HAVE you ever looked at Volvo's XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and wanted it to be even sportier?
During the launch of the new C40 Recharge Pure Electric last month, members of the media were invited to take the fully electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) out for a 30-minute drive around Kuala Lumpur.
We were mostly in heavy traffic during that time but the short drive did give us a decent insight into how the Swedish carmaker's latest model fares on the road.
While I wouldn't call it a major change, the acceleration and brake pedals did feel weightier and required greater foot control. The electric vehicle (EV) is also more powerful just by its acceleration, which makes sense given its 408hp and 660Nm of torque.
It can also sprint from zero to 100kph in 4.7 seconds. That's 6hp more and 0.2 seconds faster than the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
Physically, the C40 is just like a sportier XC40. It's a coupe-style SUV, if you will. It also feels a tad more premium, especially in the cabin.
It also has a longer range over its predecessor at 450km on a single charge, compared to the XC40's 418km.
Direct charging allows the battery to go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.
For now, the C40 is one to look out for if you are looking for a minor upgrade from the XC40.
The SUV is priced at RM288,888 on the road with a hassle-free package that includes a five-year vehicle warranty, eight-year battery or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, warranty; a five-year Volvo on Call (roadside assistance) package, five-year or up to 100,000 km, whichever comes first, Volvo Service Included and a four-year Digital Service.
Its five colour options are Crystal White, Black Stone, Silver Dawn, Sage Green and the new Fjord Blue.