I hate small SUVs /CUVs- but would subscribe to the Volvo XC40

"DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars." (dfwscars)
10/10/2018 at 17:46 • Filed to: volvo, suv, cuv, xc40, Volvo XC40

I’ve always been a fan of Volvos, but at some pint in the past they had lost their way along the way (probably around or after the Ford era).

It was a bit like the Sabb GM deal, but forunatly ended better for Volvo. In swooped C hinese c ar maker Greeley to inject some much needed funds and help rejuvinate the brand to it’s current renaissance. It started here in the U.S. with the V90 sedan, then the XC90, 60, and now the 40. Smaller shouldn’t be better, right? The XC40 makes me wonder that just like my Tesla Model 3 does .

My loan was the R-Design spec which meant sportier trim, better performance , and a overall funner driving experience. And not to mention those rims.

The driving experience is nothing short of fantastic, and this feels more like a BMW than a Volvo, which isn’t something I thought I ever would say. The design is traditional Volvo and the interior is incredible.

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The leather and alcantara adorning the seats gives the vehicle a super premium feel. The interior is certainly up there with other SUVs in this class, and even could confuse some with larger more expensive vehicles. That said, on the R-Design trim the metallic/plastic poka dot bits on the doors and dash aren’t my favoirte thing, but that’s really the only interior complaint.

As for the drive, it won’t fool you into thinking it’s a sportscar, but no small SUV would . But, you will have fun and it’s one of the sportier SUVs in this class. I espeically liked the upgraded T5 engine my test vehicle had.

So about that subscription... you can buy this SUV starting at 33k US and going right up to the mid 40s if you check every box (and the R Design and all the self driving and safety tech you can order, help justify the premium price of a fully loaded model). Or... you can esentially subscirbe to this SUV for $750 a month. That may seem pricey, but compared to a 2 year lease, the fact it has no commitment, insurance, and maintenance being included might make it a good deal for some.

Check out the video review below:

DISCUSSION (26)

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 17:52

Let me know which small SUVs you’re a fan of. Most I’ve driven felt compromised in some small way.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 17:58

Full disclosure, I love small SUV’s. If this is how hatchbacks survive, let it be so.

XC40 R, CX-3GT, GLA45 AMG and the S telvio Q uadrifoglio are all great for dd’s

Klaus Schmoll > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 18:08

Fancy Renegade!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 18:09

I was going to say 750/month is rediculous but including insurance is a nice touch. Plus I’d you another color, or the car needs work then it should be as easy as stopping by the dealer and signing a paper.

I wonder if the whole subscription thing will being back colors to cars. With less commitment people my be more willing to go for yellow, orange, lime green or even pink.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 18:10

My 2006 CRV probably isn’t fantastic but it’s based on a civic and it’s pretty good commuting. I think I will look at used Volvos from the current models if I ever ditch the CRV. With three other old cars the Honda is just cheap to own and works. I like the tall wagon Volvo has now, I'd probably try to get one of those over an SUV.

wafflesnfalafel > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 18:32

a lady at work has a brand new one of those, slate blue with the cream top - and it’s about the best looking small CUV I’ve seen...

Chariotoflove > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 18:50

Hey, haven’t seen you in forever.

We tested a CX-5 three years ago (does that count as small these days?). I really liked the look, and still do. My wife did not like the drive, and it had too much road noise (a common problem with Mazda). I think the look in the latest revision has only gotten better, and I hope the interior improvemen ts and extra power have solved the deficiencies. I want them to succeed.

The Dummy Gummy > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 19:04

I love this car but the weird gap on the hood and front quarter panel I can’t get past. I don’t know why..

That being said I can’t figure out how Volvo is getting people to buy into these expensive ‘subscriptions’ aka leases. The caveat always being thrown out is “insurance and maintenance included”; insurance is basically $125 a month on top of a lease of peer leases and maintenance is silly since you’ll likely won’t need any in the two year span. People are being sold a bag of goods with this ‘deal’.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/10/2018 at 21:40

I have to say, I’ve really been liking their designs lately.

