LIGHTNING acceleration is the Volvo C40.
One of SA’s desirable electric car, its no wonder the Swedish honchos have committed to an all electric future by the year 2030, not far though…
Considered the brand’s first SUV, the C40 has that distinction.
The C40, by the way, has the distinction of being the brand’s first dedicated SUV, although I think that is a bit of a stretch since it is quite closely related to the XC40 compact SUV.
Had the privilege to test the Fjord Blue, that’s how it called, it comes in own unique body shell, with a coupe-like C-pillar giving it a fastback profile that’s almost at odds with its chunky SUV proportions.
Yet it somehow just works, and quite brilliantly, thanks to those sporty 20-inch five-spoke alloys, that makes you go for that kill, when you order it.
With an electric motor on each axle, the all-wheel drive C40 comes at 300kW and 660Nm, and Volvo claims a 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint time.
Inside the C40, you get in, shift into the right gear and you’re on your way in total silence and there’s no start button, since once the car detects the key you’re good to go.
The leather-free interior feels luxurious and the vehicle is well equipped as well as practical, with ample rear legroom and a roomy 489 litre boot.
Also included is an Android-powered vertical infotainment system with built-in Google apps and services, which is a big improvement over Volvo’s previous screen unit.
I found it pleasurable changing between reverse on the electronic gear stick, though some say it’s a bit finicky, as you have to slot it into neutral before hitting the road, having visited the Monchique Lodge, near Muldersdrift for a stay over.
When you hit ‘D’ the pedal becomes something like a machine gun trigger, no stopping. Its kind of thrill as Volvo lets you experience it as it is rather than pretentious pipe in face exhaust sounds.
Yes, it was left, right and God knows what- headturner- as locals admired this beau in silence, and staff at the lodge offered to clean it for FREE. Gratis. Mahala!
Hitting the 0-40km/h mark, I had to make sure Sandton was not that far, for recharging this highly refined luxury car, as it boast 78 kWh lithium ion battery.
Oh, the popular DJ Mahoota also showered praises having seen it parked outside his sisters’ yard for her birthday in Roodepoort. Ahem…
Volvo quotes a driving range of up to 450km between charges on the WLTP cycle, but at 100% charge on-board monitor showed a maximum range of just 380km. Of course, constant highway driving will see a figure somewhat lower than that given the lack of regeneration opportunities.
Volvo says a full charge can take under two hours at a public fast-charging facility, but how long it takes at home will depend on the wall unit you have installed.
For the record the EV Database website in Europe estimates a real-world range of 330km for the C40.
Regenerative braking feels more intense and on the other side it does take some getting used to and you can end up braking sharply just by lifting off the throttle.
Pricing- R 1,3m
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Electricity– make sure you’re fully recharged!
Back to tranquillity, as a guest at the Monchique Guest House, I got to choose my own bedroom that range from Honeymoon Suite to Luxury, all comprise of 12 en-suite bedrooms, something that seldom happens.
Perched in Muldersdrift, a drive outside Johannesburg, nestled on the edge of the Cradle of Humankind, a world heritage site, it is spacious, open for weddings, meetings and private get-aways.
For its uniqueness this boutique has amassed awards thanks to its hospitable staff, awesome breakfast- which we could not finish for obvious reasons.
“Our accent is on luxury, hospitality and friendliness – which you will experience from the moment you arrive”, says its marketing tag.
Simply put- let Monchique take care of all your needs, and let your hair down a bit, since someone’s ‘Uncle’ US Pres Donald Trump has decided to increase 30% tariffs that will hurt our already battered economy.
For peace and tranquillity and more information visit: www.monchique.co.za
Image SLM (The Volvo C40 enjoying sun at the chic Monchique Lodge, near Muldersdrift).
