Volvo, the Swedish luxury carmaker is planning to launch a series of new luxury cars in the Indian car market. We all know that the company will introduce the all-new Volvo XC90 SUV in the country in the second half of this year. It is claimed to be the safest SUV in the world. Interestingly, the company is also planning to launch the Volvo V40 hatchback in India. It is basically the affordable version of the V40 Cross Country, which was launched in our market in June 2013.
The overall structure and platforms of the Volvo V40 Cross Country and V40 hatchback is same, but both models have different exterior styling. The Cross Country looks aggressive with its sump guards, side body cladding, roof-rails and larger alloy wheels, but the hatchback model misses out on these features.
The Volvo V40 hatchback is equipped with different front and rear bumpers without sump guard, flanked by newly designed horizontal day-time running lights. The overall interior layout of the hatchback is similar to the Volvo V40 Cross Country, but misses out on various features. It is equipped with split rear seats, which can be folded to accommodate larger luggage.
Initially, the Volvo V40 hatchback will come in the front wheel drive version. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 152PS and a peak torque of 360Nm. It is claimed to return an impressive ARAI certified fuel-economy of 16.8kmpl.
The Volvo V40 hatchback will compete against the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class. While the Volvo V40 Cross Country is priced at Rs. 32.5 lakh, the premium hatchback is likely to be priced in the range of Rs. 23 lakh to Rs. 28 lakh.
