EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

Charming character
Great looking
Incredibly spacious

Dislikes

Highish price
Huge service costs
Plenty of options boxes
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
3 May 2018
2 min read

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.

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.

Read the full 2018 Volvo XC40 review

Volvo XC40 2018: D4 R-Design Launch Edt (Awd)

Engine Type Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type Diesel
Fuel Efficiency 5.3L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $28,930 - $34,870
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$30,467
Based on 24 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$23,800
HIGHEST PRICE
$37,990
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
Matt Campbell has been at the forefront of automotive media for more than a decade, working not only on car reviews and news, but also helping manage automotive outputs across print, online, video and audio. After completing his media degree at Macquarie University, Matt was an intern at a major news organisation as part of the motoring team, where he honed his skills in the online automotive reviews and news space. He did such a good job there they put him on full time, and since then he has worked across different automotive media outlets, before starting with CarsGuide in October 2017. At CarsGuide Matt has helped shape the video output of the business, while also playing a key role in management behind the scenes, and helping in-market new car buyers make the right choice by continually evolving CarsGuide's comparison reviews. Driving more than 100 cars a year seemed like a dream to Matt when he first started out, but now it's all just part of the job - a job he loves and plans to stay in for a long time to come. Matt is also an expert in used car values, as he's always on the hunt for a bargain - be it a project beater or a prime example of the breed. He currently owns a 2001 Audi TT quattro and a 2007 Suzuki Jimny JLX.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

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