since 1976
since 1976
VOLVO Car Malaysia plays it environmental triumph card in Malaysia by launching the XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design to complete its range of locally assembled plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This ties in nicely with its ambition of reducing carbon emissions per car by 40 per cent.
Managing Director Nalin Jain described the XC40 Recharge’s launch as a sign of ‘greener times’ and helping customers reduce their carbon footprint. He also expressed the hope that this Volvo model would ‘spur everyone to think about taking active steps in sustainability together, so we could recharge our environment and the future’.
For the power unit, Volvo is also keeping in trend with using smaller displacement turbocharged engines to deliver good power while returning strong mileage. This comes in Volvo’s ‘first-ever’ 1.5-litre (1477cc) turbocharged three-cylinder engine that would have some basic similarities with the power unit in the Proton X50.
The big difference is that Volvo Sweden has developed the 12-valve double overhead camshafts engine for its T5 applications and this is duly noted in the significant difference in power output; 192kW (292hp) at 5800rpm and 425Nm from 1500 to 3000rpm. Added to that, the electric motor that delivers 160Nm and 60kW (82hp) to provide instantaneous acceleration. By comparison, the more powerful X50 1.5-litre turbo engine (which is not a hybrid unit) delivers 130kW (177PS) at 5500rpm and 255Nm from 1500 to 4000rpm.
The transmission is similar though in the seven-speed dual clutch unit and engine output is channelled to drive the front wheels. Volvo says the XC40 Recharge T5 accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in a respectable 7.3 seconds while the top speed of 180km/h is good for a 1.5-litre turbo engine (if you don’t compare to the similar displacement engines powering Formula One cars!). The highlight is the fuel economy of 2.2 l/100km or 45.5km/l for the combined cycle and the low 50g/km carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, also on a combined cycle.
While the Proton X50 has a Sport mode, the XC40 Recharge T5 comes with five drive modes! This is to fulfil the driving dynamics that would be expected according to the traffic conditions and terrain. These modes are the default Hybrid mode with the others being Pure, Power, Off-road and Individual. Yes, you are spoilt for choice!
Safety and driver assistance features are contemporary and practical, and include the Pilot Assist System, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, and Cross Traffic alert with brake support. Volvo is certainly building on strongly from its early days of featuring such a basic safety item as seatbelts when no one else did.
To stand it out from the other XC40 model variants, the Recharge R-Design comes with signature trims. A clear aspect of its PHEV status is featured in the charging lid on the left front wing while within this SUV (sport utility vehicle), a ‘radically new approach’ to storage is highlighted. The storage areas are designed to provide drivers with more functional space for the doors and include retractable hooks for hanging items.
The XC40 Recharge R-Design is now available at RM241,997.04 after sales tax exemption (RM255,888 with sales tax) on the road without insurance. If you are interested, you should get it before 30th June when the sales tax is applied again. There are five colour options; Blackstone, Crystal White Pearl, Bursting Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic and Coral Red Metallic. – LPS
Link here - Brochure
