Volvo XC40 unveiled, launch next year

Post the launch of the S60 Polestar and V90 Cross Country in India earlier this year, Volvo has unveiled its new baby SUV, the XC40 in Italy. Volvo has commenced taking orders in Europe and will start deliveries of the first batch of XC40 early next year. Volvo’s new SUV will be launched in India next year.

Looks-wise, the XC40 is unmistakably a Volvo. The Thor’s hammer LED DRLs, signature Volvo grille and the design on the tail-lights will remind you of the XC60 and XC90. The SUV is really compact in terms of dimensions and one look at the side profile is evident.

The black cladding and the 5-spoke alloy wheels add character to the car’s side profile. The long LED tail-lights and the rear profile are reminiscent of the other Volvo SUVs too.

The XC40 is the first Volvo that sits on a new modular vehicle architecture (CMA) which will also underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series. Volvo has co-developed this platform with Geely (Volvo’s parent company).

Step inside the SUV and the cabin looks a typical Scandinavian affair. There is a 12.3-inch TFT instrument panel, borrowed from the XC60 and XC90. A 9-inch tablet-like touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity takes care of the music needs. There is an umpteen number of storage spaces inside the cabin as well.

The Volvo XC40 will be available initially in the range-topping T5 version that comes powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol motor that produces 244 HP. AWD is standard in this variant. There is a choice of 3 petrol (154 HP T3 variant, 187 HP T4 variant and 244 HP T5 variant) and 2 diesel engines (148 HP D3 variant and 187 HP D4 variant) for the European markets.

Pricing for the Volvo XC40 starts at $37,746 (approximately Rs. 24.52 lakhs) for the T3 FWD trim and goes up to $53,166 (approximately Rs. 34.53 lakhs) for the D4 AWD R-Design Pro variant in the UK. Volvo intends to add a hybrid as well as a pure electric version of the XC40. The Volvo XC40 will go against the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.