REVIEW: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 in Malaysia

If you’re in the market for a brand new Volvo XC40, you should know by now that there are two variants to choose from. The first of the two to be introduced in Malaysia is the T5 AWD R-Design, which is a petrol-powered variant that is priced at RM231,651.

The latest variant to join the line-up is the XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design, a plug-in hybrid model that is slightly more expensive at RM241,997. Note that both XC40 models are locally assembled, and the prices are inclusive of the sales and services tax exemption (extended for the second time until December 31, 2021).

The Recharge T5 is motivated by a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that makes 180 PS and 265 Nm of torque. It is augmented with an electric motor (sandwiched between the engine and the seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission) that produces 82 PS and 160 Nm. Together, the total system output is 262 PS and 425 Nm, and all of that power is sent to the front wheels. That’s enough for a century dash time of 7.3 seconds, although top speed is limited to 180 km/h.

A 10.7 kWh lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric motor, and a single charge is said to provide a range of up to 44 km. Like the XC60 and XC90, the battery is located within the drivetrain tunnel, so it offers a more balanced weight distribution and does not affect boot space, of which it has 460 litres. However, the fuel tank is slightly smaller at 49 litres as opposed to 54 litres.

The car comes with an integrated 3.7 kW AC charger, and when plugged into an outlet that supports that charging rate, it will take just three hours to completely juice up the battery. Otherwise, a regular three-pin domestic socket (2.3 kW) would take five hours to fully charge the battery. A Type 2 connector cable comes with the car as standard.

As with any Volvo, the XC40 comes with a raft of advanced driver assist systems that include AEB with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, lane keeping assist, and more. There are five colours to choose from – Crystal White Pearl, Bursting Blue Metallic, Black Stone, Coral Red Metallic and Glacier Silver Metallic – all with a black roof and side mirror caps. The factory warranty is five years/unlimited mileage, while the warranty on the PHEV battery is eight years/160,000 km.

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Semi-Value (Member) on Jun 11, 2021 at 7:00 pm

    just get the normal t5.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Rakyat Malaysia on Jun 11, 2021 at 7:51 pm

      that 180 km/h speed limiter is real bummer.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 11
      • Brian on Jun 11, 2021 at 9:53 pm

        Who needs more than 110?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 7
      • If the Japanese have learnt how to live with it for 30+ years for the sake of road safety, so can the rakyat here.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 12
        • Semi-Value (Member) on Jun 12, 2021 at 7:14 pm

          somebody doesnt know about japanese tuners lol

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
          • Celup King on Jun 13, 2021 at 1:57 pm

            Japanese tuners don’t come with 5 years warranty

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
          • Are the majority of Japanese motorists involved in the performance tuning business?

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 4
      • Civic Turbo 2018 on Jun 11, 2021 at 11:08 pm

        Hafriz, same with your X50? Does it worth the extra?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
    • rollin on Jun 12, 2021 at 12:50 am

      or just get the X50?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Ben Yap on Jun 11, 2021 at 10:36 pm

    My civic turbo can overtake the volvo easily in top speed wise.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 9
  • What’s the point for carrying additional 170kg for life as burden? T5 2.0T is the real AWD and have all time HP n torque, but this PHEV is not

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
 

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