Volvo XC40 SUV bookings open in India, launch in June 2018
Volvo's youngest SUV, the XC40 is all set to launch in India in June this year. While we await an official confirmation from Volvo, a select few dealerships have already started accepting bookings for the same. In that case, we believe, the deliveries of Volvo XC40 should start by the end of next month. The Volvo XC40 rivals the likes of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Volvo XC40 will feature a range of three and four-cylinder engines in both petrol and diesel iterations, with a plug-in hybrid planned for the future as well.
The Volvo XC40 compact SUV is based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that has its origins in China, thanks to Geely which now owns Volvo Cars. CMA is a more cost-effective platform for emerging markets, as against the SPA platform which underpins larger Volvo offerings. The Volvo XC40 sticks close to the 40.1 Concept showcased last year and you can clearly see the family motifs like the Thor's Hammer DRLs as well as the overall styling. The XC40 borrows design cues from both its larger siblings, the XC60 and the XC90. Volvo says 'Pilot Assist' will be used in the new Volvo XC40, which basically helps any person authorised by the owner to start the car without a key fob.
The Volvo XC40 will use the company's Sensus touchscreen infotainment system but it has a couple of enhancements too, with the touch being much smoother now. The Volvo XC40 is a 5-seater and the company claims that it has designed the SUV to have a clutter-free cabin. This shows in the layout which has minimal buttons but lots of cubby holes in the cabin. There are various storage options that include a stowaway hook for securing luggage, some more hooks at the boot as well as slots for credit cards holders.
The Volvo XC40 will be available with two engine options initially, the petrol T5 and diesel D4. Both being four-cylinder turbocharged units mated to 8-speed Aisin automatics, which are found in other Volvo models as well. We got to drive both variants around Barcelona on the highway and through town. The D4 pushes out 190PS at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of peak torque between 1,750 and 2,500rpm.
Also read,
India-bound 2018 Volvo XC40 first drive review
Volvo XC40 India-bound image gallery