The facelifted Volvo V40 T5 now comes with the
R-Design exterior package, replacing the Inscription kit that was available
when the model was launched in June 2017. Despite this change, the V40’s retail
price remains unaffected at RM 180,888 on-the-road without insurance, but
inclusive of a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
Changes at the front include a
new R-Design grille and bumper – the latter featuring faux corner intakes and
black trim for the lower apron. Moving on to the rear, you’ll now find a more
aggressive-looking diffuser design, which is accompanied by a pair of larger
exhaust pipes. Elsewhere, the 17-inch Sarpas diamond-cut alloy wheels have been
swapped out for a set of 17-inch five-double-spoke units instead (shod with
205/50 profile tyres).
While there’s a number of R-Design parts on the
outside, the package doesn’t extend to the interior. Here, the V40 retains many
items found in the T5 Inscription variant, including the Milled Aluminium Décor
inlay and Comfort Seats. However, the sill plates bearing the ‘Inscription’
name are no longer there. Also absent are the R-Design sports leather steering
wheel and gear knob usually associated with the full R-Design package.
Equipment-wise, the car is largely unchanged from
before, and still comes with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, LED
headlights with ‘Thor’s hammer’ LED DRLs, dual-zone climate control with Clean
Zone, Sensus Connect with seven-inch display and an eight-speaker audio system
(four channel and 180 watts).
Under the bonnet is still the familiar Drive-E 2.0
litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is paired with a
Geartronic eight-speed automatic transmission. The mill makes 245 hp at 5,500
rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1,500 to 4,800 rpm – enough for a zero to 100 km/h
time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h.
