This is the 2019 Volvo XC40, Volvo’s third sport utility vehicle (the others are the larger XC90 and XC60) and its first entry in the compact SUV market. The Swedish automaker claims the XC40 will be “among the safest, well-equipped compact SUVs available.” The all-wheel-drive T5 version will start at $35,200 and, next summer, Volvo will introduce the T4 front-wheel-drive version starting at $33,200. Why it mattersVolvo, which was acquired by Chinese automotive giant Geely in 2010, needs to stay competitive in the SUV market. At 174.2 inches long and 65 inches high, the T5 version of the XC40 has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The competitionThe XC40 will compete with a range of upscale compact and crossover SUVs, including the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and Lexus NXT.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 28, 2017 15:00 UTC