2018 Volvo XC40 Will be the cheapest Volvo on offer upon launch.
The Swedish automaker has confirmed the launch of the 2018 Volvo XC40 in India. The all-new small SUV will be packed with features resembling the other models available in the nation. Upon launch, the XC40 will be the safest small-SUV in the segment exactly like the other Volvo models on offer.
2018 Volvo XC40 Design
The exterior of the upcoming 2018 Volvo XC40 retains the Volvo DNA with the lightning hammer styled headlamp DRLs and protruding plastic claddings on the wheel arches. The kicked-up beltline and optional white roof with matching white wheels add to the youthfulness of the mini-SUV. “Tough little robot” is how Volvo characterises the XC40’s exterior styling. Unlike its elder siblings, namely, the XC60 and the XC90 that carry clean, smooth and aggressive forms, the XC40 is a little youthful, especially with the optional white roof.
2018 Volvo XC40 Interior
The upcoming 2018 Volvo XC40 shares much of its interiors with the larger crossovers from the Swedish automaker. The use of luxurious materials like leather, soft touch plastic and wood inserts make the interiors look plush and comfortable while the utter lack of space to implement these materials does make it a tad bit cluttery. The narrower width of the 2018 Volvo XC40 places the front passengers closer together than in its larger siblings. The speakers have been shifted to the top part of the door to make space for roomier door pockets. Volvo has been famous for making their cars more practical and similar signature can be identified on the XC40. The big cubbyhole under the armrest, drawers under the seat and a removable trash bin behind the shifter amongst others offer a great example. Even the rear door is large and open wide allowing all type of passengers easily entry and exit from the vehicle.
2018 Volvo XC40 – R-Design
The R-Design variant will be offered upon launch and will offer various aesthetic alteration to the stock version. The R-Design variant would offer sporty inserts like five-spoke 18-inch wheels, blacked out roof, pillars and mirrors on the exterior. On the interior, the R-Design variant will feature racy aluminium inlays, leather seats as well as perforated leather finish on the steering wheel and gear lever. The mechanical changes include the addition of stiffer springs, as a part of the ‘Sports Chassis’ for a sportier drive.
2018 Volvo XC40 – ‘First Edition’
As with the Volvo XC60, the XC40 will be offered with a ‘First Edition’ initially that will include certain optional equipment as standard amongst other features. Active-headlamps, handsfree and powered tailgate, wireless mobile phone charging and a Harman Kardon sound system are some of the optional features to be offered as standard on the ‘First Edition’. On the safety front, the ‘First Edition’ will offer Pilot Assist as standard that allows the car to keep a check on the road markings and steer the car within the marked lines. With India’s poorly marked roads, the success of this system in the nation is something we have to look forward to.
2018 Volvo XC40 – Safety Features
Volvo cars are known for their safety features and the upcoming XC40 will host all of the available features as well. In addition to the expected kit of airbags and electronics, the XC40 will be the first small SUV to feature radar-based tech like Volvo’s City Safety. This enables the car to prompt the driver to brake and if the driver fails to do so, the XC40 will apply the brakes on its own. Also on offer will be adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation and blind spot mitigation making the XC40 the safest vehicle in its segment.
2018 Volvo XC40 India Launch & Price
Volvo decided against the local assembly of their upcoming SUV and will be imported as a completely built unit. The reason behind this being the Volvo’s Karnataka facility’s inability to manufacture the Compact Modular Platform (CMA) and can only cater to the vehicles based on the Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA). The upcoming XC40 will be the offering from Volvo to be based on the CMA platform and will share it with the upcoming 40- and 30-series lines. Despite the fact that the XC40 will face the highest import duty and taxes, we expect the company to price it competitively. Upon launch, the 2018 Volvo XC40 will carry a price tag between INR 37 to 42 lakh competing with the rivals from Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
