Picture this. A luxury train perched on a bridge over a gorge, the water below alive with crocodiles, the banks teeming with buffalo. A plume of dust in the distance signals the approach of a convoy of Volvo XC40s and XC90s making their way to Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge, in the Kruger National Park. I am one of the lucky devils driving one of those cars. My choice, the Volvo XC40 T3 Inscription.
With the newly-launched XC40 T4, top-of-the-range XC40 T5, or big brother XC90 T8 hybrid on offer, why, you may ask, the choice of the entry-level 3-cylinder XC40? The reason is sound, I assure you.
Back in the day, more cylinders equated to more power, but turbo technology has meant that the number of cylinders has become somewhat irrelevant. So, three-cylinder engines have been making a comeback.
These engines are smaller, flexible across multiple platforms and more lightweight than their four-piston counterparts. That equates to cheaper manufacturing costs.
Being the smallest, most affordable engine offered, the T3 is the entry point to the XC40 range, Volvo’s premium compact SUV.
The Volvo XC40 is the company’s top-selling model globally. And it is South Africa’s most successful premium compact SUV. “The XC40 had an 8.4% share of its segment in 2019; that grew to 14.7% last year,” says Greg Maruszewski, managing director at Volvo Car South Africa.
Volvo’s more affordable three-cylinder offering, the XC40 T3, is available in three specification levels: Momentum, Inscription and R-Design.
Style and creature comfort in spades
この記事は Finweek English の 11 June 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Finweek English の 11 June 2021 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.