CAR /
IMPRESSION
April 8, 2022
300kW Total Output, 0-100km/h in 4.7 Seconds: What's the Drive Like? A Test Drive of Volvo's BEV 'C40' | VOLVO
Driving Performance That Lives Up to its Sporty Exterior
I was impressed with how well it drives, living up to its exterior image. Acceleration from a standstill and during cruising is sharp, and the handling is excellent. The steering wheel offers two settings for assist: light and heavy, selectable on the 'Settings' screen. In either case, the car responds well, and cornering is enjoyable.
It is equipped with regenerative braking, which uses friction during braking to recharge the drive battery. The strength of the regenerative braking can also be selected from two levels: 'low' and 'high'.
When regenerative braking is set to low, the car glides forward with little resistance when you lift off the accelerator. If this feels insufficient, you might prefer to set it to high and use your right foot to modulate the appropriate braking force by easing off the accelerator. Even in city driving, you can adjust speed using just the accelerator pedal without relying heavily on the brake pedal. It's convenient once you get used to it.
The steering is also solid, and the chassis feels rigid and well-engineered. I wasn't able to drive on the highway for an extended period this time, so I would like to take it on a longer trip to experience its comfort.
Current Volvo cars are equipped with Google Assistant, so the navigation system is also Google. When setting a destination with Google Maps for a long trip, it reportedly displays the remaining battery charge upon arrival and for the round trip. If the battery charge is insufficient for the journey, charging stations are added to Google Maps. The interior also features a new 'vegan' specification, meaning no leather is used.
The C40 Recharge AWD (all-wheel drive) is selling well through online sales in Japan. Simultaneously, a subscription plan with a low monthly payment through residual value financing was announced for a limited 100 units. This, too, was reportedly filled quickly. As a side note, Volvo's subscription service, which allows for mid-term cancellation without penalty (as it should be), is also highly praised.
The latest news is that from April 21st, the car's name will change from the current 'C40 Recharge AWD' to 'C40 Recharge Ultimate Twin Motor'. The price, previously 7.19 million yen, will be reduced to 6.99 million yen.
New optional features include an 'Orrefors crystal shift knob' and 'tailored wool blend seats'. The wool blend fabric seats are part of the C40's leather-free design. The aim is to achieve a new kind of comfort.
At the same time, a basic model with a single motor (5.99 million yen) will also be released. Given Volvo's announcement to transition to 100% EV sales by 2030, this news reflects Volvo's commitment.
