Saar: Slated to launch in the first week of July 2018, the Volvo XC40 will initially be available only in the top-spec R-Design diesel variant.
Heads up Volvo fans! The XC40 is almost here. When we say almost, it will launch in India during the first week of July 2018. With that out of the way, let’s also mention that the Volvo XC40 will begin its Indian innings with just one variant and one engine-transmission combination. To be precise, it will be offered in the top-spec R-Design variant with a diesel-automatic powertrain underneath the pretty exterior.
If you think that information has some flaw, allow us to clarify. Volvo models in India have followed the top-down approach when it came to launching different variants. Some might believe that the Inscription badge is worn by the range-toppers for all models. That is true but so is the fact that the R-Design is also considered as a top-spec variant. Confused? Don’t be. It is simple to bifurcate the two. Where the Inscription is tagged as the top-of-the-line variant in terms of luxury, the R-Design takes the sporty route. That’s why the Volvo XC40 will be offered with multiple dual-tone body colour options along with 18-inch, dual-tone alloy wheels, dual tailpipes and dark tinted windows on the rear side doors and tailgate.
The Volvo XC40 R-Design will be powered by a 2.0-litre, D4 diesel engine that produces 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque. It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. No points for guessing, the engine-transmission combination is the same as the Volvo S90 sedan. But unlike the S90, which rides on Volvo’s SPA platform, the XC40 is the first product from Volvo that is underpinned by the new CMA platform. The latter is designed specifically for the smaller products and is flexible enough to accommodate electrified powertrains as well. The CMA platform will also underpin the next-gen versions of the Volvo V40 and S40 models.
Back to the XC40. Being a Volvo and that too a top-spec one, the baby SUV will come loaded with tonnes of safety and comfort features. The list starts with the 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system which comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The system is mated to a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Other features include wireless mobile phone charging, panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster and paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel. As far as safety features are concerned, the Volvo XC40 will come with oncoming lane mitigation, rear collision warning, run-off road mitigation, lane keeping aid, park assist pilot and adaptive cruise control.
The Volvo Xc40 will be brought into India via the CBU route. That’s because Volvo’s assembly plant in India isn’t ready to accommodate the new CMA platform. Courtesy of the higher import duties, we believe the XC40 won’t be able to undercut its rivals in terms of price, which should be around Rs 40 lakh mark. Speaking of rivals, the Volvo XC40 will take on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, recently launched Mini Countryman, Audi Q3 and the BMW X1.
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