This compact SUV brings some welcome fresh blood into a hugely competitive segment: it vies with the Mercedes-Benz GLA, BMW X1, Audi Q3, Range Rover Evoque and a plethora of cheaper but very good rivals, such as the Seat Ateca and Nissan Qashqai. So it’s no surprise that this is considered a massively important car for Volvo. The fact the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 laid their stakes long before Volvo did has become insignificant. For many, including me, the XC40 is the most appealing of the three. That already gives a large clue to how my six-month sojourn with the XC40 went. But let me start from the beginning. Initially slated for a July release, the launch was first pushed to August and has now been further delayed to mid-late September. October. The T4, in particular, will be considerably smaller than the T3, making it easier to place in any room or even take with you when travelling. Recording LED Indicator

One member of my household (not me) has finally got a smartphone advanced enough to test the wireless charging function in the XC40. It’s a bit hit and miss: often it says ‘clear debris’ when there’s no debris to clear, and it’s not as fast to charge as via a wire. Nonetheless, it’s an effortless way of charging on the move. As with any Freeview Play device, both the T4 and T4-R will support a long list of streaming apps. Freeview Play However, we understand there’s certainly still a possibility an app for the T4-R will be developed at a later date. T4 And T4-R Hardware For example, on supported channels like some of the BBC’s offerings, HD channels will automatically become the prominent channels on supported devices. These are City Safety, which can detect pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, and front collision warning with fully automatic emergency braking; Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which automatically provides steering assistance if you drift out of your lane; and Run-off Road Protection, which tightens the front seatbelts if the car leaves the road and front seat frames with a collapsible section to reduce vertical forces and help prevent spinal injuries, says Volvo.

It’s a couple of months in with the entry-level D3 diesel and my view hasn’t changed since I first wrote about it: it’s not as good as the petrol T4 I ran previously or the petrol T3 that I borrowed for a couple of weeks. Honeywell HomeT4 is designed to provide automatic time and temperature control of domestic systems. It is compatible with 24 V to 230 V on or off appliances such as gas boilers, combi-boilers and zone valves and can be used as a temperature sensing device in an S or Y Plan system. It is well suited to control combination boiler installations or additional zones in an S Plan Plus system. Since an early blip with Volvo’s OnCall app in which the alarm went off after I’d remotely started the car, it’s been smooth sailing. I’ve got used to turning on the XC40 10 minutes before getting into it on frosty mornings. When I lose my parked car on the busy streets around my house, the app can activate the XC40’s flashing lights or, if I’m having a really bad day, sound the alarm.

Equipped with wireless capabilities, the T4R offers the convenience of remote operation. It can be controlled remotely through a smartphone or tablet, allowing users to monitor and adjust the temperature even when they are not at home. This feature provides flexibility and energy savings as it enables users to ensure optimal temperatures only when needed. The T3-R was discontinued to make way for Manhattan’s next generation of Freeview boxes, the T4 and T4-R. That’s something many were hoping for – especially for the ability to set recordings remotely (via the app), or even the ability to stream recordings from the box to your smartphone. Keep in mind, there could still be additional last-minute delays due to tests and certifications that are always necessary with new devices.For existing T3-R users, the good news is that Manhattan will continue to support the device with software updates. The Honeywell T4R thermostat is a user-friendly and efficient temperature control device. Designed to meet the needs of households, it offers precise temperature management in heating and cooling systems. The T4R comes with an easy-to-use interface that allows users to effortlessly adjust the settings and program temperature schedules according to their preferences. The new models will also support Channel List Management, a newer Freeview function that enables HD-swapping of channels. And there’s the car’s design, which, really, is probably its selling point – as well as it not being a ubiquitous German premium SUV. I like it for looking different enough to avoid banality but also managing what few do: looking different without looking ugly. In terms of colours, I liked both of our long-term test cars but the grey paint and white roof/door mirrors/ wheels combo totally won me over. That’s coming from someone who’d traditionally struggle to hide disgust if you suggested white wheels… This also makes it easier to stream Freeview channels over broadband (as those IP-based channels are then swapped automatically, and put in place of the aerial-based channels on your EPG).

The T4 and T4-R will also support Channel List Management, a newer Freeview function that enables HD-swapping of channels. https://groceries.asda.com/product/media-boxes-dvd-players/manhattan-freeview-smart-box-4-k/1000383178095 The T4-R, which is going to be more powerful (and even snappier) than its predecessor, will bring with it several long-requested features, such as global EPG search, while the T4 promises to be a compact Freeview Play device with new features and a competitive price.I haven’t spoken much here about what the XC40 is like to drive. Suffice to say, it’s pleasing and handles handsomely. It’s everything you’d expect and more from a compact SUV. That means it’s in line with, if not better than, rivals such as the Q3. As with the 3 series, the T4 will be a Freeview Play box without recording capabilities, while the T4-R will be the recording version – meaning you will be able to record hundreds of hours of HD programming from Freeview. Freeview Over Broadband? There was a trip to the Shuttleworth Collection, a celebration of heritage planes but also cars, reminding us of the wonders of vehicle engineering over more than a century, helping us to progress to today – and cars as impressive as the XC40. Fuel consumption and range: Claimed economy 56.6mpg Fuel tank 54 litres Test average 41.4mpg Test best 44.2mpg Test worst 37.3mpg Real-world range 492 miles

In terms of energy efficiency, the T4R includes smart scheduling and adaptive technology. It can learn the heating and cooling patterns of a household and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring comfortable temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. This can result in potential cost savings over time. Furthermore, the T4R is compatible with most HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, including heat pumps, gas and electric furnaces, and hydronic systems. This compatibility makes it a versatile option for almost any home.Despite the new features, the new boxes will actually be smaller than their predecessors, with the T4, in particular, being considerably smaller than the T3, so you could easily place it in any room or even take it with you when travelling. Manhattan T4-R