Volvo XC40 SUV (India bound) details and specifications

Volvo unveiled the all new XC40 yesterday. It might come across as one more SUV in the growing segment in the world, but the XC40 is believed to be the one that will get numbers to Volvo. In the international markets, the Volvo XC40 competes with the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mini Countryman in the premium SUV range. Interestingly, it will also lock horns against the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe and others sitting a notch below the premium SUVs. The new design language that originated with the Volvo XC90 seems to have given a totally new identity to the company's range around the world. The first pictures of the Volvo XC40 too state that this one would be an understated yet funky looking offering. The Volvo XC40 interiors too have taken an inspiration from the flagship XC90. One of the most important bits of the Volvo XC40 is its underpinning, which is the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that is also shared with the brand's Chinese owner Geely. The latter has already unveiled the Lynk & Co 01 concept that is based on the same platform. Here are all the details of the Volvo XC40 that you should know.

Looks and features

The Volvo XC40 sticks close to the 40.1 Concept showcased last year and you can clearly see the family motifs like the smooth Thor's Hammer DRLs as well as the overall styling. The designers say that the XC40 looks like a distant cousin of the XC60 and the XC90. The XC40's design is influenced by architecture and fashion, which is why Volvo chose to reveal in the car in Milan, a city that has a mix of both.

There are many firsts for a car including the placement of an air vented sub-woofer on the dashboard and not on the typical door pads which helps liberate space for bottles and other items. There are also trays underneath the front seats that will help the occupants to place their knick knacks in the cabin. Like the larger XC60 and XC90 SUVs, the XC40 too features Volvo's connected Sensus infotainment system, that is now positioned around the now familiar large, portrait-oriented touch screen.

Safety

If it is a Volvo, then safety is one of the key highlights. The Volvo XC40 comes equipped with pilot assist system, City Safety, run-off road protection and mitigation, cross traffic alert with brake support and the 360 degree camera that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces. The Volvo 'Pilot Assist' used in the new Volvo XC40 basically helps another authorised person to start the car without a key fob. Of course this works through an app and the owner has to give authority to the third party to use the car.

Platform

The Volvo XC40 is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. This platform is at present shared with only the flagship XC90 and also the Geely made Lynk & Co 01. It is a smaller but equally advanced version of the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that forms the basis of the S90 and the V90. The shared technology between SPA and CMA will include powertrains (both conventional and new plug-in hybrid variants) and the infotainment, climate and data network and safety systems .Additionally, the company believed that the CMA-based cars will significantly increase its global volumes

Powertrains

The Volvo XC40 comes with an option between D4 diesel or a T5 2-litre petrol four-cylinder 250PS Drive-E powertrains. Volvo also states that a hybrid and a pure electric version will be added to the XC40 later. The Volvo XC40 will also be the first car from the brand to come with the new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder motor.

Competition

The Volvo XC40 will be primarily positioned against the Mercedes Benz GLA, BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 in India. However, seeing the current trend of pricing of Volvo Cars in India, we believe Volvo might undercut the German by a heavy margin. In fact, the Volvo XC40 might offer stiff competition to other SUVs like the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Honda CR-V in India. There is no official confirmation from Volvo India about the XC40's launch in the country, it could happen sometime in 2018.