Volvo XC40 India launch on July 4

We first broke the news a few weeks ago about Volvo's plan to launch its baby SUV, the XC40, in India this July, and now we have an official launch date: July 4.

In a statement, Volvo mentioned that bookings for the smallest XC are now open, with the booking amount being set at Rs 5 lakh. The company also went on to state that it expects the first lot of 200 cars to be spoken for even before the launch takes place in July.

The XC40 is the first car to be built on Volvo's Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) and is targeting younger customers. As a result, the model is expected to attract new customers to the brand in India.

For now, the XC40 will be offered in a single, fully-loaded R-Design variant, with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel (D4) engine that makes 190hp and 400Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with all-wheel drive being offered as standard, boosting the vehicle's SUV credentials. Depending on how the market responds, Volvo could look at introducing a petrol engine and adding another variant to the line-up at a later stage.

Set to take on the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the XC40 R-Design is loaded with kit such as wireless mobile phone charging, a 750-watt 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 19-inch wheels, powered tailgate and heated front and rear seats. The sporty R-Design trim also features a dual-tone interior and Volvo's 9.0-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As you'd expect from a Volvo, there's a full suite of radar-based safety tech comprising lane-keeping assist, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, emergency braking and then some. ESP, traction control, hill descent control and multiple airbags are included too.

As the XC40 will only be brought in as a full import for now, it will attract high duties, but at an expected price of Rs 43-45 lakh (ex-showroom), it should be on par with the fully-loaded trims of its rivals.

If you're still trying to make up your mind about putting your money down for the XC40, make sure you read our review first. And if reading isn't your thing, you can simply watch our video review here.