Volvo XC60 Facelift Drive-E- 1

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) officially launched the Volvo XC60 Facelift this afternoon in Glenmarie. The refreshed SUV is available here in T5 form, powered by a new Drive-E engine. The Drive-E family, called VEA (Volvo Engine Architecture) in the development phase, was designed to complement Volvo's SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) modular platform that will underpin the upcoming all-new XC90.

The 2.0 litre, four-cylinder turbocharged Drive-E produces 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. That's more than the previous T5's 240 hp/320 Nm, but the SUV retains class-leading fuel consumption figures (for petrol engines, according to Volvo) of 6.7 litres per 100 km combined, and has improved CO2 emissions, now at 157 g/km.

Paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, the XC60 T5 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, on to a top speed of 210 km/h. The Aisin-sourced auto 'box replaces the old car's six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift gearbox. Expect smoother progress.

Volvo XC60 Facelift Drive-E- 16

Unveiled globally in February 2013 and spotted at JPJ early this year, the XC60 Facelift sports a wider front grille that leaves no room for the pre-facelift's slim auxiliary lamps on either side, and a new front bumper, featuring vertical LED DRLs, brings the vehicle into line with the S60 and V60 facelifts, both of which we have yet to get.

All the black body cladding is gone, although skid plates are still fitted. The twin tailpipes are no longer circular; they're now integrated into, and flush with, the rear bumper. The cabin is largely unchanged, save for small touches like "slik metal" decor inlays.

The XC60's extensive safety kit inlcudes City Safety, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Close Vehicle Warning, Cross Traffic Alert and Whiplash Protection System. The enhanced City Safety now features auto braking at speeds of up to 50 km/h, from the previous 30 km/h. BLIS is now radar-based and can alert the driver to rapidly approaching vehicles up to 70 metres behind the Volvo.

Our T5 also comes with Corner Traction Control as standard. It's a new torque vectoring system that works against understeer by braking individual inside wheels when you enter a corner, and sending torque to the outside wheels when you power out.

Priced at RM288,888 OTR without insurance, the locally-assembled XC60 T5 comes with Volvo's 5+5+5 extended coverage plan, which includes warranty, scheduled free maintainance and Volvo on Call roadside assistance. At the launch, VCM MD Keith Schafer said that the XC60 T6, with more power and more safety, will be available from early 2015.

As usual for Volvo, there's a range of options for the new XC60. Named like Ikea furniture, Sigrid, Candor, Olav, Vidar and Viking packages are available to spice up your SUV, priced from RM2,600 to RM25,155. Details in the brochure scan below.