KUALA LUMPUR (June 19): Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the new face of the Volvo V40, which will bring the popular hatchback visually closer to its new 90 series.

"In Malaysia, the V40 is our best-selling model after the XC90 model, making it a very important car for the company. We hope that the new updates in the T5 Inscription will make this very successful model even more attractive to customers within this segment," Volvo Car Malaysia's managing director Lennart Stegland told reporters at the launch this evening.

"When the Volvo V40 was first revealed to the world, it conveyed our initial step in reimagining our design language: a blend of Scandinavian heritage and the modern design environment," Stegland recalled.

The most prominent feature of the new Volvo V40, said Stegland, is the new Inscription grille mesh cradling the new Volvo Iron Mark and the Thor's Hammer headlights, giving the enhanced model a "confident look".

"In terms of the overall product offer, this is the best, value-for-money package that a customer could get in this segment," he said.

"Be it in terms of performance, safety and convenience feature, the T50 Inscription is hard to beat," he added.

The model retails at the on-the-road price of RM180,888, including the goods and services tax but excluding insurance.

The new model is available in four colours: Ice White, Onxy Black, Osmium Grey and Luminous Sand.

"We will also release the V40 T4 at a later date," Stegland added.

Stegland declined to comment on whether there could be a possible tie-up with Volvo Car Malaysia's parent, Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.

"That question is best directed to them," he added.

Last month, conglomerate DRB-Hicom Bhd sold its 49.9% stake in loss-making Proton Holdings Bhd to China-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd.