Published on October 5th, 2018 | by Subhash Nair

Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design in Malaysia for RM256K

Volvo Car Malaysia today launched the long-awaited XC40. Only one locally-assembled variant is being made available, the XC40 T5 AWD R-Design.

To find out what this means, read on or refer to our nomenclature article by clicking here. This premium compact SUV marks the debut of Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform in the country.

Priced at RM255,888, the XC40 T5 R-Design is poised to take on the segment by storm, offering a competitively priced vehicle with more power, equipment and usable interior space than any of its competitors. It’s also one of the most modern looking crossovers on the market, with sporty, yet minimalist styling that’s sure to attract a wide audience.

It’s just as interesting inside as it is outside. You get a fully digital instrument cluster, a huge 9” Sensus Connect infotainment system. Sound comes from a 250W High Performance Audio System with 8 speakers.

You also get wireless Qi charging, along with many, MANY cubby holes and spaces for phones, tablets, laptops, handbags, groceries and more.

Seats are covered in Nubuck and combination leather.

And it’s worth mentioning that the boot is a decent size too.

The design language inside shows a clear relation to Volvo’s 60-series and 90-series products with a more sporty, youthful and utilitarian vibe.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 2-litre Drive E turbocharged petrol engine capable of producing 252hp @ 5500 rpm and 350Nm from as low as 1800 rpm. This is paired to an 8-speed convetional automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.

The XC40 T5 is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 6.4 seconds and tops off at 230km/h. And in spite of tipping the scales at 1700kg, has a respectable fuel economy of 7.7L/100km.

Volvo Car Malaysia offers a few optional rims and accessories for a fee, but the standard 19” alloys look great as is and are wrapped in Pirelli PZeros. 4 paint options are available, Bursting Blue Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Fusion Red Metallic and Osmium Grey Metallic.

Perhaps one of the car’s biggest selling points is its Intellisafe suite. It comes as standard with City Safety with Full Auto Brake with Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection. You also get active cruise control, a collission warning system, lane keeping assist with steering correction, adaptive LED projector headlamps, 7 airbags, BLIS and a chassis built with extremely tough hot pressed Boron steel.

Volvo Car Malaysia indicated that local production of the XC40 would begin full swing come late 2018, with plans for regional exports from the Shah Alam plant. Go have a look at one at a showroom today to place an order.