Swedish luxury carmaker, Volvo is aiming to increase its market position in the Indian car market and is planning to launch a couple of exciting products in 2015. Recently, the company unveiled the all-new XC90 SUV, which is claimed to be the safest SUV in the world. The vehicle would come to India by mid-2015. Interestingly, the carmaker is also contemplating the Volvo V40 hatchback for the Indian market.
The V40 hatchback is basically the stripped down or hatchback version of the popular V40 Cross Country, which was already available in the country. Both models are based on the same platform, but features different exterior styling. The hatchback misses elements like body cladding, roof-rails, large alloys, etc. offered on the V40 Cross Country.
The V40 hatchback shares most of its interior equipment and design layout with the Crossover. However, the feature list is likely to be cut down to keep its price competitive. It comes with a split rear seats that can be folded to accommodate more luggage. The V40 hatchback will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 150bhp and a peak torque of 360Nm. This front wheel drive model is claimed to return an impressive fuel economy of 16.8kmpl.
The Volvo V40 hatchback is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 25-30 lakh, and will compete against the likes of BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class, and the upcoming Audi A3 hatchback.
