2019 Volvo XC40
If you’re Volvo, how do you follow up the fantastic XC90 full-size and XC60 mid-size crossovers? Well, automotive logic would dictate things would continue to trickle down; and indeed they have, with an all-new, compact sized, 2019 Volvo XC40.
It may be Volvo’s smallest crossover yet, but it feels big for the class. And, it is the first modern Volvo not built on the SPA platform, but a new Compact Modular Architecture.
Looking taller and stubbier than its bigger kin, the XC40’s exterior is both bold and cartoonish. We also see traces of Land Rover and Jeep in its luxo-rugged design. There’s plenty to draw the eyes here; from the scooped out grille, deep body cuts, an available contrasting roof, and even a little Swedish flag sticking out from under the clamshell hood. Just don’t tell anyone it’s actually made in Belgium.
Our tester is a T5, which in current Volvo-speak means the 2.0-liter I4 underneath the hood is turbo-charged. Sums of 248–horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque put it well above class average.
An 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive are standard with the T5. Volvo is of course, no stranger to the front-wheel-drive based all-wheel-drive game; having fielded examples for some 20-years, since the 850 Estate, becoming V70XC here in the states.
A naturally-aspirated, 2.0-liter, front-wheel-drive only, XC 40 T4 will arrive here later this year, with a plug-in hybrid and pure EV following that.
The suspension design, and our T5’s ride itself, favors that of its bigger kin; yet needless to say, its diminutive size makes it a breeze to whip around city streets, as well as in and out of traffic. Which you can do quite easily, with incredibly powerful response from the engine.
So, the XC40 squirts off the line quite efficiently as well, capable of hitting 60 in just 6.3-seconds. Power arrives early and stays, shifts click through quickly and smoothly, for a ¼-mile ending in 14.8-seconds at 95 miles-per-hour.
The XC40 felt nimble and eager through our cone course. Steering is very light, yet we always had a good sense of where our wheels were pointing.
There’s laser-like attention to interior details, with a wealth of sensible storage options throughout the cabin. On the flip side, the shortage of physical controls, and over reliance on a big touch screen, didn’t impress us.
When it comes to materials and theme, it’s totally Swedish; with pleasant-looking aluminum on the dash, nicely carpeted door panels, and fit-and-finish commensurate with rival luxury brand.
Size has not impacted the Volvo comfort we’ve come to expect, with a fairly high seating position; again, giving you the impression it’s a larger vehicle.
Rear seat legroom is quite good as well, with adequate headroom for most adults.
In back, there’s 20.7 cubic-ft. of cargo space, maxing out at 47.2 with the rear seats folded; not as roomy as some, but the space is flexible and very nicely finished.
When it comes to safety systems, if Volvo has it, it’s here; and not just available, but standard.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 23-City, 31-Highway, and 26-Combined. We saw a good 27.8 miles-per-gallon with the required Premium. The Energy Impact Score is an average one, at 12.7-barrels of yearly petroleum use, along with CO2 emissions of 5.6-tons.
If all of that wasn’t enough, you can buy one for a more than reasonable $34,195. The T5 with all-wheel-drive, starts at just $36,195. And with this vehicle, Volvo is also launching a new subscription service, that will allow you to get a vehicle including insurance and maintenance for one monthly payment, with no money down. And, much like the millennials they are going after probably already do with their smartphones, you can upgrade your vehicle after as little as one year.
But, what really matters, is that the 2019 Volvo XC40 delivers on all points, with a refined interior and ride quality found nowhere else in the compact segment. Now that Volvo has revamped their entire SUV lineup in just 3-years, it’s hard not seeing the XC40 following in the footsteps of XC90, and 60; which is to say, being another big success.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0 liter
- Horsepower: 248
- Torque: 258 lb.-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds @ 95 mph
- EPA: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 12.7 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 5.6 tons/yr
2024 Acura TLX Type S
A Grown-Up Sport Sedan Looking To Do Boy Racer Things
While the recent and highly successful relaunch of the Acura Integra has been hogging most of the brand’s headlines, the Integra is not the only sporty car that Acura builds. In fact, it’s the all-wheel-drive TLX Type S that remains Acura’s quickest and best handling sport sedan. Add in numerous updates for 2024 and it clearly demands our attention once again.
