On the C40, you can still see the classic elements of Volvo, such as the headlights of Raytheon hammer and the taillights of Viking axe. Coupled with the simple and smooth body contours and lines, you can feel at a glance that this is a Volvo compact SUV with Nordic descent.
However, C40 is so different. Whether it's a very smooth sliding back body as a whole, or the detailed design of shunts on both sides of the roof, fixed tail fins at the rear of the car, and air knife wheels, C40 reveals the breath of sports and fashion all the time. The closed front face not only makes the visual experience of the front of the car more concise, but also highlights its pure electric identity.
Entering the car is Volvo's classic T-shaped symmetrical center console. With dark color as the theme color, the interior style is very elegant, which generally conforms to Volvo's cool Nordic style. But in terms of details and materials, C40 did bring surprises.
In fact, with the trend of concealed air-conditioning outlets becoming more and more popular, the huge vertical air-conditioning outlets on both sides of Volvo's central control panel seem a little abrupt and lacking freshness, but C40 skillfully solves this problem through bright decorative pieces.
At the center console and door panel, C40 adopts dark brown decorative strips, which are exquisite and artistic, and fit the interior style of the whole vehicle very well. More interestingly, when the light in the car darkens, the trim strips will automatically light up and become a bright background, which adds a bright style to the interior and highlights the sense of science and technology.
In interior materials, C40 resolutely implements Volvo's environmental protection concept. As early as 20021year, Robin Page, Volvo's design director, said that Volvo would completely abandon animal leather by 2030. So what we see on C40 seats is not leather products, but the combination of sustainable materials and forest sideline materials.
As for the interior space, because it is SUV positioning, there is no need to worry about the problem of high sitting posture of pure electric vehicles. There is no obvious difference between the front driving feeling of C40 and the fuel XC40 with CMA architecture. Because it is a slip-back shape, the head space in the back row is naturally not as calm as the XC40, but it is not a problem to sit next to an adult male of180 mm.
We test-drive the dual-motor four-wheel drive version, with a maximum output of 408Ps and a peak torque of 660 N m. With the help of electrification, the C40' s 100-kilometer acceleration has reached 4.7 seconds, which is beyond doubt. C40 also shows typical dynamic characteristics of electric vehicles after driving. The power output is extremely timely and linear, and the power follows the step.
In terms of kinetic energy recovery, C40 provides a single pedal mode, but individuals don't like "single pedal". Although the control of the vehicle is more delicate when driving, it will be easier to get tired after a long time, and it is always thought that there will be safety hazards after getting used to the same pedal to accelerate and brake. Fortunately, C40 also provides CRBS function, that is, kinetic energy recovery is integrated in the braking system, and there is also a display of recovered power on the dashboard. After experience, I feel that the intervention of kinetic energy recovery is not abrupt, and the braking process is generally stable and linear, which is the level that fuel manufacturers should have.
As for energy consumption, in the test drive experience of 134km, the average energy consumption is 21.1km/100 km. Considering that more than 50% of the test drive roads are urban expressways and expressways, and they are in off-peak hours, the speed is generally 80km/h and100 km/h.
Chassis, because of the introduction of battery pack, the quality of vehicle equipment reached 2. 1 ton, so the suspension and shock absorption system were re-adjusted. On the whole, C40 belongs to the sports style, with good stability under intense driving and strong confidence when cornering at high speed, which is related to Volvo's traditional high-strength body and the gain brought by the reduction of vehicle center of mass after introducing batteries. There are two modes of steering, the default is lighter, which is suitable for urban traffic. After reducing the steering assist, the hand feel will be more accurate and more suitable for high-speed driving.
After a short test drive experience, my feeling is that C40 is a personalized car that breaks the label of maturity and stability of Volvo brand. Some details on the exterior and interior make this car leave a distinct impression, and the electric blessing further strengthens this attribute. Although the starting price of 289,000 yuan is not low, C40 is an optional item for a traditional luxury brand of electric products.
The writer of this article is kicking a car to help stagnant water.
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