Volvo Car Malaysia launched the updated Volvo C40 in the country in February this year. Although still sporting the same RM288,888 price tag, the C40 has been enhanced in multiple ways, including a longer electric range and faster charging. More on that later. While the C40 is now globally known as the EC40, it continues to carry the C40 nameplate here in Malaysia, at least for the moment.
On the outside, the 2024 Volvo C40 in Malaysia may look similar. Upon closer inspection however, you may notice that the all-electric crossover has been dressed up with new 19-inch alloy wheels, which Volvo says has better aerodynamics. Also new are the Pixel LED headlights, as well as a new vapour grey exterior colour option (the unit shown here however is finished in Onyx Black).
Powering the Volvo C40 in Malaysia continues to be an all-wheel drive (AWD) setup that outputs 300 kW (408 hp) and 660 Nm. However, the AWD system is now more rear-biased, as it sports a more powerful motor at the back, rather than a 50:50 setup. Specifically, the rear motor makes 183 kW, while the front makes 117 kW. The previous iteration of the C40 had two 150 kW motors.
There is also a new and larger 82 kWh battery pack, replacing the old 78 kWh unit. This contributes to a longer driving range at 550 km, 99 km longer than before.
Charging the new Volvo C40 can also be done faster now, as the crossover’s maximum DC charging rate has been boosted to 200 kW from 150 kW. Topping up the battery from 10 to 80% only takes 27 minutes with the higher charging rate. Its maximum AC charging rate continues to top out at 11 kW.
RELATED: 2024 Volvo C40 launched in Malaysia, RM289k – 550km range, 200kW charging
Moving inside, the new Volvo C40 continues to sport a pair of screens. This includes the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display, which are both powered by Google’s Android Automotive OS.
The Volvo C40 in Malaysia also comes with a 5-year complimentary Digital Services for access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play Store and Volvo Cars app remote functions. Don’t use an Android phone? Don’t fret, as Apple CarPlay connectivity is included as well.
RELATED: Volvo XC40 EV and C40 renamed to EX40 and EC40, “Recharge” dropped from PHEV names
Other interior equipment the Volvo C40 comes with are such as a wireless charging pad, rear aircon vents, and a panoramic glass roof. The climate control system is equipped with a PM2.5 air filtration device too.
When speaking of a Volvo, we can’t avoid talking about its safety features, can we? In the case of the Malaysian-spec Volvo C40, it comes with the Swedish carmaker’s Intellisafe advanced safety assistance systems. The safety suite includes features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with intersection support, Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Monitor (BSM), and cross-traffic alert with auto brake, among other things.
Photography by Wah Jian
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