Volvo XC40 to be launched in India in mid-2018; specifications, details out

Swedish car-maker Volvo has just launched the new XC60 SUV in India. Apart from XC60, Volvo sells flagship XC90 and its plug-in hybrid model in India. The range will soon see a new member. The model in question is XC40 and it will be the new entry-level SUV for the company in India.

Volvo unveiled the compact SUV in Milan in September. It will be launched in India mid-2018, reports Autocar. The India-spec XC40 will be offered with a choice of two engine option – a 190hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel and a 247hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol. Both the engines will come mated with eight-speed automatic gearboxes and all-wheel drive as standard. The report also claims that Volvo will add 150hp, 2.0-litre diesel mill to the range on a later stage.

The XC40 diesel range will be available in Momentum and Inscription trims, while the petrol will be offered in R-Design variant. All the variants will boast of 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking assist, a digital instruments cluster and 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The Inscription will be loaded with features such as powered driver's seat with memory function, ambient lighting, part-leather seats, wood inlays and an Orrefors crystal gear lever. The R-Design, on the other hand, will flaunt five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and a blacked-out roof and mirrors. The R-Design being the sportier version will get stiffer springs for a sportier drive.

The design of XC40 has been extracted from the 40 Series concepts revealed last year. On the whole, the XC40 looks like a scaled-down version of the flagship XC90 SUV. However, Volvo designers have also given unique detailing to lend the compact SUV a separate stance. Signature Volvo bits, like Thor's hammer styled headlamp and Christmas tree taillights, have been retained.

Interestingly, Volvo Cars India will not be locally manufacturing XC40 in India. The XC40 is the first car to be built on Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) and the current production line in India has been optimised only for Volvo's SPA or Scalable Platform Architecture.

With import duties added, Volvo XC40 is expected to be priced from Rs 35 lakh-Rs 40 lakh. The Volvo SUV will go up against Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA in India.