to the rest of the black in the cabin. Volvo is targeting a younger customer base with the XC40 and this should work in that favour. A refreshing departure from the usual dual tone black and beige combo that we are so used to seeing. There is no compromise on the fit and finish in the cabin and it is right there with the more expensive Volvos. The vertical AC vents with knurled knobs, the buttons on the centre console (very few) etc. everything reeks of quality. The three spoke multi function steering wheel is typical Volvo and feels nice to hold. The digital instrument cluster is very pleasing to the eyes. The 9 inch iPad style touch screen for the Sensus infotainment system is the largest in its class and is super easy to use. It houses all the functions of the XC40. It is however prone to be a fingerprint magnet. The dashboard gets textured inlays instead of the wooden ones seen in its siblings. The door pockets are very spacious due to the absence of front speakers. These have been moved inside the dashboard. The central armrest is large and gets a nice removable dustbin. You get a 13 speaker Harman Kardon sound system as standard. While we love the Bowers & Wilkins systems in the higher end Volvos, the Harman will not disappoint. Notes are clear and sound is very pleasing to the ears. Other features include dual zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones and a panoramic sunroof. On the other hand, there are a few hard plastic bits on the bottom half of the centre console that lack the premium feel.
The seats in the XC40 are finished in leather and Alcantara. They feature contrast stitching as well. The front seats are very supportive and get electric adjust. You can also extend under thigh support manually. The driver’s seat also gets memory function and hidden storage space below. The rear seats gets ample legroom and headroom but is best suited for two passengers. However, the seat itself sits pretty low and that translates to a lack of under thigh support. The back rest too is a bit upright. Also the angled window line can make the rear passengers feel claustrophobic. All four seats get heating which is actually not needed considering the Indian climate. Cooled seats would have been a welcome addition. The boot is large at 460 litres and Volvo has smartly added a storage compartment between the boot floor and the space saver wheel well. The tail gate can be opened electrically by waving your foot under the bumper. It is kind of a hit and miss and it took a couple of tries to get it to work. The boot also gets the auto close function.
Contd…
