The Indian arm of Volvo, a well appreciated Swedish multinational auto major, is presently working towards the launch of its V40 Cross Country crossover in the domestic market. The stylish Volvo V40 will be marketed via Completely Built Unit (CBU) route, with its launch anticipated somewhere around March 2013 in the country.
Top industry experts have pegged the yet-to-be launched Volvo V40 Cross Country crossover to pose some stiff competition against the likes of BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer. Hence, the vehicle has generated a great deal of interest among domestic car enthusiasts, who aspire to own an imported vehicle that is slightly more exclusive and not a German-made.
The Volvo V40 Cross Country looks like a milder form of compact crossover utility vehicle and may appear like an extended version of a hatchback. However, the vehicle's stylish appeal is expected to leave domestic car enthusiasts mesmerised, with its sheer class, futuristic curves and brilliant arches. The front fascia of the crossover looks nothing like a hatchback and features sporty headlamps and chrome tipped grille.
Coming to under-the-hood specifications of Volvo V40 Cross Country, the crossover will be introduced in two petrol trim levels in the Indian passenger car market. The petrol V40 is anticipated to come fitted with a 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder, T5 motor, which is expected to churn out a peak power output close to 254 bhp and maximum torque delivery of 400 Nm. The engine assembly comes mated with an automatic transmission, which entails the crossover to deliver an incredible acceleration of 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.1 seconds.
Further, another variant of Volvo V40 is expected to incorporate a smaller 1.6 litre GTDi petrol power-mill with maximum output power and torque equations rated at 180 bhp and 270 Nm, respectively. The T4 engine-powered V40 crossover will feature either an automatic six speed automatic transmission system or a six speed manual gearbox.
As per industry sources, Volvo India is anticipated to launch its V40 Cross Country crossover with an overtly aggressive price tag in the domestic imported car market. Since, the stylish vehicle is to compete against BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer, the pricing of V40 is expected to be in the range of around Rs. 20 lakhs. It is going to be interesting to see how the Volvo V40 is received by the Indian audience and how it challenges its German rivals, upon its arrival on the domestic turf.
