The Volvo XC40 will be the safest car in its class and cut insurance claims by some 28%. That is the claim made by Volvo ahead of the cars official launch next month.

XC40 is set to compete with models such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA. It draws on technology developed on the larger XC90 and XC60 models and is built on a new platform known as Compact Modular Architecture (CMA).

The new model features Volvo’s City Safety package plus a new system that detects potential dangers such as cars, cyclists and pedestrians and slows the car. Insurance statistics for other Volvo models fitted with such systems have shown a 28% reduction in the number of insurance claims made.

Trent Victor, Volvo’s Senior Technical Leader for Crash Avoidance comments, "Many accidents are caused by ‘mismatch moments’, when you glance over your shoulder, or look at the instruments just as someone else walks out in the road, and this is where we can make a difference. If someone’s attention has wondered we can see danger and get it back quickly.”

Malin Ekholm, Vice President Volvo Cars Safety Centre said, "Modern city life presents complex challenges for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. With the XC40, we aim to reduce the so-called cognitive load on the driver. While our safety and driver-assistance systems actively identify and mitigate potential conflicts, you as a driver can relax more and therefore enjoy city driving."