Volvo XC40 review

Core cars come very well equipped as standard. Since the refresh, there are 18in wheels, cruise control, auto LED headlights, heated front seats, keyless entry, heated windscreen, seats and steering wheel, handsfree tailgate opening and front parking sensors. 

Plus adds in keyless entry, air purification, blindspot monitoring, and bigger 19in wheels, where the Plus Pro trim ramps things up with a 360-degree camera, fancier headlights, Pilot Assist driver assist and privacy windows.

Ultra does what it says on the tin with a fancy Harman Kardon sound system, enhanced driver’s seat, and panoramic glass sunroof.

The Black Edition follows suit, but hugs everything in a glorious glossy black that looks terrific in real-life when clean… and less terrific when not. Dirty is its default appearance unless you’re prepared to visit the car wash every other day.

Which one should I go for?

If the all-electric EX40 feels like a leap too far into the future, this mildly hybridised XC40 is a savvy halfway house. Handsome and well-mannered, it’s a thoughtfully engineered choice in such a busy arena.

It’s not what you’d call cheap, mind. The sweet spot is the Plus trim – whichever variant you opt for. It’s sufficiently kitted without putting you over the £40,000 threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement which, once crossed, adds another £425 onto your road tax for five years. The pano roof and sound system are nice, but possibly not that nice.