Rumour: Volvo to launch V40 hatchback in India in April 2015

Swedish carmaker Volvo is rumoured to be considering the V40 hatchback for the Indian market. If media reports are anything to go by, the car could be launched in the country by April 2015.

The V40 hatchback is essentially the same car as the V40 Cross Country, which is already on sale in the country, but without some of the cosmetic features that gives it a rugged look. It does not get the roof rails, body cladding and skid plates that we see on the Cross Country. Its bumpers are different, wheels are smaller and the car looks more like a conventional hatchback than a crossover. Additionally, it gets LED daytime running lights at the front.

On the inside too, the V40 hatchback gets fewer features than the Cross Country. However, it comes with a split rear seat that can be folded down to accommodate more luggage.

The V40 hatchback is likely to be launched as a D3 with front-wheel drive and a 2.0-litre, 5-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 150 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. The more affordable D2 version with a smaller and less powerful engine might also be considered.

The V40 will be pitted against the Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1-Series. It is expected to be priced lower than the V40 Cross Country.

Source: Zigwheels