FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

Yesterday, Volvo Car Malaysia has officially appointed Clear Marque Sdn Bhd as its newest authorised dealer at an agreement signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

Clear Marque, headed by Dato’ Tan Hoe Pin, Executive Director of Wawasan TKH, will begin operations as early as mid-November with a dealership on Jalan Kuching that will initially concentrate on servicing, with a full sales centre to follow on the same site. A second dealership is expected to open in Kota Damansara by the start of 2014.

“Dato’ Tan Hoe Pin has a distinguished reputation in the automotive industry. We have every faith that Clear Marque will be an asset to our operations in Malaysia, as Volvo Car Malaysia and Clear Marque share the common vision of offering better service to Malaysian customers,” said Goran Larsson, President of Volvo Car Malaysia.

“This partnership is the first step in our expansion programme to better serve Volvo customers.  Our customer-oriented sales and service focus is part of our philosophy to show Malaysians that Volvo is very much “Designed around You”, from our car design and performance, to the quality of service that we provide.” explained Larsson.

With the Jalan Kuching site being the lead service centre coming into operation in November, Clear Marque’s focus will be on providing a premium experience for staff and customers alike.

“Opening our service centre initially gives Clear Marque the perfect foundation on which to demonstrate our commitment to Volvo and build our reputation.” said Dato’ Tan Hoe Pin.

“This platform will provide our sales showrooms with an established consumer base from which to grow and we intend to increase customer satisfaction through our enhanced service program with pioneering features such as ‘One-hour-stop’ service concept.”

Volvo Car Corporation paved the way for a totally new segment with the V70 Cross Country already in 1997. Now, 15 years later, the new Volvo V40 Cross Country brings the unique blend of capable ruggedness and expressive elegance up to a new altitude by establishing a Cross Country in the Premium C-segment.

“The new V40 Cross Country is built on the heritage that started with the V70 Cross Country back in 1997. It is designed for those who want a sense of adventure in their everyday life,” says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation. He adds: “And when you want a break from the city, it is capable enough to take you and your gear to your favourite adventure and back. However, you still need to climb the mountain yourself,”

“There is a clear distinction between our XC and Cross Country models. The Volvo XC models have a distinct crossover character with unique body-styles including an elevated seating position, while the Cross Country models are expressive all-road versions of our dynamic wagons and hatchbacks,” explains Lex Kerssemakers. He adds: “When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country is eager to take on the sportiest competitor versions. It features an attractive blend of sportiness and comfort.”

Yet, the five-door, five-seat premium all-roader features refined off-road inspired details such as the anodized, black high-gloss frame around the greenhouse, the black rear-view mirror housings and the sleek rails floating over the roof.

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Back in January this year, Volvo Car Malaysia launched the CKD variants of the V60 T4 and T5 for the local market. The V60 is basically a station wagon version of the S60 sedan with larger trunk space and versatility. With the V60 sportswagon, cargo space for shopping bags will never be an issue again! Shopping for furniture at IKEA? Not a problem.

Before hand, I am not a Volvo enthusiast but not until recently. Without the presence of V60 T3 in Malaysia, the Volvo V60 T4 is the entry range of the V60 line-up and follows by the T5.

Also, the Volvo V60 T5 has recently been awarded the “Best Performing Family Car” at the Allianz Asian Auto-VCA Industry Award 2012. But this doesn’t meaning the smaller T4 is not one of the “best”.

Though the V60 T4 is the entry range, but I felt that Volvo never neglect this model car with its standard safety features, performance and handling. The Volvo V60 T4 is packed with a 1.6-litre GTDi engine mated with a 6-speed PowerShift Dual-Clutch auto transmission. The 1.6-litre turbocharged powerplant output a maximum power of 180hp @ 5,700rpm with 240Nm of maximum torque from 1,600rpm to 5,000rpm. Technically, the PowerShift Dual-Clutch auto transmission is a wet clutch and it was designed with gearbox specialist Getrag under the GETRAG FORD Transmissions joint venture.

Based on the specification, the maximum speed is up to 220km/h and the T4 station wagon takes 0-100km/h below 9.2 seconds. Although the car is turbocharged with a small capacity engine, there are barely any turbo lags and the engine is quite responsive on the station wagon’s body. The combined cycle of fuel consumption takes 7.5 litres per 100 km for the V60 T4 and emitting 173g/km of CO2.

We are unable to test on the maximum speed on the road due to legal limitation in Malaysia, unless we put the car in Sepang racetrack. However, I found folks in YouTube managed driving up to 220km/h on the Autobahn in Germany. Hence, I presumed it is a valid claim.

The Volvo V60 T4 fitted standard with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/50 R17 tyres. Besides the Volvo XC60, the other newer Volvo’s model comes with a tyre sealant kit instead of a spare tyre.

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In 2011, Volvo Car Malaysia has updated the locally assembled XC60 T5 compact SUV range in Malaysia with a more powerful engine and enhanced standard features list. After we driven the car for a local road trip, I started to appreciate and understood the reason why this model is one of the best selling Volvo model in the world now.

