The way the industry is going, the two things more car buyers seem to be looking for are right here in the name of this segment. ‘Luxury’ and ‘Crossover’. Every premium brand has this segment filled. Some even have multiple entries in the segment to make sure it has every angle covered. But one manufacturer took things up a notch. Not only did they push for local assembly of the car, but they filled it to the brim with equipment to make it the best buy in its class.
We’re talking about the Volvo XC40. Here is a model name that didn’t even exist until a couple of years ago. Despite this unfamiliarity, hundreds have lined up to own one. And it’s not just the spec sheet that impressed us. The XC40 is also genuinely exciting to look at and to drive. It has the dynamics of a much lighter car and the comfort of something much longer. We were extremely impressed by it and can’t wait to see how Volvo will similarly shake up other segments of the market.
Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design Specifications
Engine: Inline 4, direct injection, turbocharged, petrol
Capacity: 1969cc
Gearbox: 8-speed Conventional Automatic
Max power: 252hp @ 5500rpm
Max torque: 350Nm @ 1800rpm
Top Speed: 230km/h
0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds
Price: RM255,888
How VOTY Winners are selected.
Our process is simple and clean.
All cars launched in Malaysia within 13 months of 2019 are eligible for entry. We contact all car brands operating in the country and ask to test these cars. There are no participation fees, no buying of tables at the event, no charge whatsoever. All that’s needed is a fresh enough car, and a willingness to give our judges a test drive.
About a month before the event, the four judges from dsf.my and gohedgostan.com (Daniel Sherman Fernandes, Ross Hadi, Amirul Mukminin and Subhash Nair) convene to discuss which vehicles impressed us in each category. The judges can only vote on cars that they’ve driven. A simple majority is all it takes for a car to win in a category.
Our title sponsor Allianz recognises the integrity of our team and all players involved in deciding on winners and leaves all decisions to us regarding the winners. We hope our readers appreciate the efforts of all parties involved and provide us with feedback on how we can further improve on this.
