Volvo’s enters the compact SUV market with XC40 R-design
Swedish carmaker Volvo has just launched its much anticipated XC40 compact SUV. It is now being offered in one variant, the R-design at a starting price of INR 39.90 lakhs (ex-showroom, India).
Exterior design reflects classic Volvo attributes with a fairly muscular and high stance complementing its signature ‘Thor’ designed headlamps. The R-Design sports very cool dual-tone paint work and just enough chisel in its body work to give it a sporty exterior.
The interior continues to represent Volvo’s current design language with a giant 9 inch touch screen in the centre console compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SUV also offers wireless phone charging, a 13-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, and the virtual instrument cluster - all as standard.
Powering the subcompact SUV is a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 187 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, this happens to be the only engine offered as well currently and we shall await to see if there might be any updates soon in this regard. (A hybrid perhaps?)
Luxury Motor Press thinks:
The move to enter the hotly contested subcompact SUV segment is a smart move by the Swedish carmaker. We are a bit surprised though that they are offering a diesel powertrain, given how much they have been promoting the future as “all-electric”.
Included in the competition for this impressively equipped subcompact SUV is the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Range Rover Evoque, new Lexus NX and soon to be launched Jaguar E-pace also feature in this segment giving Volvo some stiff competition.
