Volvo's award-winning XC40 has won the 2022 Drive Car of the Year award for Best Small Luxury SUV. It represents a back-to-back accolade for the popular SUV which also won the same award in 2021.
Vehicles in the Drive Car of the Year awards are judged against a set of criteria that are most relevant to the consumer including driver technology, comfort, safety, ongoing running costs, plus all the fun stuff including performance and handling.
In announcing the award, the Drive team of judges landed on:
"Exponential year-on-year sales growth in the small luxury SUV market segment suggests that more Australians are discovering the pleasure of owning a prestige compact SUV."
"And the best of the breed – again – is the Volvo XC40, a vehicle that combines space, Swedish style, substance and flair with sound driving dynamics."
"Aside from the key criteria of braking performance, overall road impressions and interior assessment, emotive factors like kerb appeal and design were discussed and considered."
"We are delighted that the Drive Car of the Year judges have once again recognised the success and popularity of our XC40 in this very competitive luxury SUV segment," said Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Stephen Connor.
"Volvo XC40 has set a high bar for performance and safety combined with functionality and Scandinavian style. This is reflected in the strong sales XC40 has achieved since it was launched in 2017".
"Our XC40 continues to outshine the competition via its fantastic performance, second to none equipment levels and not to mention great looks".
"The award not only reinforces Volvo as the fastest growing luxury car brand in Australia right now but also the most awarded".
Volvo XC40 has won several prestigious awards, including being named 2019 Wheels Car of the Year and Carsales Car of the Year in 2018, 2018 European Car of The Year, and 2018 Car of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show.
In 2021 Volvo launched an all-electric version of XC40, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which is the first of five all-electric models Volvo will launch over the next five years.
ENDS
Volvo Cars in 2021
VolvoCarGrouprecordedanoperatingprofit of 20.3 BSEK. Revenue in 2021 amounted to 282.0 BSEK, while global sales reached 698,700 cars.
About Volvo Car Group
Volvo Cars was founded in 1927. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales to customers in more than 100 countries. Volvo Cars is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, where it is traded under the ticker "VOLCAR B".
Volvo Cars aims to provide customers with the Freedom to Move in a personal, sustainable and safe way. This is reflected in its ambition to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.
As of December 2021, Volvo Cars employed approximately 41,000 full-time employees. Volvo Cars' head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars' production plants are located in Gothenburg, Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (US), Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou (China). The company also has R&D and design centres in Gothenburg, Camarillo (US) and Shanghai (China).