The Volvo XC40 T5 R-Design is heading for retirement that’s why.
Yes, the compact, fun loving Volvo XC40 T5 petrol driven version which was launched just 3 years ago in October 2018 at RM250,000 is heading for retirement as Volvo Cars Malaysia takes on the ‘RECHARGE’ objective with their whole range of vehicles on sale.
What this means is that Volvo Cars Malaysia will stop selling their pure combustion engine vehicles and will only sell plug-in hybrid models and soon after it will be only full electric models in their showrooms as the company aims to keep its global promise of being a 100 percent electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030 which is just 8 years away.
With the Malaysian automotive marketing reopening this month, Volvo Cars Malaysia like the rest have re-opened their showrooms and also the assembly of vehicles and there are some back orders for the popular XC40.
As you can imagine, the waiting list was long and some irate Volvo customers now have a delivery date for the booking, but the XC40 petrol version, the T5 R-Design is limited in stock and after this run, only the XC40 Recharge will be offered for sale in Malaysia.
So, if you are not a fan of electric vehicles or even plug-in hybrid vehicles and want a compact fun filled SUV with plenty of features and high safety equipment, there could another possibility that might have slipped your mind.
The Mazda CX-5 Turbo! Yes, Mazda launched the CX-5 Turbo quietly in late 2019 for RM174,000 and there has been little noise about this high quality sporty premium SUV in the past two years.
With a turbocharged engine and high safety features, it is a direct competitor to the Volvo XC40 T5. Let us explain.
Size wise, it is almost equal. Safety equipment, well we all know about Volvo’s legendary safety standard, well this Mazda CX-5 carries equal amount of safety features and then some.
The luxury trim in this version of the CX-5 is equal to the XC40 and both have turbocharged petrol engines. Drive dynamics are almost similar, with the Mazda edging a little forward with its dynamics and handling.
In car entertainment is great on both with the Mazda taking a lead with its 10-speaker Bose supplied sound system.
Then comes the selling price. The RM76,000 price advantage that the Mazda CX-5 Turbo has is a lot considering the current economic climate and the equally strong after sales and warranty provided by Bermaz Motor further strengthens the desire factor.
This handsome Japanese SUV has its points to rival the ruggedly good looking Volvo XC40 but the Swedish heritage gives it a prestige edge in Malaysia. Whatever said, European auto brands in Malaysia have a brand image advantage in Malaysia and only in Europe, Australia and America they sit side by side with the Japanese and Koreans auto brands.
We suggest you test drive both this CX-5 turbo and the Volvo XC40 T5 on the same day and then over dinner decide which tickles your fancy more and also if the RM76,000 premium for the XC40 T5 is worth it in this economic climate.
Mazda CX-5 Turbo Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, 16-Valve, DOHC, Turbocharged Petrol
Capacity: 2488cc
Gearbox: 6-speed Automatic
Max power: 228hp @ 5000rpm
Max torque: 420Nm @ 2000rpm
Top Speed: 226 km/h
0-100 km/h: 7.7 seconds
Price: RM174,852.10
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
