Volvo V40 premium hatch spotted in India: Launch nears

Volvo V40 has been already confirmed for a launch in India by Tomas Ernberg, MD, Volvo India. The news about Volvo V40 coming to India was first revealed in November 2012. In India, the V40 will compete in the segment where the B Class is present currently.

First unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Volvo V40 will be launched in India with two engine options, a 1.6L petrol and a 2.0L diesel. Both these engines will be sourced from Ford. India will not get the FWD option of V40, not at the start. Globally, V40 is also offered with the 1.6L EcoBoost option, that is tuned for either 150 hp or 180 hp. Volvo V40 will be sold as a CBU. Volvo has no plans of starting a manufacturing facility in India currently.

Volvo hopes at capturing a bigger chunk of the luxury car industry in India with the launch of the new V40. For 2012, they sold 811 cars in India, an increase of 155% compared to 2011 sales figures. By 2020, Volvo India aims to be among the top three luxury car manufacturers in the country.

Volvo V40 is amongst the list of top 8 cars nominated for the 2013 European Car of the Year award, result of which will be announced at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March this year.  The other cars in the list for 2013 COTY award include Ford B-Max, Hyundai i30, Mercedes Benz A Class, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and Volkswagen Golf.

Source: IAB via Anand