The XC60 T5 is powered by a 2.0-litre all-aluminium four-cylinder GTDI (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine that now produces 240hp at 5500rpm and 320Nm at 1800–5000rpm, up from 203hp and 300Nm. Though, there is still a small amount of turbo lag from the engine. The generated power is delivered to the front wheels via the 6-speed Powershift dual-clutch auto transmission with Geartronic. Basically, the Powershift transmission is Volvo’s version of Volkswagen DSG transmission. The weight of the steering wheel is fully adjustable from light to heavy on the console.

The acceleration of the Volvo XC60 T5 from 0-100km/h takes 8.1 seconds and a maximum speed of 210km/h. Based on the paper, the fuel consumption is aided by the dual-clutch Powershift transmission with now using 8.5 litres/100km on the combined cycle and emitting 198g/km of CO2 emission. However, the front-wheel drive introduces a little more torque steer. For better efficiency, the brake energy regeneration is also featured in this latest Volvo compact SUV.

We tested the XC60 T5 from city streets to highways in Malaysia, where the XC60 is promising and contented. Also, the XC60 T5 comes standard with 18-inch ‘Zephyrus’ alloy wheels with 235/60 R18 tyres. Other than we found the big turning radius of 11.7-metre is one of the drawback. Besides, it has excellent and strong braking capabilities.

The suspension setup on the XC60 T5 is firm and controlled. At the same time as we test the handling, I found there are a little body roll exists on the XC60 when putting through corners. Anyway, the ride is smooth and quiet most of the time.

Although the XC60 T5 is an entry range in other region, but it doesn’t mean the T5 in Malaysia is a poverty pack. The new Volvo XC60 T5 includes leather upholstery, climate control, powered tailgate, electric park brake, 8-speakers audio with 7-inch LCD colour screen, auxiliary/USB/iPod inputs, DVD, MP3 playback, rain sensor wipers, auto headlights and Bluetooth with audio streaming capabilities, steering-mounted buttons and navigation system with voice control.  Miserably, the parking assistance camera (PAC) is optional.

Because the XC60 is a Volvo, as a result safety features will be first class for sure. The XC60 T5 include the world’s first Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake (up to 35 km/h), Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake (up to 180 km/h), Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist (up to 200 km/h), adding on to a list of safeguards comprising the Roll Stability Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and City Safety. I felt the entire safety features are very useful and ensuring the road safety at all time. Of course, you can disable it all if you think it is annoying but we don’t recommend doing so.

Personally, I like the Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist on the Volvo as it is different than the conventional system. It can automatically adjust speed based on preset speed limit (up to 200km/h) in order to maintain a proper distance between vehicles in the same lane. This is achieved through a radar headway sensor, digital signal processor and longitudinal controller. If the lead vehicle slows down or another object is detected, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking system to decelerate. Then, when the road is clear, the system will re-accelerate the vehicle back to the set speed.

In slow-moving traffic up to 30km/h, Queue Assist automatically adapts the vehicle’s speed to keep a safe distance from the car in front.

The lists of the safety system on the brochure are longer. But in summary, it comes standard with stability control, six airbags and this car is awarded with 5-star NCAP crash rating.

Typically, the styling on the older Volvo is usually monotonous and the driving experience is rather flat. But things seem to be much improving after the introduction of naughty Volvo S60 back in 2010. Likewise, some of the design and feature within the cabin have brought the XC60 closer to the S60 sedan.

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The Volvo V60 T5 has been awarded the “Best Performing Family Car” at the Allianz Asian Auto-VCA Industry Award 2012 held recently at The Saujana Kuala Lumpur. A total of 19 awards were given out this year, with Volvo competing against five other nominees.

The annual awards, which began in 2008, feature a panel of judges from the Asian Auto motoring magazine. The award evaluates and recognises the merits of vehicles in various categories. Judging criteria is based on a combination of design, comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, after sales service and technical superiority.

Peter Johnson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Volvo Car Asia said, “This award is testament to our “designed around you” philosophy, which is centered around understanding people and giving them a luxury experience that is a little more human-oriented, while at the same time anchored firmly on our heritage of building safe and dependable cars.”

The safety systems on the Volvo V60 T5 includes Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake while featuring Volvo’s award winning technology; City Safety feature that can reduce or entirely avoid a rear end impact when driving up to 30km/h and the world’s first Pedestrian Detection technology; the only system in the world that detects human silhouettes and triggers the brakes automatically if an accident is about to occur.

The Volvo V60 T5 also features the unique Corner Traction Control by Torque Vectoring which makes it possible for the driver to accelerate at a much higher speed while turning. Volvo is the only car brand outside the supercar segment with this offering.

Launched in Malaysia in January 2012 (read more about the launch here - 2012 Volvo V60 Launched in Malaysia), the V60 T5 engine has been designed for high performance without compromising on fuel consumption. This is made possible by Volvo’s cleverly designed gear system called Powershift.

The Volvo V60 T5 is available in five colours; Electric Silver, Ember Black, Ice White, Flamenco Red and Seashell. It is available nationwide and is priced at RM269,000.00. The Volvo V60 is also available in T4 engine variant, which retails at RM230,000.00.