Volvo C40 Recharge

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has updated its Electric Vehicle (EV) line-up, presenting the 2024 model year Volvo C40 Recharge.

A coupe version of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the e-crossover underpins the same Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform (Volvo-Geely).

Locally-assembled (CKD - Shah Alam), the single variant offered is priced at MYR 288,888 (OTR, w/o insurance).

Included is a complimentary five-year Digital Service Package (DSP), a five-year/unlimited-mileage standard warranty, an eight-year/160,000 KM battery warranty, a five-year/100,000 KM free service package, and a five-year free roadside assistance.

Five exterior colours with a two-tone colour scheme (roof - Black). Crystal White, Onyx Black, Sage Green, Fjord Blue, and Vapour Grey. 

Note: The Volvo C40 Recharge is now known as the Volvo EC40, however the change has not been reflected on Volvo Car Malaysia’s website.

The new Volvo C40 Recharge gets a tiered dashboard design, with premium quality materials and craftsmanship.

A Black theme, accentuating the look is a map-inspired backlit topography mid-section and a Charcoal finished bottom section.

Gloss Black trims are detailed around the air-conditioning vents and infotainment, and linked to the dash is a Gloss Black and Charcoal centre console.

Overall, it is minimalist inspired, and the cockpit layout is user-friendly and driver-oriented, ensuring a better driving experience.

Installed is a 12-Inch digital instrument cluster with two selectable display modes (Calm, Navi).

Albeit with a raked rear roofline, the e-crossover offers plenty of interior mobility, meaning front and rear occupants get ample space.

Mounted is a three-spoke sport steering wheel, wrapped in upholstery-matching faux leather with satin silk and gloss black trimmings. 

Features are multi-switches (Bluetooth, Media, Vehicle settings), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and a heating function. 

Drive is aided by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

Numerous storage areas. E.g., large-sized door and seat back pockets, centre console partitioned and caverned spaces (armrest storage), driver-dash card holder, and an extensible hook-integrated glove box.

Accessing its powered-tailgate (contactless - remote/key fob) with height adjustment, opens up to 404-Litres (seats up) and 1,205-Litres of load spaces. 

Also included is a 31-Litre two-sectioned front trunk (frunk).

Weighing in at 2,620 KG, the new Volvo C40 Recharge stands at 4,440 MM in length, 1,873 MM in width, 1,596 MM in height, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,702 MM.

Distinctively electric, it exudes an all-around angular exterior, emphasised by smoothly straight creases.

The front-end sees a body-coloured covered grille with the Volvo insignia, compensated by a fairly stretched-out lower central intake.

Filling-in the outlook are lower body trims (front, side sills, fenders) finished in Matte Charcoal/Gloss Black, and Gloss Black side window surrounds.

Angularly electrifying, it boasts a sporty overall layout with symmetrical contours and equipment fitments.

The coupe-esque rear-end features a dual-element roof-edge spoiler, and an integrated tailgate wing underscored by the ‘Volvo’ script.

Filling-in the outlook are lower body trims (rear, skid plate, side sills, fenders) finished in Matte Charcoal/Gloss Black, and Gloss Black side window surrounds.

Projecting a focus outlook, the headlamps installed are Pixel LED units with Thor’s Hammer LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). 

Features are automatic On/Off, automatic high-beam control, and low-speed manoeuvre function. Also included is a set of LED fog lamps. 

Unique and striking, the tail lamps run down from the C-pillar and wrap around the tailgate, creating an S-shaped frame. Fitted are LED combination units.

Installed is a set of ventilated (front) and solid (rear) disc brakes. Drive is aided by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Brake Hold system.

Aerodynamically designed, mounted is a set of 19-Inch five-double-spoke Black Diamond Cut alloy rims, rubbered-up in 235/50 R19 (front) and 255/45 R19 (rear) Continental EcoContact 6 VOL tyres.

Equipped is a 9-Inch portrait-mounted touchscreen infotainment, running on an Android Automotive Operating System (Android Auto OS). 

The system supports Google Automotive Services (Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store), and Apple CarPlay (wired).

The City Safety suite of driver assistance systems will make driving less fatigue and much safer in urban areas. Plus, with the other supporting systems, long-distance travels will be less of a burden for the driver as well as ensuring the safety of the occupants on board.

Entertainment is channelled via a 600-W Harman Kardon premium sound system, featuring 13 speakers and an air-ventilated subwoofer. 

Fused to the setup is a single-speed automatic transmission (Shift-by-Wire).

Acceleration is done in 4.7 seconds, and the top speed is 180 KM/H. 

Juicing-up the e-motors is an 82 KWH Lithium-Ion battery, providing a pure electric driving range of 550 KM (WLTP).

AC charging (Type 2 - 11 KW), takes eight hours for a 0% to 100% State of Charge (SoC). DC charging (CCS2 - 200 KW), takes 27 minutes for a 10% to 80% SoC.

The Volvo C40 Recharge exudes a sleek and energy filled outlook. Its smoothly angular and seamless body contours just speak electric.

Interior-wise, its shell envelopes a tech-savvy cockpit, featuring advanced connectivity, safety systems and creature comfort features.

Overall, the build quality is excellent, and with its distinctive outlook and energising powertrain, the 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge is surely an e-crossover to consider.