2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Review: Sacrifice Play

design , rest , technology , performance , Security , fuel economy , price ceiling , questions to ask

The major criticism of crossover-coupes is that they sacrifice the legibility of a sedan and the flexibility of a crossover within the title of fashion, all whereas carrying a excessive price ticket. and you understand what? I can forgive that. After all, if the type makes the buyer completely happy and they’re keen to pay, who am I to evaluate?

But not each crossover-coupe could make an argument sturdy sufficient that its sacrifices are worthwhile. after driving 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge for one week instantly after an analogous tenure in XC40This glossy crossover-coupe does not detract sufficient to make up for the shortcomings produced by its physique or the shortcomings inherent in Volvo’s EV structure.

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• Exterior Colour: Fjord Blue
• Interior Color: Charcoal / Fjord Blue
• Wheel Size: 20 Inch

C40 Recharge Follows the Crossover-Coupe Handbook to the Letter, The design of the B-Pillar Forward is actually the identical as that of the XC40 Recharge, which is itself a mildly modified model. Volvo sells on gas only XC40, A body-colour grille insert is the first distinction for the EV mannequin. Once previous the B-pillar, the physique traces and fenders are comparable, however they play out in opposition to an aggressively raked rear window that ends within the cutest little decklid. Wing spoilers and body-hugging taillights set the C40 aside, however conceal little or no of the household design traits.

This is true of the cabin to an excellent larger extent. Swedish minimalism stays fashionable and complex, however there isn’t any arguing that this design is getting slightly lengthy within the tooth. For instance, the touchscreen infotainment system is on the smaller facet. That mentioned, the C40’s accessible blue carpet and light-up trim items are a pleasing departure from the XC40. They come into play later within the evening, bathing the sprint and door panels in gentle, white mild.

• Seating Capacity: 5
• Seating Configuration: 2/3
• Cargo Capacity: 17.3 / 42.6 Cubic Feet

Like the XC40 Recharge, the C40 runs on a platform shared with gas-powered automobiles. That means vestigial traits just like the transmission tunnel that hold Volvo’s EV from feeling as open and ethereal as rivals using on a devoted skateboard platform. But there are additionally widespread issues in regards to the measurement of the C40. The aggressively raked roofline and restricted second-row legroom imply a rear seat is tough for all however the smallest adults to achieve.

The entrance seats, nevertheless, are snug and spacious, offering sufficient assist with out giving in to the big and claustrophobic facet bolsters. The backside seat cushion is a contact flat sides, however the thigh has sufficient assist that it does not punish tall adults. The journey is snug and pleasurable at each high and low speeds, proving to be aloof on tough roads and resting on undulating surfaces. The C40, just like the gasoline mannequin of the XC40, additionally maintains a stable management over wind noise.

• Center Display: 9.0-inch Touchscreen
• Instrument cluster show: 12.0-inch
• Wireless Apple AutomotivePlay or Android Auto: No

The Google Automotive infotainment system launched within the Polestar 2 has made its approach into the C40 and XC40 EV. Living on a portrait-oriented show that appears smaller than the corner-to-corner measurement of 9.0 inches, nonetheless advantages from the show Attractive graphics and fast reactions. I’m much less eager on Google’s infotainment suite than a few of my colleagues—I actually loved the format and elegance of Volvo’s older Sensus Connect system—however the fast start-up and straight-forward menus when turning on the C40 Layout Google’s system helps.

• Motor: Twin permanent-magnet synchronous
• Output: 402 horsepower / 486 pound-feet
• Transmission: Single-speed automated

The C40 is likty-split fast, blows doorways away from any single-motor rival and retains tempo with dual-motor choices with sportier pretense. The dash to 60 took simply 4.5 seconds, three-tenths quicker than the dual-motor, extended-range Ford Mustang Mach-E and in control with the Hyundai Ionic 5 and Kia EV6. Like these rivals, the C40 advantages from an enormous leap of torque from a standstill. The accelerator response is quick and gripping, even outdoors of the extra aggressive drive modes. However, the refined acceleration sound is fairly faint.

The C40’s dealing with is just not as sporty because it appears, however it’s not less than as entertaining as rivals just like the Volvo Ioniq 5 or the Volkswagen ID.4. It feels balanced and managed in corners, with predictable physique velocity and well-weighted steering, even when The large mass – 4,700 kilos – stays a continuing and annoying impediment. As my colleague Brett T. Evans added in his evaluate of the XC40 Recharge, the C40’s one-pedal braking system is fairly respectable. Throughout my weeks on the wheel, attentive driving meant I hardly ever needed to attain for the brake pedal.

• Driver Assistance Level: SAE Level 2 (Hands-on)
• NHTSA Rating: Not Rated
• IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick Plus

The C40 Recharge packs the identical Pilot Assist energetic security system as different Volvo fashions, that means one-button activation and wonderful conduct as soon as operating. In addition to rear automated emergency braking and hands-free driving, the C40 has virtually each energetic safety system on the mainstream market proper now.

But its rear visibility is aggressively mediocre. It’s worse than each different crossover in the marketplace, and I’m together with equally sized automobiles just like the BMW X4. You’ll spend a number of time with the rear-view mirror, and even then, your area of view supercar shall be poor.

• EV Range: 226 miles
• Efficiency: 94 City / 80 Highway / 87 Combined MPGE

• Base Price: $58,750 + $1,095 Destination
• Trim Base Price: $59,845
• Price as Trial: $60,540

Like the XC40, the C40’s beginning value eclipses many of the competitors, although the worth distinction narrows once you outfit these automobiles with dual-motor setups and longer-range batteries. Still, the C40 by no means looks like a very stable worth. Yes, it has a premium badge and efficiency is sharp, and with a shade apart from paint to select from, putting an order is tremendous straightforward.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, or Volkswagen ID.4 supply extra vary, comparable efficiency, and a lower cost tag. But for my consideration the C40’s major rival resides all through the showroom—the XC40 does the whole lot the C40 does, however with out compromising on second-line utility or rear sight, and for about $6,000 much less.