Volvo XC60 commences local assembly
The Volvo XC60, launched here in 2009, has become a commercial success in Malaysian shores and the world over. According to Volvo, demand for the car has far exceeded the company’s expectations, leading to a shortage of stocks worldwide.
Soon, however, the stock situation will be somewhat alleviated in Malaysia, as Volvo is commencing assembly of the XC60 2.0 Turbo PowerShift, set for launching in November this year. Pre-bookings will commence on 11 October 2010, and the first 60 customers who sign on the dotted line will receive a free accessory package worth RM6,000 consisting of the following items:
• Décor trim air intake
• Skid plate rear bumper
• Load organiser
• Sports pedals
• Dirt cover bumper
“The XC60 is not only Volvo’s best-selling model worldwide, but it’s arguably the best-looking and safest cross utility vehicle available in the market today,” said Volvo Car Malaysia president Mr. Goran Larsson.
“And with the XC60 2.0 Turbo PowerShift now being the only one in its class to be locally assembled, we expect a massive demand for it,” Larsson added.
The XC60 was launched in Malaysia with a 3.0-litre engine and all-wheel drive with two trim levels. Standard equipment on the existing XC60 include Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB), Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Dynamic Stability & Traction Control (DSTC). These items will not be omitted from the locally assembled model.
Technical details of the new variant have not been revealed by Volvo Car Malaysia, but the only 2.0-litre turbocharged variant of the XC60 listed in Volvo’s international press database has the 2.0-litre GTDi engine with direct injection, producing 203hp @ 6,000rpm and 300Nm @ 1,750 – 4,000rpm. In comparison, the 3.0-litre engine of the outgoing model makes 285hp @ 5,600rpm and 400Nm @ 1,500 rpm – 4,800 rpm.
Although the XC60 2.0T will have less power and torque compared to the outgoing 3.0 T6, it will suffer from less wastage, as in place of the latter’s 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, Volvo will be supplying the new variant with the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission which, as far as we know, will spin only the front wheels this time.
Prices have not been announced, but expect a significantly smaller price tag than the RM330k commanded by the XC60 3.0 T6 SE.
