Test: Volvo C40 P8 Recharg

Volvo C40 P8 Recharge — test

2030 for Volvo is to be groundbreaking.Then the Swedes will say goodbye to the internal combustion engines, and adding to the names of the "Recharge" drive versions will cease to make sense.All models will be electricians.The tangible announcement of this change is the XC40 Recharge (this is an electric version not named like the Plug-in version).In turn, the first model of the new era is C40.

Don't let a long mask fool you.Under it you will always find an extra trunk with a capacity of 31 l, because unlike your angular brother, C40 is already offered only as an electrician today.First of all, the top version of the P8 hit the market-with a 408-horsepower set of engines driving both axles and it also parked in my garage for a week.I don't want to reveal everything at the beginning, but I would choose something calmer.Okay, in turn.

Wait, this car is XC40 with a cut roof

It's hard to disagree with that.Initially, the C40 distinguished the changed front, but the XC40 got a facelift and now it also has a characteristic, indented headlights.On the other hand - it was enough.The new Volvo looks fantastic, especially in the optional fjord blue color.The existing sides of the roof of the rear light attract looks, and the boldly beheaded rump only adds style to it.

Inside, an interior design is waiting for you.You will not find animal skin (even on the steering wheel), but you can genuinely fall in love with practical solutions prepared by the Swedes.There is no shortage of storage compartments or places for drinks, everything is softly finished, and the icing on the cake are details: a paw for parking tickets under the glass, pulled out trash bin or a hidden hook for a bag in front of the passenger.

It is a pity that one dimension, where the C40 differs from XC40 - height - reflects on two things.The first is visibility.Behind the wheel you feel a bit like a tank, and you can basically forget about the existence of the rear window.She is supposed to look, not act.The second is the place above the head.I did not lack it when I sat straightened, but leaning out the window, I picked up the hair on the roof.

Volvo was rather famous for its practicality, so it's a bit surprising.But I will still transport the wardrobe?

So small - yes.The trunk capacity has dropped to 413 liters, and the drooping roof line means that you do not fit much above the shelf.I am glad that Volvo has been Volvo, so the trunk is very well thought out.The space can be conveniently divided when you carry less items, and you can fit a charging cable under the floor.Optionally, it can be ended with a plugin on the so -calledstrength.

However, if you want to transport friends instead of a wardrobe, there will be no drama.Contrary to my fears on the back sofa, the space is enough, and the cut roof does not pat the hair even with higher passengers.The problem may arise when these passengers want to ... get off.The door is designed so that the hole is simply tight.For everyone who wants to send me on a diet - a friend who regularly went to tennis drew attention to.

Ok, or just if you want something practical, you take XC40, how is it supposed to be nice - you take the C40

Exactly.Theoretically, it can be said that C40 should also be a better electrician.A more aerodynamic silhouette and lower body can translate into better energy consumption results (and therefore a larger range), but I admit that I haven't noticed something like that.At least nothing would stand out from the competition.

On the rainy route, a cool day (approx. 0 degrees Celsius) at approx. 110–120 km/h I got 29.5 kWh/100 km.This translates into about 255 km of real range, because the P8 version battery has 75 kWh net.For comparison: 523 horsepower BMW IX in similar weather conditions consumed a similar amount of energy, although it is a huge car.In the city I managed to go down to 23 kWh/100 km.

Volvo is not distinguished by charging possibilities.It will take up to 150 kW on a fast charger, but the test showed that already at about 40 percent.You can count on a slightly over half of this value.Up to 60 percentThe car will take 70-80 kW and then limit the power again.A three -phase charger up to 11 kW is standard, so with the right installation at home you can supplement the battery to full.

Here I will attach to one more thing: silencing.I complained about it in the XC40 combustion and hoped that better aerodynamics would solve this problem, but this did not happen.On the route in C40 it is simply loud (even when a strong wind does not blow), although Mateusz Lubczański during the tests of this model in the Netherlands did not find a similar problem.Perhaps it's a matter of a copy.It is definitely worth checking it while trying before buying.

