Volvo S60 T8 CKD test Review.

The hybrid Volvo S60 T8 is now available as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit for the Malaysian market. Identical to the completely built-up (CBU) variant, the Volvo S60 T8 CKD is powered by the award-winning T8 Twin Engine E-AWD hybrid and can deliver a total output of 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque. Here is the break down, the electric motor outputs at 87 hp and 240 Nm of torque while its Drive-E petrol engine, equipped with supercharger and turbocharger technology, produces 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This translates into a 0-100 km/h run in a mere 4.4 seconds.

Thanks to Volvo Malaysia we manage to get our hands on this magnificent piece of machinery. During the test drive of the S60 T8, I use a lot of the Pilot Assist driver assistance feature, which builds on the adaptive cruise control function. So on top of staying to a fixed speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you, it also uses steering inputs to keep you in the centre of your lane. The real time 360˚ camera is another helpful feature, showing a bird’s-eye view of the car and its immediate surroundings on the large centre display screen. Do not get me started on the Reverse and parallel parking because it has never been easier compared to other European makes.

I particularly like the all-petrol Dynamic drive mode. As I flipped a small toggle to my left, the engine gave the slightest nudge as if to say it was ready for a bit of fun, and was she a pleasure to drive! As the powertrain shifted to an all-petrol format, the energy was instant and easy, the car’s responsive handling was an absolute delight. Ideal for long-distance driving, Dynamic mode brings the raw power of its petrol-powered engine to the fore, and I got dangerously close to doing the centenary in its stipulated time, Almost!

The Volvo S60 T8 CKD’s interior features contoured seats that are made with exclusive Charcoal Fine Nappa Leather with Open Grid Textile upholstery and a tailored dashboard. Adding to the ambience is an immersive 14-speaker system powered by Harman Kardon that is linked to a Sensus Connect infotainment system. Volvo Cars’ Sensus Connect infotainment system is fully compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intuitive control is a tablet-style touch screen interface that combines car functions, navigation, and in-car entertainment apps.

The Volvo S60 T8 CKD is underpinned by Volvo Cars’ own Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, safety technology and infotainment system, which is used in the top-of-the-line 90 Series cars, the award-winning XC60, now the S60 T8 CKD.

On the subject of safety, the Volvo S60 T8 CKD offers City Safety with Autobrake technology, which assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions and is the only system in the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. In a world-first for the mid-size sedan segment, City Safety now also engages auto braking to mitigate oncoming collisions. The Cross Traffic Alert further enhances safety for people inside and outside the car designed to detect traffic crossing behind the car when reversing.

“Being a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the S60 T8 CKD not only helps to minimise exhaust emissions, but also offers exhilarating acceleration and performance. In a sense, it is a vehicle that lets you recharge by giving you control over amazing performance, whilst helping the world recharge via a cleaner environment,” said Nalin Jain, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Volvo is not only taking the initiative to introduce PHEVs but also purely electric vehicles with the aim to reduce its carbon footprint per vehicle by 40 per-cent between 2018 and 2025. It is also making a change from its supply chain itself – Volvo is the first car manufacturer to use blockchain technology to monitor and trace cobalt throughout the supply line, meaning that the battery packs used in the S60 T8 CKD are sourced responsibly.

The Volvo S60 T8 CKD will only come in a single trim – the T8 R-Design and is priced at RM295,888 (on-the-road, without insurance, inclusive of excise duty and sales tax) and is available for test drives at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide. Customers will have the option to choose among four distinct colours: Crystal White Pearl, Fusion Red Metallic, Onyx Black Metallic and Pebble Grey Metallic.

The Volvo S60 T8 CKD will also be made available for booking online through Volvo Car Malaysia’s website as a safer alternative and in adherence to the government’s advice on social distancing.

Credits : Photos and content courtesy of Jeya@Cactus