KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has launched the XC40 Recharge T5 sports utility vehicle (SUV), making it the only car company in Malaysia to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant in its entire model line-up.
This move also bring the Volvo brand closer to its ambition of reducing carbon emissions per car by 40%.
Available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide, the XC40 Recharge T5 was originally priced at RM255,888 on-the-road without insurance but now costs RM241,997 after sales tax exemption.
The sales tax exemption for all vehicle purchases ends on June 30.
Built on Volvo's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, the XC40 Recharge T5 is Volvo’s first-ever 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with the Drive-E powertrain that uses an electric motor mounted to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to drive the front wheels.
This twin engine setup provides a more sustainable drive, with CO2 emissions of just 50 grams per km, while maintaining the refinement and performance of a Volvo.The powertrain delivers a combined output of 262hp and 425Nm of torque with the electric motor contributing 160Nm of torque and 82hp for an instantaneous boost.
The petrol engine and electric motor combination allows the XC40 Recharge T5 to complete the 0-100kph sprint in just 7.3 seconds.
Its top speed is capped at 180kph following the Volvo’s announcement in March last year to lower the top speed of its cars to promote better road safety.
Made by Sweden and assembled in Malaysia with emphasis on high quality, the XC40 Recharge T5 is equipped with award-winning safety features, connectivity and infotainment technology along with a sporty design.
Among the technologies are safety and driver assistance features such as the Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation and Cross Traffic alert with brake support.
The XC40 Recharge T5 also has five different drive modes of Hybrid (default), Pure, Off-road, Power and Individual for a more dynamic driving experience.
Featuring a stylish and urban look, the XC40 Recharge T5 is bold and expressive while highlighting its signature R-Design trim that allows drivers to stand out from the crowd when exploring the city without blending into the crowd.
While embracing the elegant Scandinavian design language, the XC40 Recharge T5 looks near identical to the current petrol-powered XC40 variant except that it has a charging port on the left-hand front wing.
Inside, the occupants are provided with functional storage space in the doors as well as retractable hooks for hanging items.Five distinct colour options are Blackstone, Crystal White Pearl, Bursting Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic and Coral Red Metallic.
VCM managing director Nalin Jain said the company was excited to finally offer one of its most successful SUVs as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and thus completing VCM's full line-up of PHEVs.
"The launch of the XC40 Recharge T5 is a sign of greener times ahead as we continue to strive towards a more sustainable future and do our part to not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also help our customers reduce theirs as well,” said Nalin.
He also said the fundamentals surrounding safety, design and performance are the same for this variant as with any other Volvo.
"Through the dedication of our team, we are confident that this car checks all the right boxes to provide an enjoyable driving experience.
"At the same time, we hope that the launch of XC40 Recharge T5 will provide a more sustainable choice for Malaysians and spur everyone to think about taking active steps in sustainability together, so we can recharge our environment and the future,” he said.
The XC40 Recharge T5 is also available for online booking through Volvo Car Malaysia’s website as a safer alternative and in adherence to the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
For details, visit www.volvocars.com/my or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB and Instagram http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG for more updates.
