Spied - Volvo testing out an off-road version of the V40

Images have surfaced of a stop-gap variant from camp Volvo that could challenge the lower variants of the BMW X1. While the full-on XC40 baby crossover is still in the nascent stage, Volvo may use a variant of the V40 to get a sense of the mini crossover segment.

Volvo is testing an off-road version of the V40 hatchback unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this year. The images are very blurry but one can see certain crossover features such as a higher ground clearance, modified front bumper, redesigned foglamps, protective off-road cladding, redesigned side skirts, roof rails and new alloy wheels.

While the details on engine are a bit sketchy, one can safely predict the T3, T4 and T5 engines from the V40 will be carried over. The off-road version of the V40 is expected to bow at the Paris Motor show this fall.

A product like a BMW X1 that changes the definition of luxury crossovers can certainly make or break a manufacturer. BMW India’s lead over it rivals can be largely attributed to the BMW X1. With the Audi Q3 all set to sail in the Indian market and the Mercedes B Class commencing its testing, the compact luxury segment will soon get very crowded. Adding to that, Mercedes is also readying the GLA crossover and another sub-compact sedan on the MFA Platform for the next two-three years.

When we met Volvo India boss Mr Tomas Ernberg in New Delhi for the launch of D3 engine lineup, he mentioned that Volvo India will get very aggressive in the future as it plans to be the top 3 luxury manufacturer in India by 2020 selling 20,000 units annually. We believe that the V40, coming in early 2013, and creative variants such as the model spied here, will play a quintessential role to help Volvo India achieve its targets.

[Source: Autoforum.cz]