Volvo has just launched its newest small SUV, the XC40, in India at an introductory price of Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India). An entry point to Volvo’s SUV range, the XC40 will initially be available in a single variant, the R-Design. The Swedish carmaker started taking orders for a booking amount of Rs 5 lakh.
The XC40 employs Volvo’s familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel (D4) engine – the only powertrain on offer - which sends 190hp and 400Nm of torque to all-four-wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The carmaker would consider offering the option of a petrol engine if there is a shift in consumer preference. "90 percent of customers demand a diesel engine in this segment, hence we took the decision to offer only a diesel," said Charles Frump, MD, Volvo Auto India.
In R-Design trim, the XC40 gets equipment such as 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless mobile phone charging, a 750-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, Volvo's 9.0-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a powered tailgate, and heated front and rear seats.
As is usual with Volvo, the XC40 comes equipped with advanced safety kit in the form of lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, emergency braking, ESP, traction control, hill descent control and eight airbags.
Going up against the Mercedes BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the funky SUV is expected to attract a more youthful customer as well as a new set of buyers for Volvo, thanks to its positioning at the lower end of the luxury segment. The XC40 will be a key contributor to expanding Volvo’s sales in India, which have been on an uptrend; volumes grew 28 percent on-year in 2017. The brand aims to double its market share in India to 10 percent by 2020.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
Saptarshi Mondal
