While the XC40 P8 and P6 Recharge are lovely to look at, we guarantee that you will fall in love with the C40 Recharge, Volvo's fully-electric crossover which was unveiled to local media at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town this week.
The C40 is no stranger to other parts of the world where it has already undergone a mild refresh, but South Africans have something completely new to look forward to. The Swedish carmaker has vowed that it will only have battery-electric powered cars in its portfolio by the year 2030 and the C40 Recharge is leading the way in the brand's EV onslaught.
What does it look like?
It's slick and sculpted, just like its older sibling the XC40, but more streamlined around the rear with a stunning, fastback design and coupé beltline. It's lower, sleeker and more eye-catching, but with the high seating position that Volvo owners prefer. The aerodynamic shape also helps with the battery range because of the reduced drag co-efficient.
Related: Read my Volvo XC40 P6 Recharge review from 2022, here.
"The signature Thor's Hammer headlights are augmented with state-of-the-art pixel LED light technology, enabling them to automatically adapt to traffic in front and efficiently light up the road ahead without dazzling other drivers", says Volvo.
There will be a variety of interior and exterior colours and trims available along with stylish alloy wheel choices, to set it apart from the rest of the local line-up.
What is the cabin like?
Very stylish, Swedish, and 100% animal-free - there's not a smidge of genuine leather used inside the cabin, and all materials used are recycled and sustainable:
"Inside, 97% of the materials are based on recycled PET bottles, while the seats are made of recycled sustainable materials which are also much lighter than leather." - Robin Page, Volvo's senior vice president of design.
The cabin is quite roomy for a crossover and the rear seat offers plenty of legroom, illustrating Volvo's talent for building a spacious interior onto a compact wheelbase.
C40 Recharge buyers will get the latest Android-operated 9-inch touchscreen system with built-in Google Apps and services as well as Volvo's class-leading Pilot Assist system for semi-autonomous driving.
“Our initial allocations of both the XC40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge Twin were snapped up in double-quick time. We expect the new C40 Recharge to resonate just as strongly with South Africans looking to switch to battery-powered vehicles,” said Maruszewski.
Power figures and performance?
The twin-motor version destined for SA has an electric motor on the front and the rear axle and is powered by a 78 kWh (nominal output) lithium-ion battery pack offering up to 451 km of range on a full charge (according to the WLTP driving cycle). Peak power figures are rated at 300 kW and 660 Nm, for a quick 0-100 km/h sprint of a mere 4.7 seconds.
Related: Which Volvo XC40 has the best fuel consumption?
How much will it cost?
The starting price of the C40 Recharge is set at R1 285 000, which undercuts the price of the BMW X1. It will be available in Ultimate trim which includes items like seat heating, wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic glass sunroof, a heated steering wheel and electrically adjustable seats.
"The purchase price furthermore includes the Volvo Care package, which comprises a five-year maintenance plan and warranty (with the battery pack covered for eight years or 160 000 km), a home charging wall box and a public charging cable," says Volvo SA.
Related: Volvo XC40 B5 AWD Ultimate Dark (2022) Review
When does it arrive?
The first 50 models which have been allocated for MZansi will be delivered in June 2023. Head on over to the Volvo SA website if you'd like to order yours.
