XC40 RECHARGE T5: SLEEK, SWIFT SUV
WHEN it comes to Volvo, most people will talk about how safe and durable its cars are on the road. But in recent times, the brand has managed to adopt a more contemporary image both in design and performance.
It’s no secret that sustainability will be the company’s big focus from this year and the XC40 Recharge T5 sport utility vehicle (SUV) marks the first of many things to come for the carmaker.
In Malaysia, Volvo is the first and only automotive brand at present to offer a full range of complete knocked-down plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
The XC40 Recharge T5 will also be the first of the brand’s model to adopt the 180kph speed limit — a safety decision made by Volvo in March last year.
And it’s definitely for the best as the XC40 Recharge T5 is one speedy SUV and the force it produces packs a punch when you pedal to the metal.
FUTUREPROOFING
From the outside, the true differences between the XC40 Recharge T5 and the standard XC40 are not easily discernible.
That’s a good thing, considering it already looks as sporty and youthful than it needs to be while retaining that Volvo trademark grille — even more so when compared to its larger siblings of XC60 and XC90.
It has Volvo’s signature R-Design trim with a charging lid on the lefthand front wing with the “Recharge” detailing.
The cabin isn’t too different either save for additional storage space in the doors.
Under the hood is where the real deal is. Built on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture platform, the front-wheel drive XC40 Recharge T5 comes with the brand’s first-ever 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with Drive-E powertrain.
The T5 twin engine powertrain has a combined output of 262hp at 5,800rpm and 425Nm of torque at 1,500rpm to 3,000 rpm
The electric motor is mounted to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, generating 160Nm of torque and a maximum 82hp.
The XC40 Recharge T5 can go from zero to 100kph in just 7.3 seconds. The full electric range is up to 45km while the total max distance is around 700km (depending on usage) for a fuel consumption of around 2.2 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 50g per kilometre.
There are five available driving modes, which are Hybrid (default), Pure, Off-road, Power and Individual.
It is available in Blackstone, Crystal White Pearl, Bursting Blue Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic and Coral Red Metallic colour options.
The safety features include a pilot assist system, city safety, run-off road protection and mitigation, and cross traffic alert with brake support.
Retaining the standard XC40 sporty look.
Sports pedal adds to the SUV’s character.
Signature R-Design body trim.
AFTER the success of the Saga Anniversary Edition, Proton Holdings Bhd has decided to introduce a more special take on its models. In a recent surprise announcement, Proton revealed that selected models had received the limited SE treatment in hopes that it would broaden their appeal while offering more choices to customers.
The Persona and Exora get a stylish and luxury touch in the form of the Black Edition while the Iriz and Saga get the renowned R3 motorsport makeover.
However, only 500 units each of the Iriz R3 Limited Edition and the Persona and Exora Black Edition will be made available while 2,000 units of the Saga R3 are up for grabs.
Therefore, many may not get a chance to own one as they may potentially have been sold out at the time of this article’s publication.
For comparison, all 1,100 units of last year’s Saga Anniversary Edition were sold out within five days.
Regardless, it should be noted that the rarity is mainly on the paint job, although they do come in their highest spec range — Persona 1.6 Premium CVT, Iriz Premium 1.6L CVT, Saga 1.3 Premium CVT, and the Exora 1.6L Campro turbocharged engine.
It also goes without saying they do come with a slight increase in the price tag. So, are they worth it? It really comes down to taste and how much you like black.
The Persona and Exora Black Edition, priced at RM54,700 and RM67,800, respectively, come in black with gold accents that primarily highlight the bumpers and alloy wheels.
Both come with black leatherette seats, door trims and floor console inside, with the Persona also receiving the black treatment for the headlining while the Exora is fitted with an overhead monitor.
Essentially, they are full-on pure black versions with very subtle gold trimmings. That’s nice and stylish, although maybe more “gold” could have been incorporated.
Both Iriz and Saga’s motorsport appeal is more prominent with the R3 badge. Priced at RM52,900 and RM42,300, respectively, they come in black with the company’s brand of
R3 bodykit decal inside out while also taking colour cues from the Saga Anniversary Edition.
The Iriz is equipped with 16-inch R3 alloy wheels while the Saga has 15inch alloy wheels with matte grey finish. The interior comes in black-yellow finish, leatherette seats and R3 carpet mats.
Unlike the gold accents of the Black Edition, the bright yellow of the R3 bodykit is a nice contrast, allowing it to stand out without being drowned by the dominant black finish.
Overall, the colour scheme tweak is a nice novelty. Sure, Proton could certainly do with a bit more character as there’s nothing different in terms of performance (here’s looking at you, Black Edition).
But the little nuances keep them classy and away from becoming gaudy or cheap. The R3 splash, for example, on the top front windscreen is a hit or miss.
Between the four, if you had to choose just one, then the Iriz benefited most from the makeover.
Current listed prices are on-theroad without insurance and with sales tax exemption until June 30.