The Volvo C40 Story: A Swedish Happy Ending – Full Review

For a moment I wondered why on earth a car maker would release a fastback version of an SUV. I ask the same question every single time a car maker does it. 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge is one of the very few cases where the fastback version is vastly better looking than the SUV version.

The chunky Tonka toy looks are underlined by some pretty serious smarts. Drivetrains and cabin technology are shared with the XC40 Recharge. The Google Android OS is as fabulous as ever, though the launch event was not the place to properly explore it again.

Launch events are strictly about the drive, and since we know the XC40 like a member of the family, all we really wanted to know is, does the C40 drive well.

The answer my little chickens, is yes.

Even in single motor form, the 170kw unit feels spritely. I didn’t have the same chance at corners in the dual motor, as the drive was a straight 1 hour run from St Hugo in the Barossa, to the Adelaide airport.

Corners were a joy, but if you’re the type who like a stelly glued to the floor, the dual motor is joy beyond belief. I was surprised at the torque steer in the single motor model, and as we know, AWD eliminates the code brown moments in ICE vehicles, and the same is true driving an EV. 4.7 seconds to the hundy is my kinda car.

The Adelaide hills and Barossa Valley present some of the best driving roads in the world. The scenery is stunning and recent rains mean the place is as green as the Joker’s bum.

There is little road feel, no matter what EV you drive. People say the Porker is different but that’s because some believe Taycans can drive on water. That’s a load of old cobblers.

This Week Review: 2022 Volvo C40 – A Swedish Happy Ending – Full Review

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ABOVE: 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Launch Review

430km of range is acceptable from the larger (78Kwh) battery and an 80% (from 10%) top up will cost you about ½ an hour from a superfast charger. Slower is always better, no matter the brand. A slow AC charge at home is better for all, and most of us will never need to get that low on juice. Faster chargers mean DC, and DC costs bucks. Home charging with the aid of solar and off-peak is the way to go.

With promises of chargers every 100km on highways, roadtrips will be a goer in due course. We still have issues with charger reliability, availability, and credibility. The main providers really need to pick up their acts tout suite, and the touter the sweeter.

I can say a few hours at a stretch were a joy. The seat is as comfortable as a Swedish Club in gorgeous downtown Stockholm. The atmosphere is laid back and everything is easy to use.

You might compare Volvo to mainstream brands, but it is fairer to think of the Swede as every bit as good as the Germans, but less uptight. Volvo is not green-washing itself by aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. They mean to get there, and to do it because they want to not because someone told them to. Volvo says their buyers demand it, and so they do.

The upshot is the 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge Twin Motor is best. It costs many shekels, but premium cars cost, and that’s all there is to it.

For similar money you could get the Genesis GV60, or the larger Hyundai Ioniq5 or KIA EV6. Both charge faster and have more space. But if premium or luxury is a must have, and you insist on German or British, you simply will not do better then the Swede instead, regardless of what some will have you think.

Conclusion:

I already loved the XC40, and I love the Google OS, but the lack of an HUD is a bummer. Other than that, Volvo C40 Recharge is as sweet as a nut.