Volvo XC40 claims award
The Volvo XC40 has claimed a significant honour, adding the new car of the year title in the Motor Trader 2019 awards to its collection.
Its success confirms its status as a game-changing model in the fiercely competitive premium compact SUV market, more than a year on from its debut.
Motor Trader's judging panel was full of praise, saying: "The XC40 is a star turn. It shines on all the crucial fronts: convenient size, engaging driving dynamics, impeccable safety credentials and excellent build quality. These combine to make it an outstanding car."
The XC40 was admired for its restrained styling, projecting a look that is "more mannerly and less confrontational".
The judges were also impressed by the car's ride, handling, performance and refinement, which help make it an accomplished companion over long distances. Further appreciation was given to the "cool Scandinavian interior" and the impressive array of safety features fitted to every version in the range.
Kristian Elvefors, managing director of Volvo Car UK, says: "This latest award is a fantastic result, especially because it names the XC40 as the all-round best new car on sale. The XC40 has enjoyed an exceptional reception from the media and public alike, and we will continue to develop and improve its qualities to ensure it remains the car that sets the standard in its class."
According to Volvo, the XC40 exemplifies Volvo's transformation of its entire model range. It's a car that addresses all the priorities of today's premium-market customers in a package that is highly desirable yet full of practical touches to make life easier.
A large part of this appeal is down to the XC40's clean, contemporary Scandinavian styling, while its cabin is a calm, comfortable and luxuriously appointed place to be. It also delivers the latest in seamless onboard connectivity with unmatched safety technology.
A recipient of the maximum, five-star rating from ANCAP, the XC40 has excellent impact protection engineered in, while its array of advanced systems include city safety, which alerts you to a collision risk and can automatically apply the brakes in an emergency as required.
The Volvo XC40 also has emergency lane keeping, which intervenes more aggressively than its lane-keeping assistance in emergency situations to keep the SUV on the road or from hitting another vehicle.
The Volvo XC40 achieved 84 per cent overall for child occupant protection, with perfect scores for the dynamic tests with ANCAP's new 6-year-old and 10-year-old child dummies.