We are indeed looking closer at this updated 2024 Acura TLX Type S sport sedan and noticing quite a few changes. For starters, it’s one very aggressive looking four-door. Most of that due to the Type S upgrades which include a front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser, big quad exhaust tips, Brembo brakes, and 20-inch wheels, though all TLXs get updated front fascias and grillwork for ’24.
Inside the tech-heavy interior, things look and feel great with upscale materials and fine stitching. A new 12-inch Precision Cockpit Digital Instrument cluster, ELS Premium Audio, wireless phone charging, and ambient lighting are now standard on all TLXs.
The upgraded infotainment screen grows from 10- to 12-inches and features faster processing, though after spending a year with an Integra and its touchscreen, having to use the touchpad interface here in the TLX is a clear step back in terms of functionality. Updates specific to the Type S include a surround view camera and a 10.5-inch Head Up Display. And there’s no taking a back seat to luxury in the back seat of the TLX; plenty of comfort and space for adults, plus some new charging ports.
A 272-horsepower 2.0-liter I4 turbo comes in the standard TLX, but thankfully the Type S’s fire-breathing 3.0-liter turbo V6 is still under the hood here, putting out 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. No changes for either engine, but we’ll take that as a great thing these days. And there may not be any additional power, but there is sharper throttle response in Sport+ mode than before, so it will give you the impression that you’re working with a little more. Transmission remains a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive is standard with the Type S and A-Spec, only the base TLX remains front-wheel-drive only.
Spring maintenance was still in progress at our test track and things weren’t quite fully prepped for the season just yet, so the Type S’s all-wheel-drive traction was much appreciated; as it allowed us to pounce off the line and rip to 60 in just 5.0 seconds flat, a tenth quicker than the last Type S we tested in ’21. It ripped through first and second gears quickly, before settling down a bit as it worked its way to the end of the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds at 104 mph.
And there may not be any additional power, but there is sharper throttle response in Sport+ mode than before, so it will give you the impression that you’re working with a little more.
While far from a noisy car, Acura has installed some thicker carpet to quell what little road noise was apparently seeping in. Thankfully, they didn’t do anything to dampen engine or exhaust noises, as they sound fantastic.
This TLX scooted through our cone course quite efficiently, behaving as if on the proverbial set of rails. Type S tuning includes additional bracing for the chassis, plus firmer settings for the adaptive dampers that are part of the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension.
Acura’s SH-AWD has been torque-vectoring power between all four wheels since long before that was commonplace; and its technical heavy-handedness is evident, as while it was slicing through the exercise with precision, it wasn’t always obvious how it was all happening. The Brembo brakes felt great, and were fade-free, but at 125 feet from 60 mph, stops were closer to family sedan territory than the typical sport sedan.
But there’s no skimping on active safety here, with full Acura Watch features including Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, and Advanced Pedestrian Detection standard on all TLXs.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19-City, 25-Highway, and 21-Combined; we averaged a good 23.6 mpg of Premium. That’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score; using 14.2-barrels of oil yearly, while emitting 6.9-tons of CO2.
A simplified pricing structure now leaves you with three TLX choices, Technology, A-Spec, and Type S; things start at $46,195; this Type S will set you back $58,195.
Is it worth it? Well, it all depends on what your priorities are. If you’re looking for a super comfy luxury commuter, then probably not. But, if you’re looking for a superior driver’s car, with the most performance you can get in an Acura sedan, and plan on putting it to good use, then the 2024 Acura TLX Type S is absolutely worth it.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.0-liter turbo V6
- Horsepower: 355
- 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
- 60-0 Braking: 125 feet (avg)
- MW Fuel Economy: 23.6 mpg (Premium)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Torque: 354 lb-ft.
- 1/4 Mile: 13.5 seconds at 104 mph
- EPA: 19 City | 25 Highway | 21 Combined