Volvo XC40 compact crossover caught testing

Volvo is slowing prying its way in to the territory of feature loaded affordable premium cars, which is currently dominated by three Germans. Earlier this year, we saw the new stunning looking V40 that was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March and now this new crossover based on the same B-segment car. Although, Volvo is yet to confirm even the existence of this vehicle, few Norwegian blokes have caught this vehicle without disguise during a photo shoot.

As expected the XC40 looks lot similar to the V40; of course with better ground clearance, ride height and a bit rugged look.  This compact crossover will probably be also available with a wide range of petrol and diesel engine options from its smaller sibling. The petrol range should include the 1.6-litre turbo generating 150PS of power; a 1.6-litre turbo engine that is designated as T4, churning out 180PS and the bigger T5 unit giving out 254PS of max power. The diesel range should include the D2 1.6-litre turbo diesel unit that generates 115PS of power, along with 2.0-litre D3 and D4 engine units that deliver power output of 150PS and 177PS respectively.

Again there are no confirmations on this front, but Volvo is expected to launch this vehicle at the Paris Motor Show, later this year. Once launched, the Volvo XC40 will directly compete with the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, in the very popular segment. Of course, this is the reason that it may very well come to India immediately after its global launch. Almost 45 per cent of BMW sales in India are from the X1, while Audi expects to become the largest selling premium brand in the country with the launch of the Q3.

Volvo plans to go aggressive in India – they have the right products, but not the brand name here to challenge Merc, BMW and Audi. This new crossover might just give Volvo the opportunity to build its name and also get us another interesting product.

Source: [via DN.No]