Features / 6 May 2021 / Albert du Toit

New Volvo XC40 T4 Momentum vs R-Design – What an extra R58,000 gets you

Volvo’s popular entry-level SUV recently gained a new model, the XC40 T4.

As with the rest of the line-up, this new model will be available in Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design trims – with the T4 name referring to its petrol engine.

The most expensive R-Design trim costs R58,150 more than the cheapest Momentum, with differences visible on the inside and out.

On the outside, the R-Design differentiates itself through an exclusive grille, gloss black inserts around the windows, a gloss black roof with integrated roof rails, black rear-view mirrors, black skid plates, fog lights in the front bumper, and 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

The Momentum is fitted with a standard grille, body-coloured bits, silver skid plates on the front and rear, no fog lights, and 18-inch, five-spoke, silver alloy wheels.

The R-Design also has the Sport chassis with stiffer shocks, whereas the Momentum gets the Dynamic underpinnings that focus more on comfort.

Cabin capabilities

On the inside, the Momentum offers a great base specification – and the R-Design builds upon this with a few additions.

The five seats in the cheaper model are covered in fabric, whereas the range-topper offers Nubuck leather upholstery.

The latter also has mechanical cushion extensions, while both come with an electrically-adjustable driver’s seat as standard.

Both are fitted with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a leather multifunction steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 9-inch infotainment display.

This makes Bluetooth, navigation, voice recognition, road sign information, and Volvo On Call available – an app that will allow you to remote start and pre-condition your XC40 from your smartphone.

The comprehensive feature-set is improved by the R-Design package, as it adds a wireless charger, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities.

This trim also sports the versatility pack, which provides a powered tailgate and electric folding rear headrests.

Moreover, the more-expensive model adds exclusive interior design elements such as R-Design pedals, aluminium inlays, treadplates, and gear lever.

Driver assistance

Volvo has gone through a lot of effort to put multiple safety systems in their cars, which earned them the American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s top safety pick accolade.

Safety and assist systems are standardized across the entire XC40 range, comprising:

Rain sensors
Rear park assist
Lane keeping aid
Curtain airbags
Interior motion sensors
Front collision mitigation
Hill start and descent assist
Driver, passenger, and knee airbags

This is in addition to Volvo’s pilot assist system, city safety system, run-off road protection and mitigation, cross traffic alert with brake support, and a 360-degree camera on the T4.

It comes as no surprise then that this Volvo has been given a 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP programme.

T4 Dynamics

The newest T4 slots in as the mid-range petrol offering for the XC40 line-up, as well as the second-most-affordable variant.

Under the hood, both the Momentum and R-Design are powered by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 140kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

This motor pairs with an eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, with power sent to the front wheels only.

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.9l/100km, and acceleration from 0-100km/h is done in 8.3 seconds.

The motor allows a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,800kg, and the cabin can fit up to 460 litres of cargo with the rear seats up.

At its edges, the XC40 T4 measures 4,425mm long, 2,034mm wide, and 1,652mm tall – and weighs in at a kerb weight of 1,615kg.