Volvo India to launch V40, S60 T6 and new XC90 this year - Report
All new models and variants are expected to be priced competitively.
Indian media reports today claim that Volvo Auto India is planning to induct more models and variants into its range, as part of an aggressive strategy to sell 2,000 units from 2015, up from 1,200 cars last year. The new models to be launched include the standard Volvo V40 hatchback and the second generation XC90 SUV.
To accompany the Cross Country version, Volvo will bring the standard V40 hatchback into the country in a bid to enter the luxury hatchback segment comprising the Mercedes A-Class and the BMW 1 Series. The Volvo V40 reportedly will be powered by the 2.0-liter D3 diesel engine from its Cross Country brother, which is good for 150 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. It is expected to be priced at around INR 26 lakh.
The next model in store for 2015 is the critically acclaimed second generation Volvo XC90 SUV. It debuts a new design language, the Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) and a new fuel efficient range of four-cylinder engines. For the Indian market, the XC90 will - reportedly - come in two trims: Momentum and Inscription (which are both feature packed). The only engine option could be the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel unit that makes 225 bhp and 470 Nm of torque.
The new XC90 will directly compete against the BMW X5, Audi Q7, Mercedes GL Class and Land Rover Discovery 4. Dealers will start taking orders in May 2015. Reports are also speculating that the 400 hp T8 Hybrid variant will be offered in 2016.
New variants to be announced this year include the petrol-powered Volvo V40 Cross Country and a more-powerful T6 petrol variant of the S60 midsize sedan. Since petrol cars are gaining momentum, Volvo is looking to announce the former in the market. It will be offered with a 2.0-litre T4 motor, capable of 180 hp and 300 Nm of torque. It is expected to come with a sub-INR 30 lakh price tag.
Volvo could also announce the T6 Drive-E variant of the S60, powered by a 2.0-liter turbo motor producing 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, enabling it to do 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
Also See: 2017 Volvo XC60 gets inspired by the new XC90: Rendering
To support the new products, Volvo will increase its dealer count from 16 outlets to 21 by the year end. Note that Volvo's entire range is brought into the country via the CBU route, and there are currently no plans of local assembly.
[Source: Autocar India]
