Volvo Automotive Malaysia (VCM) has dropped a brand new teaser on its official Fb and Instagram pages, which suggests the upcoming debut of a brand new mannequin. The corporate isn’t being particular for apparent causes, however there are hints within the put up to recommend that we could possibly be welcoming the XC40 Recharge T5 quickly.
Within the FB put up, we see a headlamp from an XC40, which is a mannequin that has already been launched in Malaysia. Nonetheless, the accompanying #VolvoRecharged factors to an electrified variant of the SUV, which is one thing that isn’t provided right here.
As a quick recap, the Recharge identify was first used for the all-electric model of the XC40 with the P8 powertrain, which made its world debut again in October 2019. The Swedish carmaker additionally introduced on the time that Recharge would be the overarching identify for all chargeable Volvos with an electrical and plug-in hybrid powertrain.
So, any Volvo with a twine, be it powered by a Twin Engine PHEV powertrain or purely by electrical energy, will sport the Recharge identify. Take a look at VCM’s present line-up and also you’ll spot this with the PHEV variants of the XC90, XC60 and S60.
At present, the locally-assembled (CKD) XC40 is barely offered in a sole T5 AWD R-Design variant, powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E engine. The mill makes 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque, with drive despatched to all 4 wheels through an eight-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive system.
In the meantime, the XC40 Recharge T5’s powertrain consists of a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine (additionally used within the Proton X50) that serves up 180 PS (178 hp) and 265 Nm. In contrast to its bigger, T8 Twin Engine-equipped siblings, the electrical motor on the XC40 PHEV is mounted on the entrance to a seven-speed moist dual-clutch transmission quite than on the rear axle.
Because of this, there’s no electrical all-wheel drive right here, with the XC40 PHEV being purely front-wheel drive. The e-motor is rated at 82 PS (81 hp) and 160 Nm, contributing to a complete system output of 262 PS (258 hp) and 425 Nm.
Efficiency-wise, the XC40 PHEV isn’t as quick in a zero to 100 km/h dash, taking 7.3 seconds (as an alternative of 6.4 seconds) to finish the duty – high pace is equivalent following Volvo’s choice to restrict all its automobiles to 180 km/h. Nonetheless, it wins by way of effectivity by offering a claimed mixed gasoline consumption of as little as two l/100 km in comparison with the non-PHEV XC40 that’s able to 7.7 l/100 km following the European cycle.
The e-motor attracts energy from a ten.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is positioned within the central drivetrain tunnel of the automotive, and permits for round 42-45 km of pure electrical vary. A 3.7-kW onboard AC charger is customary, and with a Sort 2 connection and an everyday three-pin, 2.3-kW socket, it takes 5 hours for a full cost. With a extra highly effective 3.7-, seven-, or 22-kW charging station, the time is diminished the time to a few hours.
The XC40 Recharge T5 has already gone on sale in Thailand, with media shops there saying the mannequin comes totally imported from Malaysia. As such, it was all the time rumoured that we’ll get the XC40 PHEV, and the teaser does recommend this to be the case.
In terms of pricing, issues are fascinating in Thailand, because the XC40 Recharge T5 successfully replaces the non-hybrid T4 Momentum and T5 AWD R-Design that have been beforehand provided within the nation.
Over there, the entry-level Recharge T5 R-Design expression is priced at 2.09 million baht (RM282,450), which is identical because the T4 Momentum, whereas the higher-spec R-Design and Inscription variants go for a similar worth – 2.39 million baht (RM322,993) – unchanged from the departed T5 AWD R-Design.
With that in thoughts, might VCM observe an analogous technique and section out the XC40 T5 AWD R-Design, changing it with the XC40 Recharge T5 on the identical worth? At present, with the continuing gross sales tax reduction, the non-PHEV XC40 T5 AWD R-Design right here goes for RM241,450 OTR with out insurance coverage. Providing each can also be potential, though it isn’t identified if there will probably be a premium for the PHEV mannequin.
It must be famous that in different world markets, there may be additionally a lesser Recharge T4 variant, the place the three-cylinder engine makes simply 129 PS and 245 Nm, however retains the identical electrified elements for a complete system output of 214 PS (211 hp) and 405 Nm. We don’t count on this variant to be provided ought to VCM determine to launch a XC40 PHEV right here. Equally, the fully-electric XC40 Recharge P8 is unlikely on condition that the all-electric model instructions fairly a premium over its PHEV siblings within the markets it’s offered in.
GALLERY: Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 R-Design
