Volvo’s SUV line-up gets a new member. The Swedish carmaker has finally revealed the entry-level crossover, the XC40 at a special event in Milan, Italy. The XC40 is positioned below the XC60 and XC90 as the third model in Volvo's SUV line-up. It goes up against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLA, Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3.
The XC40 is unmistakably a Volvo. The looks of the crossover appear to be akin to a shrunken XC90. The new Volvo stays true to the 40.1 Concept. It rocks the signature Thor’s Hammer headlamps with a horizontal louvered grille. The hood is clamshell and the D-Pillar carries a floating roof design. Being a crossover, the necessary black cladding is present around the wheel arches, side skirts, front and rear bumper. The tail lights are designed similar to the one seen in its elder siblings.
This is the first Volvo to be based on the new CMA modular vehicle architecture co-developed by Volvo and Geely. This platform will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series including fully electrified vehicles. Volvo says that the CMA provides all the necessary economies of scale for this segment.
On the inside, Volvo’s new cabin design is evident. The large nine-inch infotainment screen is present, flanked by vertical air-con vents. It comes with smartphone integration. The instrument cluster gets a 12.3-inch TFT digital display. The overall lay out is subtle and classy with a good choice of materials used. The space inside the cabin also looks promising. There is ample stowage and also a provision for induction phone charging.
Being a Volvo, the XC40 comes loaded with safety and equipments. Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, city safety, run-off road protection and mitigation, cross traffic alert with brake support and the 360° camera. The XC40 is one of the best-equipped crossover in its segment.
The newly unveiled XC40 is available with a D4 diesel and a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E engine options. A hybrid and pure electric version are slated to join later. Both the engines get an all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Production of the new XC40 begins in November this year at Volvo’s facility in Ghent, Belgium. Judging by Volvo’s plans for India, the all-new XC40 will surely make its way to our shores once it goes on sale internationally. Volvo might even assemble the crossover locally at their upcoming production factory in India.
