Volvo XC40 B3 MHEV

FIRST UK DRIVE Entry-level SUV gets new powertrain and tech as part of revamp

- Sean Carson

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.