WHILE the big news surrounding Volvo's XC40 compact SUV might focus on the Recharge full-EV model's switch from front to rear-wheel drive, the Swedish brand has been quietly rolling out updates elsewhere in the combustion-engined line-up. One of the most interesting is the new entry-level B3 mild-hybrid version.
This 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol model replaces the previous 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged car and brings with it much more refinement.
Whereas the three-cylinder unit hummed, this new four-cylinder B3 is much smoother and more subdued. The electric motor's small 40Nm boost of torque means acceleration away from junctions is strong, with the refined combustion engine helping to propel the Volvo at a reasonable lick.
Thanks to 160bhp and 265Nm of torque, the XC40 has plenty of performance for a small SUV, accelerating from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. We'd say that's more than fast enough for most buyers' needs and, along with its quieter engine, addresses one of our main issues with the older three-cylinder entry-level model.
Esta historia es de la edición June 07, 2023 de Auto Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 07, 2023 de Auto Express.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Panorama highlights faults plaguing smart motorways
THE UK's smart motorway network is plagued with technological faults that are not fixed for days at a time, leaving drivers at risk, according to the latest edition of the BBC's Panorama programme.
Final tests for Range Rover EV
Land Rover reveals images of electric Range Rover
BYD will spread its wings by selling new Seagull in Europe
BYD will bring its value Seagull supermini to Europe and the UK, Auto Express can reveal, after the Chinese brand's executive VP, Stella Li, confirmed the plan in Beijing.
Mega MG model blitz
THE MG3 hatchback kicks off a big year for MG, with at least four other new models arriving in the next 12 months.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Toyota RAV4 Mk5
FROM £17,000 Spacious five-seat SUV also offers loads of standard kit and unburstable reliability
Tesla fires up 460bhp Model 3 Performance
TESLA has just revealed its new Ragship Model 3 Performance - a quicker, more powerful version of the brand's all-electric executive saloon car - and has put it straight on sale in the UK, with prices from £59,990.
ASPIRING LEADERS
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes on the Hyundai Tucson for compact family-SUV honours
HIGH ROLLERS
As Rolls-Royce hits 120 years old, meet the car makers that have tried to take it on - not always successfully
Jeep Wrangler
FIRST DRIVE Revised SUV icon gets enhanced interior tech
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
FIRST DRIVE Performance version of sleek new coupé is put through its paces