Volvo XC40 named 2018 European Car of the Year in Geneva

volvo xc40 european car of the year

That’s an ice-breaker for Volvo

As it is customary, the jury has spoken ahead of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show: Volvo's XC40 is the European Car of the Year.

The XC40 SUV pulls off what no other Volvo model could, bringing the first European Car of the Year title for the Swedish carmaker.

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The Volvo XC40 was revealed last year in a segment where competition is getting tougher by the month, but Volvo is betting on in and out styling cues inspired by the model's peers – XC60 and XC90 – and no-nonsense technology in the attempt to steal a slice of the small premium SUV pie.

Already available to order throughout Europe, the new Volvo XC40 offers five 2-liter powertrain choices (three petrols and two diesels) with power outputs ranging between 150 and 250 hp.

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T4, T5, and D4 models come with all-wheel drive and customers can fit any model with an optional automatic gearbox.

First reviews of the new Volvo XC40 revealed the crossover is not making any sporty claims like most of its rivals, but instead impresses when it comes to comfort, frugality, looks and material quality.

READ MORE: Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine test drive