The entry level luxury SUV market in India is an action packed space that has so far been dominated by the German trio. But now a certain Scandinavian will be looking to grab a slice of the pie. Say hello to the XC40, Volvo’s weapon to take on the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and the Audi Q3. Volvo’s new design language is just wow when you compare it to the previous gen cars and does put its models right up there as far as desirability is concerned. With the XC40, Volvo is targeting younger buyers and looking to get in the volumes. Also, the Volvo XC40 has reached Indian shores just months after the international launch.  Volvo invited us to the City of Nizams, Hyderabad, which is also the Volvo capital of India, to get first hand impressions of this stylish and funky SUV prior to its launch in July this year. It holds a lot of promise but can it spoil the German party?

Volvo XC40 Exterior

The XC40 is the first model to be built on the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture platform. This platform is shared with Chinese parent company Geely and will be the base for many future models from the car maker. Volvo also says that the platform is full electrification ready. The XC40 completes Volvo’s SUV portfolio that includes the XC60 and the XC90.

Look at the XC40 upfront and it is apparent that it shares some of its styling cues with it bigger siblings. The front grille with horizontal slats though smaller, is prominent and finished in gloss black. The Volvo ‘iron logo’ sits right in the centre. Then there are the headlamps that feature the now familiar Thor LED DRLs, by far the coolest design element of new generation Volvos. The side profile reveals prominent body cladding that adds to the SUV character. It comes shod with stunning 18 inch alloy wheels mated to 235/55 profile Pirelli P-Zero rubber as standard. Want more? Volvo also gives you option of 20 inch alloys. Also check out the window line that is sharply angled towards the C pillar. The contrast black roof also looks super cool and gives the XC40 a distinct character. Volvo will offer the XC40 in India in only the range topping R-Design trim. That gives a lot of black elements and accents instead of chrome. Also, don’t miss the embossed R-Design logo on the sides of the roof. The rear features the trademark Volvo tail lamps that always look great. They get a little update that keeps them looking fresh. The tail gate is subtle and features the Volvo lettering stretched all the way across. A dual tone bumper and and sporty dual exhausts complete the sporty rear end. The XC40 gets a whopping 211 mm (unladen) of ground clearance which really gives a tall stance. It does feel like a proper SUV and not a crossover.

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