Volvo to launch three new cars in India this year

Volvo has reported a positive growth of 6.2 per cent in its global sales by selling a total of 5.34 lakh units in 2016 compared to the 5.03 lakh units in the previous year. The company claims that the growth in global sales was achieved with a strong demand from three prime regions that include China, the United States and also Western Europe. In China alone, Volvo has sold 90,930 cars wherein the major volumes were dominated by the XC60 and S60.

As expected, the S90 sedan and the XC 90 SUV have been instrumental in achieving the impressive sales performance. The company sold a total of 91,522 units of the new-gen XC90 in 2016 while the S90 contributed a sales of 7,383 units. Even the Volvo XC60 posted a steady growth in its sales numbers which has been growing ever since the model was introduced in the market.

The company will also be strengthening its Indian arm with additional showrooms and service stations. Volvo India presently has 16 dealerships and will open new outlets at different parts of the country. Volvo ended last year with the launch of the V40 Cross Country. And now, Volvo will be adding three new products to its portfolio in India.

1) Volvo XC90 R-Design
Estimated price: Rs 85 lakh

The Volvo XC90 R-Design will be the first launch from the company in India. The launch will be a low-key affair as the company is planning to soft launch it across dealerships in India. The R-Design comes equipped with a distinct front grille, larger scoops on the front bumper, 22-inch R-Design alloy wheels, integrated dual tailpipes and bright roof rails. The cabin boasts of sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with R-Design details on the gearshift knob, pedals, floor mats and illuminated scuff plates. In addition, it comes with a special R-Design leather key remote control. The Sensus-equipped large touchscreen in the centre will seen in the XC90 R-Design as well, but it will feature a R-Design theme. The engine options will be similar to the regular XC90.

2) Volvo V90 Cross Country
Estimated price: Rs 65 lakh

The Volvo V90 Cross Country is the third car to be based on Volvo's new Scalable Product Plan (SPA) platform. The company also seems clear on not bringing the V90 in its regular estate form. The V90 CC is not aimed at crossovers but instead will target those who want to buy a premium sedan but with additional practicality. Compared to the regular V90, the Cross Country gets an increased ground clearance of 210mm that is even higher than the S60 Cross Country. It will also be equipped with AWD that is shared with the regular V90 estate. Powering the V90 CC are 254PS T5 and 320PS T6 petrol as well as the 190PS and 235PS D4 and D5 diesel engines.

At the recently held 2017 Euro NCAP test, the Volvo V90 scored five-star safety rating. In fact, the S90 scored an impressive six points, making Volvo the first carmaker to do so in the Autonomous Emergency Braking for Pedestrians (AEB Pedestrian) test.

3) Volvo S60 Polestar
Estimated price: Rs 65 lakh

The big three German brands already have their presence in the performance segment. Volvo will challenge them with its Polestar brand that debuts this year in India. The 2.0L Volvo S60 Polestar with turbo and supercharger makes 367PS and 470Nm. Volvo claims that the S60 Polestar can do 0 to 100kmh sprint in 4.7 seconds and has been limited to a top speed of 250kmh. Compared to the regular offering, the S60 Polestar comes equipped with bigger turbo, a supercharger, new connecting rods-camshafts, a larger air intake and a higher capacity fuel pump.

Volvo cars have been predominantly known for offering the best in safety. With the launch of Polestar, the brand will also get an enthusiastic appeal. The positive sales of performance brands from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz is a sign that India has a market, even though the numbers are not too big. We expect Polestar to play a strong role in the overall sales of Volvo India.