Volvo Auto, Chinese-owned Swedish automobile manufacturer, has decided to launch its small car V40 in Indian automobile market, sometime between January and March 2013. According to latest reports, the new small car is based on the S40 model and will be available between the price range of Rs. 20 lacs and Rs. 22 lacs. The small car V40 will be showcased at the upcoming International Geneva Motor Show.
The company recently launched three variants with new 5-cylinder turbo D3 diesel engine, namely premium sedan S60 (from Rs 23.99 lacs), luxury compact SUV XC60 (Rs 33.99 lacs) and luxury sedan S80 (Rs 31.99 lacs). Tomas Ernberg, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India was present during the launch of the new variants. He commented, “There will be two global launches this year, of which one - a small vehicle - will come to India. The small car space is necessary for us to gain volumes.” The new V40 will be launched in the European automobile market later this year. This model will also be available at Australian showrooms during the initial months of 2013.
Reportedly, the V40 small car has conservative front-end design, wraparound headlights (inspired from S60/V60 models), prominent grille, bold bonnet and bumper contours. In addition, a tapered roofline, slim A-pillars, a shallow glasshouse, pillar-mounted tail-lights, strong rear guards and curvaceous glass hatch are other things assimilated in the car by the company. Once launched, the V40 would compete against Mercedes-Benz B-Class that will also be introduced at the same time. Volkswagen Golf, BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 will be other competitors of V40.
