What's all this about?
We've got a Volvo Amazon again. Of sorts.
You what?
Actually, we're pulling your leg. Volvo Car UK is the first company in the country to team up with Prime Now, Amazon's 'ultra-fast' delivery service, to offer a test drive-booking service online.
How does this work?
You can use the 'Prime Now test drive' initiative to book a timeslot that works for you, with the car you'd like to sample delivered to your choice of home or your workplace by a trained expert. As long as that car is the V40 hatchback.
Sorry, what?
Yes, this limited-time service only applies to the V40 for now. And you have to be living in London, Birmingham, Manchester or Edinburgh. And want the car on selected weekends in June or July.
This doesn't sound very flexible...
It's probably a trial-run to see how it goes, before Volvo considers expanding the service to other models, other cities and other times of the year. We hope.
Has Volvo UK got anything to say about this?
Of course. Jon Wakefield, managing director of Volvo Car UK, said: "At Volvo Cars, we aim to make people's lives easier. Our 'Prime Now test drive' offer does just that, allowing potential customers to try our V40 on their terms and in familiar surroundings. We're proud to team up with Amazon to deliver this unique initiative, the first of its kind in the UK and the latest in a range of offerings from Volvo designed to take the hassle out of running a car."
OK, so how do I do it?
On your mobile device or desktop, stick in your postcode on the dedicated Amazon Prime Now test drive website at www.amazon.co.uk/volvo. Select a location and choose an available timeslot, and voila - you should find a Volvo V40 turning up at your door. Whichever door you've chosen, that is. You can then try the Volvo out on roads you know best of all, accompanied by the expert. You get a 45-minute timeslot, so make sure you know a good route that'll only last that long - no planning a North Coast 500 jaunt or anything.
And which weekends can I choose?
Londoners, you've got June 9-10. Brummies have June 16-17, Mancunians June 23-24 and the good denizens of Edinburgh can have a go in the V40 on June 30/July 1. Prime Now test drive slots are on a first come, first served basis, so act quick if you're interested.
Matt Robinson - 23 May 2018