Why the Fuel-Frugal 2019 Volvo XC40 Is Wowing Grads of Auto Mechanic College

After travelling through a period of financial uncertainty, Volvo has come through the other side of the tunnel and is now looking to impress the next generation. The Swedish manufacturer still aims to be a benchmark for reliability, but also wants to build fun cars for young couples.
The 2019 XC40 is the smallest relative in Volvo’s crossover range, but it has impressed critics so far with its impressive fuel efficiency, practicality, and general joyous feel. The North American customer is increasingly looking for more space in their cars, and manufacturers are responding to this with an expanded range of crossovers. The XC40 must do a lot to impress, so let’s take a closer look at whether it hits the mark.

The XC40 Is Cheap to Run and Good Value to Buy

Volvo has pulled off an amazing feat with its latest creation. It’s the most powerful among its competitors with 248-horsepower, but it also stays towards the top of the list for fuel efficiency. The XC40 has recorded a combined 11km/l between city and highway driving. That figure is only matched by Mazda’s CX-5 AWD, which has over 50 fewer horses under its hood.
Students in automotive mechanic courses should note that the Mercedes GLA250 4matic, BMW X1, and the Audi Q3 Quattro come a little closer to matching the Volvo’s power, but still can’t rival its fuel efficiency.
Start-up costs are also decently competitive. The basic XC40 will set buyers back just under $40,000 (CAD), which falls into the middle of the list against its nearest rivals.

Technology & Practicality Give the XC40 a Nice Interior

One of the extras drivers can opt for is ‘lava’ coloured carpets for their new Volvo. It’s a clear sign that Volvo is trying to shake off its sensible roots, but the interior is about much more than looks. A sleek, portrait touch screen is like having an iPad in the centre console. It also acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot and offers compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are also plenty of other cool touches in the cabin, like hooks on the glove box door and in the trunk to hold small bags. These are small practical additions add a little dash of convenience to the space.

Students at Auto Mechanic College Will Be Impressed by the Clever Engineering

The XC40 is also the first of Volvo’s North American models to be built using Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). Grads from auto mechanic course might know that this refers to a fixed dash-to-axle distance in different vehicle types. For example, all of Volvo’s 40 series models will have the same CMA, meaning that the cabin or nose can be re-designed without having to re-engineer engine mount points or driveline placement.
As a result, despite being a crossover, the XC40 feels small on the road. It also retains the spaciousness of a large vehicle, as Volvo tries to lure families carrying plenty of equipment. One thing is sure: Volvo’s latest addition certainly does catch the eye: