21/09/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY SEPT 21, 2025

Building momentum XC60 gets fresh update in T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid, B5 AWD Mild Hybrid

VOLVO Car Malaysia has given its best selling XC60 a fresh update for 2025, building on the brand’s momentum after the debut of the EX90 and updated XC90 earlier this year. The facelifted SUV introduces sharper styling, new comfort-focused features, and the latest in-car technology. Since its global launch, nearly 2.7 mil lion units of the XC60 have been sold worldwide, with over 6,200 delivered in Malaysia. It continues to be Volvo’s most popular model locally. The refreshed line-up will be offered in two variants: the T8 AWD Plug-in Hybrid, estimated to start from RM367,888, and the B5 AWD Mild Hybrid, expected to start from RM333,888.

Both models share a core 2.0-litre tur bocharged inline-four petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 AWD variant features a mild hybrid system, where a 48-volt battery and an integrated starter-generator (ISG) contribute an additional 14PS and 40Nm. This elevates its total output to 26PS and 390Nm, enabling a 0-100kph time of 6.9 seconds. In contrast, the range-topping T8 AWD is a plug-in hybrid. It pairs the pet rol engine with a dedicated rear-mounted electric motor, generating a combined 462PS and 709Nm. This advanced pow ertrain achieves a 4.8-second sprint to 100kp/h. Thanks to a 19kWh battery, the T8 AWD’s pure electric range under the

WLTP standard has been extended to 89km, an improvement over the previous 81km. In line with Volvo’s safety commit ment, both models include a 71-litre fuel tank and a 180kph top speed limiter. Visually, the SUV now sports a new diagonal mesh grille, Thor Hammer LED headlights, darker rear clusters, fresh 19 inch 5-double-spoke alloys in black dia mond cut, and two new colour options – Forest Lake and Bright Dusk. Inside, refinements include improved wireless charging, redesigned cuphold ers, extra storage, and an advanced air purification system capable of filtering 95% of harmful particles. The T8 variant also comes with air sus pension that is offered as a complimen

tary feature for a limited time only. Safety remains at the core of Volvo’s DNA, with the XC60 featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision avoidance systems, comple mented by the brand’s robust safety cage design. Technology has been upgraded with a new 11.2-inch freestanding display run ning Google built-in, offering seamless access to Maps, Assistant, and apps like Spotify and Waze. For audiophiles, the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity system remains available, delivering a concert-like sound experi ence. The refreshed 2025 Volvo XC60 is now available for viewing and booking at all authorised dealerships nationwide. Porsche raises the bar again THE Porsche 911 Turbo S has never been short of praise. Its predecessor was already regarded as the ultimate all-rounder – blis tering performance mixed with everyday comfort, long-distance capability and that touch of exclusivity Porsche owners love. Now, the latest version takes things to a whole new level, delivering more power, sharper dynamics, smarter aerodynamics and an even more premium finish. At the heart of it all is a brand-new T Hybrid powertrain producing a staggering 711PS and 800Nm of torque, making this the most powerful production 911 ever built. Power is available across a wide rev range, with full output kicking in between 6,500 and 7,000rpm. The system uses Porsche’s 400V light weight hybrid technology and two electric turbochargers – a step up from the single eTurbo setup that debuted in the Carrera GTS. This not only boosts outright perform ance but also sharpens throttle response, eliminating the lag often associated with turbocharged engines. Performance figures are as wild as you’d expect. The 911 Turbo S sprints from 0 100kPh in just 2.5 seconds, half a second quicker to 200kPh than before, and tops out at 322kPh. Despite the added weight of the hybrid system, around 85kg more than its prede cessor, the extra punch more than makes up for it. Power is sent through an eight-speed PDK with an integrated electric motor to Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system. The chassis has been comprehensively reworked too, with wider 325/30 ZR21 tyres at the rear, updated suspension tun ing and the largest PCCB ceramic brakes ever fitted to a two-door Porsche – 420 mm up front and 410 mm at the rear. New brake pads improve both stopping power and pedal feel, while wider rubber ensures stability under hard acceleration. The new 911 Turbo S is available as both coupE and cabriolet, with a choice of two seat or 2+2 layouts depending on body style. Whichever you go for, one thing is cer tain: Porsche has taken an already world class benchmark and raised it once again.

Significant step in EV landscape

MALAYSIA officially rolled out the red carpet for the iCaur 03, making it the first market outside of China to receive the brand’s fully electric SUV. After its world premiere in Shanghai, the bold new model made its local debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 and has now been officially launched, marking a signifi cant step forward for the nation’s electric vehicle landscape. The iCaur 03 sets out to combine rugged off-road ability with cutting edge electric technology. oBox, together with futuristic lighting ele ments, gives the SUV a striking pres ence. But beyond the looks, the model brings plenty of substance. It is equipped with the iRoad sys tem that offers 12 selectable drive modes, supported by a precision H arm multilink rear suspension. At the heart of its performance is a 6-in-1 electric drive module, neatly packaging the motor controller,

onboard charger, and inverter into a single compact unit for seamless power delivery across various ter rains. Safety has been given serious attention with the iCare architecture, featuring Malaysia’s first all-aluminium monocoque chassis and body in an electric SUV. This provides a torsional rigidity of 31,812 Nm/deg – comparable to high performance sports cars – while also cutting overall weight by 30%. Step inside, and the iCaur 03 offers a tech-driven cockpit under the iBrand banner. Drivers are greeted with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12-speaker INFINITY audio setup. Adding to the futuristic vibe is a 540° Transparent Chassis camera, all tied together with the i-VA interface designed to keep drivers seamlessly connected and in control.

The SUV will be available in two drivetrain options. The 2WD model comes with a 184PS motor produc ing 220Nm of torque, powered by a 65.7kWh battery capable of deliver ing up to 426km of range (NEDC). For those craving more capability, the iWD dual-motor variant puts out 279PS and 385Nm, paired with a 69.8kWh battery offering 418km of range. This version has been tuned for superior off-road performance, with added traction and stability in chal lenging conditions. The iCAUR 03 is available in five colours – Silver, Grey, White, Black, and the signature Aurora Green – and is priced at RM119,800 for the 2WD variant and RM129,800 for the iWD variant. Buyers have a 7 years or 150,000km vehicle warranty, along side an 8 years or 160,000km bat tery and drive unit warranty.