I’m not sure I’d want to own one (maintenance costs), but they sure look nice. And having sat in the interior of one of their wagons at a car show, it was a very nice place to sit. Crazy expensive, though.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > Chariotoflove
10/11/2018 at 00:42

Hey hey. I compare this closer to the CX3, and the 5 prob closer to the XC60. Mazda is def working on going upscale. The new 6 and even CX9 really are quite luxurious.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
10/11/2018 at 00:44

I love the Stelvio! I t feels a bit more midsize. Either way, a great vehicle.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > BaconSandwich is tasty.
10/11/2018 at 00:46

Volvos of old were tanks (not sure how true that is still), and for awhile they threw in a maintence plan. On any luxury/sports vehicle I always take it to a 3rd party shop that specializes in that brand, unless the company has a prepaid maintence plans (Audi, BMW, and Benz all have plans for less than 1k for the first several services).

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)
10/11/2018 at 00:47

For sure. Used these should be a bargain. I also am a fan of that wagon one.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/11/2018 at 00:48

I hope so. I miss colors! And omce there is competition on the space, prices should come down.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > The Dummy Gummy
10/11/2018 at 00:52

The Volvo one is one of the better ones out there. Edmunds did a comparison awhile back. But still, if you can commit to a 2 year lease & buy the maintence plan it probably will be cheaper as you mention. O nce competition increases, prices should come down.

The Dummy Gummy > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/11/2018 at 07:33

Competition was there before they entered. The only difference is their marketing scheme calling a lease a subscription .

Chariotoflove > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/11/2018 at 09:46

I remember sitting in the CX9 and thinking how great it felt. The owner of the dealership chatted with me about how the 6 was going to get the same engine. I figured I wouldn’t hold my breath. Then it did.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
10/11/2018 at 10:19

$750/mo, minus $120 for insurance, still $630/mo. Now lets say oil changes/tires/brakes account for another $50/mo over the life of the car, we’re down to $580/mo... What else? Are we at over $500/mo for a small CUV?

RPM esq. > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/11/2018 at 15:32

I happen to know from recent experience that Volvo dealers sell a quite reasonable range of maintenance plans on both used and CPO cars.

RPM esq. > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
10/11/2018 at 15:34

Have you driven a GLA45? I don’t mind CUV’s/small SUV’s/tall hatchbacks generally but it’s not a great design and the interior is terrible for a Mercedes, or any car that costs that much.

RPM esq. > DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars.
10/11/2018 at 15:34

I strongly suspect one of these will be Mrs. RPM’s next car. I really, really like them.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > The Dummy Gummy
10/11/2018 at 15:36

right- because if I recall right it’s a 12 month “subscription” so it’s essentially a 12 month lease. You’d have to run the #s on if a 12 month lease, maintenance plan+ insurance . Prob could save $ on the short lease, but I know short term leases are pretty pricey because most depreciation happens pretty early. I know extending a 3 year least to a 4 had nearly the same total payment, because for some reason that car did most of its depreciation in the 1st 3 years (year 4 was only like 2% ) .

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > RPM esq.
10/11/2018 at 16:40

Can you even buy these or are these subscr iption only?

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/11/2018 at 17:18

I believe you can— i t lets me configure it on the website at least and gives me an MSRP.

DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars. > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
10/11/2018 at 17:27

I don’t know if $500 a month on 40- 50k SUV, is THAT crazy. Looks like $439 on a 36 Mo. lease with $3,539 cash due at signing. Shorter term lease are inevitably more, and not sure the 750 requires anything down.

As someone said it’s just a rebranded 24 month lease with a neat 12 month upgrade option thrown in . It’s not bad if you want to swap cars every 12 months, and were gonna do a pricier 24 month lease anyway.

RPM esq. > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/12/2018 at 01:33

You can buy them normally.