Volvo XC40 Launched In Malaysia, Priced From RM255,888

Volvo Car Malaysia has just launched its latest premium compact SUV, the all-new XC40.

The all-new Volvo XC40 is the first Volvo model to be built on the new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). The larger 60- and 90-series cars are underpinned by the Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA). 

Similar to its SPA-based 60 series and 90 series siblings, the all-new XC40 will come with class-leading driver assistance features, including:

• Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving 
• City Safety - Autonomous Collision Mitigation and Avoidance
• Run-off Road Protection and Mitigation
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Auto Brake
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)
• Lane Keeping Aid (LKA)

What we appreciate most about the XC40 is its interior, which is easily the most practical in its class. The door panels for example, are deep and wide enough for a notebook and a water bottle, simultaneously. This is only possible because the door panels don't need house any speakers. Instead, the speakers and sub-woofers are hidden inside the dashboard, a world's first. The glovebox lid also has a hook for handbags, or in our local culture, take away food packaging.

Other highlights of the all-new XC40 include the card slots, storage area under the centre arm rest that are deep enough for a tissue box, with a removable waste bin too.

The all-new Volvo XC40 is only available in one variant, the T5 R-Design, powered by a 2.0-litre Drive-E powertrain with 252 hp and 350 Nm. An 8-speed automatic takes care of shifting duties. Standard equipment include:

• LED headlights with Active High Beam & Active Bending Lights
• LED front fog lights with cornering function
• R-Design front grille
• R-Design Decor Inlay
• R-Design scuff plate
• R-Design carpets
• R-Design half leather, half Nubuck seats 
• Qi wireless charging pad
• 2 USB ports up front
• 1 USB Type-C port 
• Sensus infotainment system
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

A plug-in hybrid is in the plans, but Volvo Car Malaysia has not committed itself to a specific launch timing yet, pending discussions with the government for incentives for locally-assembled hybrids.

Priced at RM255,888, on-the-road without insurance, deliveries to customers will commence on January 2019 and all units delivered to customers will be locally-assembled. There were a small number of units imported from Ghent, Belgium, but these are either showroom cars or for Volvo Car Malaysia's internal use.