Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC40 review – surprisingly capable compact SUV - MPG and running costs

The XC40 is actually a decent steer, chassis delivers good blend of agility and comfort, while petrol engines are punchy if characterless

Evo rating
  • Surprisingly nimble handling, neat design, comfort
  • Lifeless steering, bland engines

If you’re looking purely at the numbers then the diesel versions look to be the most cost-effective to run. Regardless of power output or transmission they all claim to return in excess of 50mpg on the combined cycle, while low CO2 emissions make them a relatively attractive choice as a company car. And yet the emissions aren’t that much lower than the petrols, which even in T5 guise return nearly 40mpg (the manual T3 on the smallest 18-inch alloys promises to crack 45mpg). As a result, there’s not much incentive to go diesel, unless of course you crack the 20-odd thousand mile annual threshold where the extra cost of buying a diesel and its pricier fuel are offset by its greater efficiency. You certainly won’t make any savings on road fund licence, with all cars costing the same to tax regardless of engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

On the plus side, the XC40’s early popularity with buyers mean’ that residuals are strong and should remain so for the next few years. Servicing costs are also reasonable, with Volvo offering various pre-paid options and long-life intervals.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024