Volvo Auto, the domestic arm of world renowned Swedish premium car maker, has pushed the launch date of its V40 Cross Country compact crossover for sometime in June '13 in the Indian auto market. The company had earlier revealed intentions to introduce its much awaited V40 model during March this year, but latest developments indicate that the date has been postponed for a few more months. Experts believe that the Swedish luxury automotive marque wants the launch of its V40 compact crossover to take place around the same time when German rival- Mercedes-Benz introduces its B-Class diesel and A-Class hatchback range in the domestic premium car market.
The upcoming Volvo V40 Cross Country is an ultra modish model that gained worldwide recognition during the 2012 Paris Motor Show, for its stunning design and visual appeal. Upon its arrival on Indian turf, the Volvo V40 compact crossover is expected to pose some stiff competition against the likes of Mercedes-Benz B-Class Sports Tourer, BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mini Cooper models. Industry experts are of the opinion that the Swedish auto maker has a dark horse in its arsenal (the V40 model) that can help it in luring the domestic car enthusiasts away from top selling models by the German trio of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Speaking of under-the-hood specifications of Volvo V40, the compact crossover will be introduced in two petrol powered options in the Indian auto market. The V40 is expected to be powered with a 2.5 litre, 5-cylinder, T5 engine that churns out a maximum power output around 254 bhp along with a highest torque delivery of 400 Nm. The petrol T5 motor is mated to an automatic transmission that allows the stylish crossover accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just a fraction more than 6 seconds. The other Volvo V40 trim is expected to come fitted with a 1.6 litre petrol engine that belts out peak power and torque output equations of 180 bhp and 270 Nm, respectively.
The V40 compact crossover is going to be retailed through Completely Built Unit (CBU) route in the domestic luxury car market, since the Swedish firm has no localised assembly operations in the country, at present. Volvo Auto India is anticipated to bring its V40 Cross Country car with introductory price tags in the range between Rs. 20 lakhs and Rs. 25 lakhs, in order keep the model both price competitive and attractive. It is going to be interesting to note how the Indian audience reacts to the launch of Volvo V40, which is slated to challenge the much awaited Mercedes-Benz A-Class and B-Class diesel models around the same time.
