CAR WARS
_____COMPACT
SUV BATTLE
Volvo XC40Volvo’s entry into the compact SUV arena has
been a critical success, and rightly so. Not
only does the XC40 have a T5 all-wheel-drive
version with a 247 horsepower 2.0-litre turbo
engine, a fully electric model is coming. An
imminent hybrid model twins the 1.5-litre
three-cylinder engine of the T3 with an
electric motor. Ideal for long journeys, there’s
pilot assist, run-off road protection, cross
traffic alert and a 360-degree camera, plus an
infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto. And this new model comes with
a new model of ownership: “Care by Volvo”,
which works much like a subscription.
From £28,310 volvocars.com
> >Range Rover Evoque 2019The Evoque has been a huge success, so it’s
no surprise the new version has cutting-edge
tech. Fitted with a mild hybrid powertrain,
with a full plug-in hybrid variant coming later,
it features Jaguar Land Rover’s Ground View
system, which removes the visual obstruction
of the bonnet by presenting the driver with a
camera view of the road below the front axle.
Another camera fitted to the rear windscreen
fixes an issue with the old model – you
couldn’t see out the back. The camera sends
HD video to the interior mirror, which can flick
between reflection or digital display, giving
you an unrestricted view of the road behind.
From £31,600 landrover.co.uk