Prashirwin Naidu
I had an up-close and personal taste of the electric future. Stylish Swedish-Chinese-owned car manufacturer Volvo has promised that all its cars will be electric by 2030. Enjoy the silence. The ride is even more incredible.
The new Volvo C40 Recharge is smart, and it drives like an average car. It is a normal car of the future—just that it is electric.
Of course, the R1.3 million price tag may seem prohibitive, but premium vehicles cost. What they offer as a package makes one want to swap the bond for a car.
Safety and sustainability are the hallmarks of new electric vehicles. The sumptuous Volvo C40 Recharge is a sleek, compact SUV with a slim, dynamic representation of the future. It is eco-friendly, with renewable materials inside the spacious cabin.
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It also has a sporty element and dials similar to its counterpart, the XC40 Recharge, an electric compact SUV from Volvo. The C40 boasts captivating rear lights that elegantly trace their way along its sweeping back end and the aerodynamic advantage of its rounded rear roofline.
The look does have a strong visual impact. However, the style does come with compromises in practicality, such as reduced rear headroom for taller individuals and a slight decrease in cargo space.
The C40 Recharge, however, pays homage to Scandinavian design, minimising clutter and maximising sustainable materials.
Google Automotive powers the infotainment screen with maps and connectivity and seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I love the Harman Kardon sound system. Indeed, for a stylish silent type, it is wired for sound.
The vehicle boasts several luxuries and practical features, including driver aids. Interestingly, it can be turned on without pressing a button. One has to get in, put it into D for a drive, and head off merrily into the sunset.
An elegant touch is the “topography” and” inlays” on the doors and dashboard, which are said to represent the Swedish park, Abisko.
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The drive is quick and feels sure-footed, given the instant speed available from the electric motor. The C40 is powered by the twin motor setup, delivering 300 kW of power and 660 Nm of torque. It also has enough pulling power to tow up to 1.8 tonnes.
The ride quality feels phenomenal and smooth due to the piloted 20-inch wheels. As with electric Volvos, a noteworthy mention is the regenerative brakes prioritising a quiet and comfortable drive.
In terms of range, it can get 440 km on a single charge and go from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.7 seconds. While the advertised capacity is 444 km per WLTP cycle, more conservative driving may yield closer to 350 km, sufficient for city driving use, and longer trips require some planning.
The competition includes the Mercedes-Benz EQB line-up and the BMW iX1. The starting price for the C40 is R 1 285 000.
The C40 Recharge represents Volvo’s electric future of motoring, offering impressive performance, range, and design while retaining the brand’s focus on safety, sustainability, and tranquillity. Impressive it is! © Higher Education Media
