Volvo XC40 R-Design 2018 review: snapshot

There are only two steps in the Volvo XC40 2018 range, and the R-Design is the top one.

The sporty looking R-Design variant is aimed at offering buyers a more aggressive option than the entry-level variant.

There are two drivetrains available. The T5 petrol model has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 185kW/350Nm. The D4 has a 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine with 140kW/400Nm.

Explore the 2018 Volvo XC40 range

• Volvo XC40 2018 review
• Volvo XC40 Momentum 2018 review: snapshot
• Volvo XC40 R-Design 2018 review: snapshot
• Volvo XC40 2019 review: Inscription T4
• Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design Launch Edition 2018 review
• Volvo XC40 2020 review: Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
• Volvo XC40 2021 review: Recharge PHEV
• Volvo XC40 2022 review: Recharge Pure Electric

The T5 petrol R-Design is priced at $54,990 (plus on-road costs), while the D4 diesel R-Design attracts a bit of a premium, listing at $57,990.

Like most Euro manufacturers, the standard spec is better than it once was - but there are still plenty of options available to choose from. And over the Momentum grade - which is pretty well stacked - the R-Design has a lot of additional gear.

The most obvious change compared with the Momentum is the more aggressive R-Design exterior styling including a blacked out gloss grille, black contrasting roof and dual black tailpipes, 20-inch diamond-cut black alloy wheels, plus it rides on the ‘sport chassis’ with stiffer suspension, and adaptive headlights with cornering beams.

Inside it gets R-Design perforated leather trim on the seats, steering wheel (which also gets paddleshifters), and gear selector, plus it has a black headliner. In addition to electric driver’s seat adjustment, R-Design models get electric passenger seat adjust, plus there’s full keyless entry, an electric tailgate with gesture function, and ambient mood lighting.

Other standard inclusions consist of LED 'Thor's Hammer' headlights with automatic high-beam, auto-dimming mirrors inside and out, a 12.3-inch digital driver information display, 9.0-inch touchscreen media system with sat nav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, eight speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Qi wireless phone charging.

Safety is covered with seven airbags, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors, auto emergency braking (AEB) front and rear, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, and a system called 'run-off road protection and mitigation' that can detect if you veer off the tarmac unintentionally.