The Indian arm of Volvo, widely credited as makers of world's safest cars, has revealed intentions to launch its much awaited V40 Cross Country compact crossover in the Indian imported car market by the end of March 2013. The Volvo V40 Cross Country is expected to carry a retail price tag close to Rs. 25 lacs on Indian turf, which makes it a possible direct competitor to the likes of BMW X1 and Audi Q3 compact Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) in the country. Evidently, curtains were pulled off the Volvo V40 at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, where the ultra modish crossover managed to strike perfect chords with global audience and wrapped off a sizeable chunk of publicity for the brand as well.
The upcoming Volvo V40 is not a real blood SUV and is actually more like an amalgamation between a small SUV and a luxury sedan. The Swedish auto maker has rigged its new crossover with all sorts of cutting edge innovations in terms of design, body frame, engine, interior and exterior attributes along side several top draw safety features. The German triple power house comprising BMW, Audi and Mercedes Benz are believed to be keeping a close watch on the developments concerning yet-to-be Volvo V40 compact crossover, as the new Swedish threat definitely looks wicked.
Taking into consideration the exterior appearances of Volvo V40 compact crossover and BMW X1 compact SUV, both the vehicles appear with sort of similar size and dimensions. The V40 Cross Country crossover looks more stylish and dapper, while the BMW X1 appears slightly more rugged and sturdy due to its parent SUV-ish DNA and heavy body build. Evidently, both V40 and X1 are expected to cater to different clientele – the Volvo having style oriented customers and the Beemer having a slightly power and hungry fan following.
Coming to under the hood specifications, the upcoming Volvo V40 Cross Country compact crossover is anticipated to come assimilated with a 5 cylinder, 2.0 litre turbo diesel power-mill, equipped with Start / Stop function. The 2.0 powertrain could belt out a peak power and torque equation around 150 bhp and 350 Nm, respectively, and is mated to either six speed manual transmission or a six speed Geartronic transmission system. On the other hand, the popular BMW X1 compact SUV comes fitted with a 2.0 litre, 1995 cc, four cylinder diesel power-mill, which churns out a meaty power output of 177 bhp along with a raunchy torque delivery of 350 Nm. The X1 drivetrain is assimilated to a six speed automatic transmission system, besides incorporating several cutting edge technologies, such as variable intake geometry, common rail fuel injection and turbochargers. Hence, the BMW X1 comes out as a clear winner considering the power and performance abilities as compared to Volvo V40 Cross Country.
Volvo India has been very upbeat lately regarding its growth prospects and has disclosed a desire to become the numero uno imported car seller in the country. The upcoming V40 Cross Country compact crossover has the most potent mix towards becoming a surprise winner next year upon its launch in Indian auto market. It is going to be interesting to note how the Swedish built automobile challenges the likes of its well established German powerhouses in the country next year. The domestic car enthusiasts and admirers of both camps will be keeping their fingers and crossed and eagerly looking ahead for an interesting face off between Volvo V40, BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
