Volvo sets the pace for electrification
The facelifted compact SUV’s shift to these new B-badged models, which combine a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with a 48V hybrid system, bringing benefits such as reduced tailpipe emissions, fuel savings and stronger on-road performance.
From model year 2023, every single new Volvo sold in South Africa will feature a form of electrification.
The revamped XC40 range comprises the front-driven B3 (110kW/265Nm) and B4 (145kW/300Nm), along with the all-wheel-drive B5 (183kW/350Nm), the fully electric single-motor P6 and the twin-motor P8 Recharge variants.
“With local demand for electrified vehicles growing steadily, this move – along with the earlier introduction of the P6 and P8 Recharge derivatives at the top of the XC40 range – brings us neatly in line with Volvo’s global ambition of transforming into a fully electric car company by 2030,” said Greg Maruszewski, managing director of Volvo Car SA.
The entire XC40 range additionally benefits from an exterior facelift that includes new front and rear bumpers as well as revised headlamps, new alloy wheel designs and fresh exterior paint colour choices, Fjord Blue and Sage Green. The option of a black roof, meanwhile, is now exclusive to fully electric derivatives. All variants in the XC40 range – along with those in the flagship XC90 line-up – also upgrade to Volvo’s now range-wide Android-powered infotainment system, complete with built-in Google apps and services.
The Swedish firm furthermore switches to a new trim-level structure, shifting away from Momentum, Inscription and R-Design to fresh specification grades in the form of Essential, Plus, and Ultimate (PHEV and BEV powertrains are available only in conjunction with the latter two). In order to further reduce complexity and make the buying experience even easier for customers, Volvo is also introducing Bright (featuring chrome detailing) and Dark (with gloss-black detailing) exterior design themes for its vehicles.
The revamped equipment levels and the latest exterior design themes apply across Volvo Car SA’s range, with the XC40 further benefiting from the refresh detailed above.
Local pricing and full specifications are available on www.volvocars.com/za
Source: Nikki Chennells
