Walk into a Volvo showroom and you’ll notice two things. One is that the S60 is now the company’s only saloon, as Volvo has virtually become an SUV company; and two, the SUV fleet, while unmistakably Volvo in look, hasn’t followed the Russian doll concept of its competitors, where seemingly the only difference between models is their scale.
The compact XC40 looks noticeably different from its larger XC60 and XC90 cousins, yet retains Volvo’s design cues such as its Thor’s hammer headlight style and striking LED taillights.
The Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design, to give it its full name, is a class act because it does not pretend to mimic its competitors (think Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque), taking a minimalist approach inside and out, yet raising the bar for subdued quality.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
Beneath the skin sits Volvo’s CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform, which underpins its every small model, so it has the design freedom of not being a shrunk version of the XC and uses a more cost-efficient four-link, steel rear suspension instead of the composite five-link units in the bigger cars.
The CMA platform also keeps the price down as it’s shared with premium Chinese-Swedish brand Lynk & Co that’s also owned by Volvo’s parent, Geely, but was engineered in Sweden, using Volvo's transversely-mounted, turbocharged, two-litre, four-cylinder engine.
Applying the same approach that brought us the light and airy interiors of the XC60 and XC90, the XC40 eschews similar levels of cabin sophistication with an interior that looks and feels luxurious and expensive, yet also informal and pleasant.
The front seats are some of the best you’ll find in a family SUV, offering a wide range of adjustment for tilt and height with four-way electric lumbar adjustment. You sit high with a good view of the road ahead, helped by the relatively slim windscreen pillars and large door mirrors. This doesn't pretend to be a low-slung crossover and feels like a proper SUV from behind the wheel, as opposed to a beefed-up hatchback.
However, the kicked up rear window line cuts into the rear vision, so its parking sensors on the back are essential and are helped by a 360º camera for tight spaces.
Narrow, vertical air vents further differentiate the Volvo from its contemporaries and look good against unique, decorative foils that form the dash, scalloped out of the main surface. Its chequerboard, machined aluminium look is an eye-catcher and different from the usual timber veneers, reflecting light during the day and backlit at night.
In the centre is a 9-inch, portrait touchscreen that operates the majority of the car’s functions including the entertainment, navigation, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and vehicle settings. A row of buttons sits beneath for quick access to the volume, hazard lights and window demisting.
As with other Volvos that use this system, while it has good graphics, it’s not easy to use when on the move. The absence of physical buttons for the climate AC and radio, for example, is annoying, as altering settings on the move require you to take your eyes off the road. Having to delve into the infotainment touchscreen to adjust virtually everything, places form above function and is very unlike Volvo. A simple rotary control is easier to use on the go and, in most cases, safer as well.
Having said that, mirroring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from your phone is always welcome as is the wireless phone charging and its 13-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Even with the full-length panoramic sunroof, head room is exceptional, and overall interior space and storage compartments are generous. Having said that, the rear seat area falls short of the Volkswagen Tiguan, where the short seat cushions force taller adults to sit more upright to use less rear legroom.
At 2,702 millimetres, the XC40’s wheelbase is only 72mm shorter than the XC60’s, so although it might be a smaller model, it does not come with a huge practicality compromise. There’s also 432 litres of rear stowage available that, again, is less than the Tiguan, but still good enough for a few suitcases.
The R-Design model tested was fitted with 20-inch alloys and a slightly stiffer suspension, which does not make the car too tight over bumps, but reduces the bodyroll from its higher centre of gravity and even around town over speed humps.
Volvo promotes the XC40 R-Design as its most agile SUV, but doesn’t go so far as to say it’s a sports SUV or even the most driver-focused option on the market. It handles perfectly well if you drive it in a relaxed manner, as nearly every owner will, but if you do press on, that bodyroll will eventually kick in as it moves outside its comfort zone.
The steering is consistent with its medium pacing, and feels light but isolated from the influences of bump and traction. On the highway, it gave a silky, quiet ride to match its impressive cabin sealing and its Pilot Assist lane keeping, and radar cruise control systems worked equally as well as they do on the bigger models.
The XC40 is pragmatic, dependable, comfortable and secure, and instead of goading you into vigorous driving, keeps you calm, so is very much the quintessential Volvo. At the same time, it’s polished and stylish in a subdued way, so what you have in the long term is a desirable product backed with substance.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
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THREE
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What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Breast cancer in men: the facts
1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.
2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash.
3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible.
4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key.
5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Volunteers offer workers a lifeline
Community volunteers have swung into action delivering food packages and toiletries to the men.
When provisions are distributed, the men line up in long queues for packets of rice, flour, sugar, salt, pulses, milk, biscuits, shaving kits, soap and telecom cards.
Volunteers from St Mary’s Catholic Church said some workers came to the church to pray for their families and ask for assistance.
Boxes packed with essential food items were distributed to workers in the Dubai Investments Park and Ras Al Khaimah camps last week. Workers at the Sonapur camp asked for Dh1,600 towards their gas bill.
“Especially in this year of tolerance we consider ourselves privileged to be able to lend a helping hand to our needy brothers in the Actco camp," Father Lennie Connully, parish priest of St Mary’s.
Workers spoke of their helplessness, seeing children’s marriages cancelled because of lack of money going home. Others told of their misery of being unable to return home when a parent died.
“More than daily food, they are worried about not sending money home for their family,” said Kusum Dutta, a volunteer who works with the Indian consulate.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
SPECS
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
