Bangkok 2017: All-New Volvo XC60 - CBU Sweden Now, CBU Malaysia Later

A couple of weeks ago, the Volvo XC60 was officially launched for the Thai market in both diesel and hybrid flavours. The D4 and T8 respectively are both potent powertrain variants, with the latter being familiar to us in both the XC90 T8 and the S90 T8. Volvo has put an XC60 on display during the Bangkok Motor Expo and we got a closer look.

This particular variant is the D4 model, packing a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that pushes 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It sends power exclusively to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. We haven't had a diesel Volvo on sale in Malaysia since the older XC90 days, but hopefully market sentiment changes and our fuel quality improves to allow for these highly efficient, potent powerplants.

As for the rest of the car, it's pretty standard modern Volvo fair, albeit in a smaller package than what we're used to seeing. The right elements are there, with a gorgeous instrument cluster and giant touch screen centre console, as well as a refined looking interior with brushed metal accents. 

If Volvo Cars Malaysia can bring in this specification for us, we're sure the XC60 is going to be a hot seller. For now the larger 90 series models may be a little less approachable at their price points, but given how well the previous generation XC60 was received it may be what Volvo needs here to get the brand going strong again. 

For now, the Volvo XC60 for the Thai market is fully-imported from Sweden, but in time it will be fully-imported from Malaysia as the previous generation model was. There's no word as to when the XC60 will be officially launched for our market, but you can expect the usual T5 and T6 powertrain options to be made available.