Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV Test Drive Review
This Recharge XC40 is a plug-in hybrid crossover that might tickle your desire.
The 2018 model Volvo XC40 urban SUV is already a common sight on our city roads having brisk sales since its launch date in October 2018. The XC40 T5 R-Design arrived at RM256,000 and it was an immediate rival to the Audi Q3, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLA which were all priced in the same region.
This XC40 was Volvo’s first ever premium compact SUV, and was also the first model to be built on the company’s all-new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform.
This XC40 T5 R-Design was equipped with Volvo’s highly-innovative, 2- litre Drive-E powertrain which produced 252hp and 350Nm of torque, returning 7.7 litres for every 100 km travelled (NEDC, combined cycle) and recording an acceleration to 100 km/h of only 6.4 seconds.
The same year, this new Volvo crossover won the VOTY 2019 Luxury Crossover title and gave it a sales boost in Malaysia.
For 2021, Volvo Car Malaysia releases a plug-in hybrid version of this popular XC40 to take advantage of the healthy import tax savings accorded to fuel efficient hybrid vehicles.
Under the hood, the new XC40 Recharge T5 has a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. There is an electric motor housed between the engine and transmission. A mechanism allows both the petrol and electric motors to deliver maximum output simultaneously through to the front wheels. This combined output quoted by Volvo Cars to be 258hp and 425Nm of torque. Separately, the petrol engine puts out 178hp and 265Nm of torque while the electric motor is rated at 81hp and 160Nm of torque.
This XC40 Recharge T5 produces just 50g of CO2 per km and gets 2.2L/100km. Fully charged, it can drive on pure electricity for up to 44km. Charging using a 3-pin socket takes 5 hours, with quick charging it takes less than 3 hours. Being a PHEV model, there is a new charging port located on the front left fender for a Type 2 connector cable.
Drive It
This Chinese owned Swedish automotive company prides itself for its engineering. With this XC40 it is all about the all new powertrain system and its dynamics on the road.
Ignite the 2-liter and it is quiet, whisper quiet. The cabin is very well insulated. Accelerate slowly and the XC40 just glides along, hammer the accelerator and the turbocharger will impress even a speed junkie as its maximum combined torque of 425Nm is delivered quickly from a low 1500rpm with a combined horsepower of 258hp which gives the engine a lot of tractability.
The 7-speed close ratio dual clutch gearbox is a smooth operator. With good gear ratios, this transmission makes the ride energetic and the average fuel consumption meagre. Fuel consumption is even better when driven with less enthusiasm. Not bad for a high riding vehicle that is capable of going from 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds seconds and with a ‘controlled’ top speed of 180km/h.
Conclusion
It looks great, drives brilliantly and comes with all the necessary bells and whistles that is needed for Malaysians wanting to move up the social ladder.
Volvo XC40 PHEV RECHARGE Specifications
Engine: 3-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol +electric motor
Capacity: 1477cc
Gearbox: 7-speed Dual-Clutch
Max power: 178hp @ 5800rpm
Max torque: 265Nm @ 1500rpm
Top Speed: Governed at 180km/h
0-100 km/h: 7.3 seconds
Price: RM241,997.00.
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