Volvo XC40: All you need to know

It may be the smallest SUV to roll out from the Volvo assembly line, but it is big on promise, and it takes the threat to German entry-level luxury SUVs   

With the love that we have for SUVs, it would be an ill-witted move not to have them in all sizes in your product portfolio. It seems that Volvo fully understands this and has gradually been working towards expanding their SUV line-up. It started with the new XC90, was followed by the XC60 in December last year, and now they are getting ready to bring in the smallest, entry-level offering – the new XC40. We recently got our hands on the car here in India. Here’s all you need to know about it.

Quirky design: Volvo is working wonders in terms of design. All of their new-age products are stunning to look at and this XC40 take it a step further. It is, without an element of doubt, the best-looking entry-level luxury SUV in the business. The XC40 has certain typically Volvo traits but at the same time manages to set itself apart from its elder sibling and therein lies its beauty. We just loved the way the C-pillar has been shaped and the sporty looking 18-inch alloy wheels.

Familiar interior: From the inside, the XC40 has a lot of familiar design elements from its larger siblings. The steering wheel is somewhat similar, the large tablet-like touchscreen is the same too, and there is a familiarity in the vertically placed aircon vents. Volvo’s intentions of targeting the XC40 towards a younger audience become clear with the contrast orange carpets and door pads. Wrapped in leather and Alcantara, the front seats are electrically adjustable and have a heating function.

Smart touches: The XC40 has a few very smart yet simple touches to the interior that make it very interesting. Volvo has fitted the centre console with a small bin for your trash, and it is removable, which makes it easy to clean. The speakers have been fitted behind the dashboard and not on the door panels – this has essentially made more space for water bottles and knick-knacks. Under the driver seat too there is a small stowage space that Volvo says can accommodate your tablet. For a car that is under 4.5 metres in length, the XC40 has a large boot with over 400 litres of storage. And it also gets foldable floor that helps secure hold smaller bags in place.

Engine and Variant: The Volvo XC40 will only be launched in the R-Design variant to start with. It has been fitted with a 2.0-litre diesel motor that makes 187bhp and 400Nm. This engine comes paired with an 8-speed transmission. All wheel drive is standard in the XC40. As we are accustomed to seeing Volvos, this one too comes fully loaded with tech. In fact, it will be the first car in its class to come with radar-based safety tech like lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and blind sport warning. Of course, other safety tech like ABS, airbags, ESP and hill assist are standard as well.

Price and Competition: Volvo is all set to launch the XC40 on July 4. Considering the equipment on offer, we expect it to be priced around the Rs 38-40 lakh mark and that despite it being brought here as a CBU. Once launched, the XC40 will take on the three big Germans – the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA.