Volvo’s XC40 has been made available with the brand’s first-ever three-cylinder engine.<\/p>\n
Bearing the T3 label, this 1.5-litre direct-injection petrol unit might be pocket-sized, compared to some of the other recent Volvo engines, but it certainly is punchy, producing a healthy 155bhp at 5,000rpm when linked to a six-speed manual transmission.<\/p>\n
An eight-speed automatic option will join the range at a later date.<\/p>\n
The manual version can complete the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in a respectable 9.4 seconds, returning a combined cycle fuel economy of 45.6mpg with CO2 emissions from 144g\/km.<\/p>\n
With 265Nm of torque available from 1,850rpm, all the way to 3,850rpm, the XC40 T3 packs plenty of pulling power, supporting a towing capacity of up to 1.6 tonnes with a braked trailer. <\/p>\n
Jon Wakefield, managing director of Volvo Car UK, reckons that the XC40 – the reigning European Car of the Year – is the ideal car in which to debut the new T3 engine.<\/p>\n
“[It is] a unit that demonstrates Volvo's commitment to innovative engineering and technology that prioritises compact packaging without compromising performance and efficiency,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Together with the other powertrain additions to the line-up, it gives us a comprehensive model range that will help the XC40 achieve its full market potential." <\/p>\n
Entry-level Momentum XC40s come with Volvo’s Sensus nine-inch touchscreen, sat-nav, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, 18-inch alloy wheels and a dual-zone climate control system that monitors and maintains cabin air quality.<\/p>\n
Keyless start, rear parking sensors, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and integrated roof rails are also included as standard.<\/p>\n
Prices for this new entry-level XC40 T3 start from £27,610, reaching up to £37,620 for the T5 Inscription Pro automatic. <\/p>\n
Other engines in the XC40 line-up include the well-proven, two-litre, four-cylinder T4 petrol and D3 diesel engines.<\/p>\n
The 187bhp T4 comes with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission as standard, while the 148bhp D3 is available as both a manual and an automatic with the latter adding the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.<\/p>\n
Completing the engine line-up are the established 243bhp T5 petrol and 187bhp D4 diesel units, both with all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.<\/p>\n
In June 2017, Volvo announced that it would be moving away from petrol and diesel cars, and that from 2019, every new Volvo will either be a mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid or a full-blown electric car. <\/p>\n
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