Volvo has launched the XC40 facelift in India at an introductory price of Rs 43.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India). This is, however, only applicable for a limited period for the festive season, after which the prices will be hiked to Rs 45.90 lakh. For reference, the outgoing model was priced at Rs 44.50 lakh.
Available in a single, fully-loaded B4 Ultimate trim, this mid-life facelift brings an updated exterior, more equipment on the inside, and most importantly, a new mild-hybrid petrol powertrain. Along with the XC40, the infotainment system on the XC90 also sees a minor update.
- XC40 facelift gets a new 197hp, mild-hybrid petrol engine
- Infotainment updated with new Android operating system
- Rivals the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3
Volvo XC40 facelift: new engine
The updated XC40 is now powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that’s coupled with a 48V integrated starter-generator motor. The powertrain produces 197hp and 300Nm of peak torque – up 7hp from the previous petrol-only 2.0-litre motor but peak torque remains unchanged. The engine is paired to an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, sending drive to the front wheels only. With this, Volvo’s entire line-up in India now gets mild-hybrid powertrains.
Volvo XC40 facelift: exterior
The cosmetic updates on the XC40 facelift are mostly concentrated on the front fascia. The headlamps are now a lot more angular and the Thor’s hammer inspired LED Daytime Running Lamps have also been redesigned. And while the grille remains unchanged, the front bumper now features more angular creases and updated fog lamp surrounds.
However, unlike the pre-facelift model, which was solely offered in R-design trim, the new XC40 does not get the sportier treatment and therefore misses out on the dual-tone paint scheme and more stylish 18-inch alloys. Instead, the new XC40 rides on rather plain looking 5-spoke silver alloy wheels. Unlike the front fascia, the rear end remains completely unchanged. There are, however two new colour options on offer - Fjord Blue and Sage Green.
Volvo XC40 facelift: interior and features
The interior is barely changed as well, with the only update being a new wood trim on the dashboard and doors. Like all new Volvos, the infotainment system has been updated with Google’s Android operating system to offer a smartphone-like experience. This brings in a bunch of Google apps as standard such as voice-controlled Google Assistant, Google Play Store, Google Maps and other Google services. The system is also compatible with over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Other features on the updated XC40 include a new advanced air purifier with PM 2.5 filter, wired Apple CarPlay, 14-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with forward and rear collision mitigation.
Volvo XC90 infotainment update
Along with the XC40, the infotainment system on the XC90 flagship SUV has also been upgraded with the new Google-powered software. Priced at Rs 94.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the new XC90 costs Rs 1 lakh more than the previous model. The new XC90, along with the XC40, are the final two models in Volvo's line-up to receive the new system. The XC90 also gets three new paint options - Bright Dusk, Denim Blue and Platinum Grey
Volvo has, however, silently discontinued the 407hp, 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid petrol variant of the XC90, and it is now only available with a 300hp, 2.0-litre mild-hybrid variant.
Volvo sedan line-up update
Volvo has also silently discontinued the S60 sedan which was launched in India only last year. Meanwhile, the S90 sedan sees a price hike of Rs 1 lakh, and is now priced at 66.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Volvo XC40 facelift: rivals
The updated Volvo XC40 continues to rival other entry-level luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLA (Rs 44.90 lakh), the Mini Countryman (Rs 42 lakh-46 lakh) and the newly launched Audi Q3 (Rs 44.89 lakh-50.39 lakh). It also takes on the BMW X1 (Rs 41.50 lakh-43.50 lakh) that is on sale in India, but a new-generation model is expected to launch next year.
*all prices ex-showroom, India
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