Volvo's T3 engine makes the XC40 more affordable

Volvo's first-ever three-cylinder T3 petrol motor makes its international debut on the XC40. 

In July 2018, Volvo had entered the compact luxury SUV space in India with the launch of its baby SUV, the XC40. The latest offering from Volvo competes with the likes of Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. It is powered by Volvo's 2.0-litre, four-cylinder D4 diesel motor which generates 188bhp and 400Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an Aisin 8-speed automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four corners via an All-Wheel-Drive system.

At the time of its launch, the XC40 was offered to the Indian market in the R-Design trim only. However, the line-up was expanded weeks after the launch with the addition of a lower-spec Momentum and higher-spec Inscription variant. While India gets a single engine option for the XC40, which is the D4 diesel, the international markets will now get a T3 petrol motor option as well, Volvo's first ever three-cylinder engine.

The newest addition to Volvo's Drive-E engine family, the T3 is ideally suited to the XC40's role as a nimble and efficient, urban-friendly vehicle. The compact, 1.5-litre, direct-injection unit develops a healthy 156bhp at 5,000rpm and is matched to a six-speed manual transmission. An eight-speed automatic option will be introduced at a later date. 

While there is no confirmed date of the T3 motor's debut in India, it will certainly make the XC40 more affordable if it reaches the Indian shores. Also, given the fact that the demand for petrol cars in India is steadily on the rise, the XC40 will attract a much wider audience once it is available with this new motor in India.

Read our Volvo XC40 vs BMW X1 comparison to find out more about the XC40's capabilities as a compact luxury SUV.