But I remember that C40 is 408 km?It must be a nice rocket

Ha, it's true.When I picked up the test car, the old V70 R became under the salon and I admit that in this car I see the spiritual successor of these former Volvo.It is true that there is no characteristic sound of a five -cylinder, but an inconspicuous -looking crossover can surprise when after pressing the right pedal catapulting ahead.During the rain, it's better to be careful, because year -round tires (as standard) gently lose traction.

Before pressing a stronger press, it is also worth warning passengers.According to the manufacturer, the sprint to a hundred lasts 4.7 s, and the acceleration literally sticks into the armchair.Importantly, even at higher speeds, C40 does not lose the pair and pushed away eagerly.Overtaking on the highway?No problem, make sure it's safe and fire.The maximum speed has been limited to the standard 180 km/h Volvo.

Forget about sports driving experiences.The Swedes focus on comfort, convenience and even incorporating the steering system in the stiffening options does not do with the C40 hot hatch.Enter the corner too quickly, and the body will lazily tilt, letting you know to slow down a little next time.Unfortunately, the mass of nearly 2.2 t speaks for itself.

Here, however, I want to go back to the C40 model range.Like the XC40, it is also available as P6 Recharge: with 231 km, one -wheel drive, a smaller battery and slightly lower range.However, I am ready to risk the statement that it is worth focusing on this variant.After my experience with electricians, I know that a weaker model should be dynamic enough, but also much more economical.

And probably cheaper ...

Oh yes.C40 prices start from PLN 216,900 and the surcharge for the top power version of P8 is a trifle of 31 thousand.zloty.The difference will be even greater if it turns out that the stronger configuration after choosing the allowances will not get a return under the "My electrician" program for entrepreneurs (for reminders: up to PLN 27,000).And basically in such a car I would not like to take a basis.

Don't get me wrong: Volvo in the Core version is well equipped.It has a reversing camera, glazed roof, LED headlights, a set of airbags, 19-inch aluminum rims and a pleasant multimedia system based on Android Automotive, which allows, for example, to install Spotify or using Google Maps.There is also a Google assistant - you can ask him to change the temperature, restore your favorite song or even ... turning on the light at home.It is a pity that it does not work in Polish.

However, it is only in the plus variety that we get an adaptive cruise control with the Pilot Assist function, air conditioning with Cleanzone and Air Filter, as well as these compartments in the trunk.I would pay extra.The level above is the Ultimate version, includingwith better headlights and a top audio set.

Regardless of the version, the list of options is very limited and identical.You can choose varnish, 20-inch rims, tinted rear windows, other interior finish (for even PLN 10,700).There is also a Climate package: heated front seats, steering wheel and heat pump.It raises the price by PLN 4,700, but in our climate I think it is a must.

It is not bad, but it is not better to choose something from the competition?

It all depends on expectations.For similar money as P6 (PLN 219,000), Tesla offers a base model 3 with better performance, better equipment, better charging options and a larger range - even 510 km.However, Volvo is more practical.Mercedes EQA is cheaper, but it is not as outstanding as C40.In turn, Audi Q4 35 E-Tron Sportback will be equally attractive, but it is more spacious.Volvo is faster and has a greater range.

An interesting proposition is also the Korean duo: Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5. Both are conspicuous, have substantial ranges, good performance and can really load quickly.Hook?Both will give way to Volvo in the quality of the materials used in the interior.Similarly, Volkswagen Id.5, which in turn makes up for the range and performance.

The C40 is not a breakthrough on the electric car market.But he also has something to defend.It is extremely stylish and in my opinion - a brilliant interior.Visibility could be better, it is a bit tight, but the practicality and quality of materials definitely distinguishes them from the competition.The Android system will draw the attention of geeks, and the price of the P6 variety is adequate to the capacity of the car.

Is it a breakthrough for Volvo?Well, a real challenge in front of the Swedes.The full electrification of the whole range will mean that their cars will have to meet the requirements of all customers - including those who chose their spacious station wagon with diesel.They will look at today's proposal with a grain of salt.Even if you tell them that a 40-minute break for charging 250 km will make the jokes of the Google assistant more pleasant.

View full technical data Volvo C40 P8 Recharge at Autocentrum.pl