Volvo V40 Cross Country to be launched today

Volvo is all set to take on the new luxury hatchback segment in India with the launch of its V40 Cross Country. But unlike its German rivals who aim to cash in on entry-level luxury car buyers, Volvo is targeting a more niche clientele by introducing the fully kitted versions of the V40 in India. 

Sudeep Narayan, Marketing and PR Director, Volvo Auto India, stated that the company is not going for a price sensitive product but fully loaded bells and whistles versions of the V40 Cross Country. Based on this statement it would be possible that the Volvo V40 Cross Country would be launched with prices ranging between an estimated Rs 25 lakh and Rs 29 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Just to give you an idea, the V40 will pack in features like an interior air quality system (IAQS), fully adjustable electric front seats, heated front and rear seats, optional leather upholstery, electronic climate control, fixed panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, adaptive head lamps, rain sensors, daylight sensing daytime running LEDs, park assist, blind spot information system, cross traffic alert, Bluetooth handsfree system, keyless entry with start/stop button, digital TV receiver, etc. 

This being a Volvo, it comes armed with a host of safety features including hill descent control, traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, dual stage airbags with passenger airbag deactivation switch, side airbags, pedestrian airbag, anti-submarining protection, whiplash protection, etc. 

The Volvo V40 will be powered by the company’s 2.0-litre, five cylinder D3 diesel engine that develops 152PS of power and 350Nm of torque that can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed autobox. Internationally, the V40 Cross Country is available with range of T4 and a T5 petrol engines. 

It is not known if a petrol V40 Cross Country will come to India, however, the 2.0 litre five-cylinder T4 petrol engine developing 182PS of power and 300Nm of torque or the 1.6-litre four cylinder, direct injection, turbocharged T4 engine developing 182PS of power and 240Nm of torque would be on the cards if a petrol V40 Cross Country were to make it to India. 

The luxury hatchback market currently consists of the MINI Cooper, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the Volkswagen Beetle. BMW will be launching its 1 Series hatchback in India later in 2013 during the festive season while Audi is looking to bring its A3 hatchback to India in 2014; both cars will be priced aggressively along the lines of the Mercedes A-Class. And as mentioned earlier, the Volvo will be the most well equipped and most expensive luxury hatchback on the Indian market. 

Also read: Volvo On Call app now on Android and iOS