compact contender
Having celebrated a successful global debut recently, Volvo’s latest XC40 (RM255,888) is now officially launched in Malaysia. There’s only one trim level on offer — the T5 R-Design with all-wheel drive — and power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre mill that kicks out a healthy 252bhp and 350Nm. Combined with an eight-speed automatic, this gives it a century sprint time of 6.4 seconds.
It’s also Volvo’s first model to be based on the marque’s latest CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform. On the exterior forefront, the XC40 sports unique gloss black design accents, an embossed R-Design lettering within the C-pillars and a set of 19-inch double-spoke alloys as standard. With that being said, for the latter, adventurous buyers can opt for a larger 20-inch alternative, or head straight for the bold 21-inch examples to complete its overall stylish outlook.
Inside, the XC40 is designed to complement the savviest urbanite. It forgoes the conventional door speakers in exchange for a built-in subwoofer inside the dashboard. In return, the door pockets are voluminous enough to accommodate a conventional-sized laptop. Other notable storage features include a foldaway bag hook situated within the glovebox lid, additional storage space under the driver’s seat and a wireless handphone charging slot.
Complementing alongside its large 9-inch Sensus Connect touchscreen and full-digital instrument cluster are premium silver aluminium dash inlays with piano black trims. For the seats, it gets a combination of leather and nubuck with contrasting white stitchings, and for the R-Design steering wheel, it’s wrapped in grippy perforated leather.
Customary for a Volvo, safety kit count is high, and that brings in Intellisafe assist, City Safety collision avoidance, lane keeping aid, blind-spot indicators and seven airbags altogether. Want one? Then start your journey by selecting a desired hue out of the four colours offered: Bursting Blue, Crystal White, Fusion Red and Osmium Grey — head over to the nearest Volvo dealership and you’re all set to drive back home the winner of Europe’s 2018 Car of Year award.
