KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has launched its first-ever electric-only sports utility vehicle (SUV) model - the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric.
The C40 marks the company's next chapter in its electrification journey and comes after the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric that was intoduced in March.
Priced at RM288,888 (on-the-road without insurance and tax), the C40 is covered by a five-year vehicle warranty, eight-year or 160,000km (whichever comes first) battery warranty.
Additionally, it is also accompanied by a five-year Volvo on Call (roadside Assistance), five-year or 100,000km (whichever comes first) Volvo Service Included, a four-year Digital Service and last but not least - a charging cable.
The C40 is offered in five colour options - Fjord Blue, Black Stone, Crystal White, Thunder Grey and Sage Green while a combination of Charcoal Connect Suede textile and Microtech in Charcoal is used for the interior.
A 78kWh lithium-ion battery, of which 75kW is usable, powers up a dual-motor setup that provides 408hp and 660Nm of torque. Power is equally split between the front and rear axles.
The C40 rolls on 19-inch five-spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy wheels fitted with 235/50 (front) and 255/45 (rear) series tyres.
Accelerating from 0 to 100kph takes a brisk 4.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 180kph.
According to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), the C40 is able to provide up to 450km of range with a full charge and consumes just 22.1kW per 100km.
In 2017, the more realistic WLTP method replaced the older New European Driving Cycle which has been around since the 1980s.
Charging up the battery from 0% to 100% at home via an AC 7.4kW/32Amp single-phase wall box will take about 12 hours to complete while an AC 11kW/16Amp triple-phase wall box will take about eight hours instead.
Utilising a 50kW DC rapid charging station will get the battery from 10% to 80% in roughly 68 minutes while a 150kW DC rapid charger will cut the time down to about 28 minutes.
Entertainment comes from an Android-powered infotainment system with a 9.0-inch portrait integrated colour touchscreen which powers the 14-speaker 600W Harman Kardon Premium Sound Audio System.
The sound system is also accompanied by Bluetooth connectivity.
Although new owners will have access to services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store, the Volvo Car App remote functions and data for the said services - this only lasts for the first four years of ownership.
A period of prolongment or renewal will be offered and this is usually accompanied by a subscription fee.
For safety, the C40 has been kitted with Volvo's Intellisafe safety suites.
This includes City Safe - an umbrella of safety features such as Collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support for pedestrians, cyclists and large animal detection with steering support and braking.
As for the usual Protective Safety features, there are seven airbags, run-off road protection and whiplash protection system (Whips) for those seated up front.
The more advanced Preventive Safety features include front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, lane keeping aid, run-off road mitigation, blind spot information system with steer assist and cross-traffic alert with auto brake.
Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Charles Frump said the C40 Recharge Pure Electric is an embodiment of everything the Swedish brand stood for – 100% electric with zero tailpipe emissions.
“It’s a true electric vehicle, designed to provide a new sustainable mobility experience,” he said. - JAY WONG
