Volvo XC40 available for India now
Priced at INR 39.90 lakh, the new XC40 is smaller
than the likes of XC60 and XC90. Its competitors are the Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3
and the BMW X1. Here are a few images to show comparisons with them:
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XC40 vs Q3
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XC40 vs X1
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| XC40 vs GLA |
Though it is almost the same in length as the Merc,
XC40 clearly beats the GLA in terms of width and height. In comparison with the
Q3, the Volvo's height and length are more.
Design of the Volvo XC40 is based upon the Compact
Modular Architecture (CMA) platform. This has been seen to be a highly
effective platform for emerging markets of the world.
The Thor's Hammer DRLs and the L-shaped tail lamps
give the entry level luxury SUV a completely unique look. It gets further
beefiness with massive 18 inch Pirelli Zero alloy wheels. The stance is more
like an SUV and not like a coupe or a crossover. The SUV's C Pillar is straight
and not curved, unlike other designs.
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| Thor hammer DRLs |
You can expect the best safety features from any
Volvo vehicle, and the XC40 does not disappoint. It comes with the following:
- Oncoming lane mitigation system
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Run off road protection
- Roll stability control
Adaptive Cruise Control lets the XC40 maintain a
safe distance between itself and the vehicle ahead. In the Oncoming Lane
mitigation system, the car's AI realises that another vehicle is coming from an
inside lane and directly joining your path, in which event it slows down and
turns your car slightly to avoid the above.
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| Tail lamps |
With by a 2L 4-cylinder diesel engine, the XC40
generates 400 Nm of peak torque and 190 hp of power. It comes with a 8-speed
Geartronic box, along with Haldex AWD. Different modes of driving are
available- eco, dynamic, comfort, off-road and individual.
On the inside, it seems that the legroom,
especially at the rear, has been compromised a bit. As compared to the
dimensions, the XC40 doesn't appear to be that spacious. Possibly the bonnet
and the rear boot have taken up massive space, in comparison to the rest of the
car. However, leather seats and piano black finish add up to make your ride a
classy and comfortable affair.
To enjoy open spaces, the SUV also comes with a
panoramic sunroof.
In terms of infotainment, the Volvo XC40 gets a
Harman/Kardon music system, with a total of 13 speakers, inclusive of woofer.
Some speakers have been neatly placed in the dashboard, to provide a superior
listening experience. It also gets Sensus, a digital SatNav system.
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| Sensus and 3-spoke steering wheel |
VERDICT
At a price around 40 lakhs, Volvo Auto India seems
to have a winner on their hands. The XC40 is undoubtedly a highly capable SUV,
but one would need to see how capable it is off-the-road as well. Volvo has
been known for safety, and it hasn't disappointed this time around as well.
Seems like good times for SUV owners and first time luxury car buyers.
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