Volvo Archives - Indiandrives.com

October 12, 2015

Autonomous Driving Software Showcased by Volvo

Volvo has come out with something called IntelliSafe Auto Pilot, which is a term for an autonomous driving software that the company has developed. The software uses a combination of laser sensors, radars and cameras to read road situation ahead of the car and take actions accordingly.

The autonomous software will take over the reins from the driver when the car enters an autonomous driving lane. Paddles mounted on the steering wheel will light up when the car reaches that section of the road. This system has already been seen in the Volvo XC90 SUV.

In order to turn the system on, the driver needs to have his hands placed on the paddles for a particular amount of time after which the system gets turned on and it takes over driving of the car till the end of the driving lane. Once it reaches the end of the section, the system sounds an alarm for 1 minute so that the driver can take control of the car. If for some reason the driver fails to take control of the car, the system will stop the car.

Volvo will test this system extensively in 2017 and plan is to equip 100 odd XC90s with this. By the year 2020, Volvo planning to launch its first car equipped with this software.

September 5, 2015

Volvo XC90 Receives 266 Advance Orders in India

The Volvo XC90 was launched in India back in May this year at a price of Rs.64.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and now the deliveries of the car to those who had places pre-orders will begin. According to a statement released by the company, the SUV has raked in a total of 266 bookings so far.

According to Volvo, a majority (76 percent) of its customers worldwide have chosen to buy the top-end Inscription version, which comes with things like a fully touchscreen infotainment system. The touchscreen infotainment system practically does away with the need to have buttons and that’s why the XC90 has just eight buttons in total on the inside.

The XC90 comes powered by Volvo’s new generation 2.0-liter four-cylinder Drive E engine capable of doling out a max power of 228PS and a max torque of 470Nm. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that comes as a standard feature across the lineup.

Recently, the car passed the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) with five-star ratings, which proves the car’s safety in every possible condition. IN fact it became the first car in the history of the NCAP tests to score full ratings in Euro NCAP Autonomous Emergency Braking Car to Car rear-end tests (AEB City & AEB Interurban).

In India the XC90 is being offered in two variants – the Momentum and the top end Inscription. The Momentum comes with features like keyless entry, electrically operated boot lid, panoramic sunroof, rear camera, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitor, park assist, navigation sensors etc. While the Momentum variant has been priced at Rs.64.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the top end Inscription variant comes in at Rs.77.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

July 3, 2015

Volvo S60 T6 Petrol Launched In India; Priced At Rs. 42 Lakhs

Remember we told you the Swedish automaker – Volvo will be introducing its much-awaited S60 T6 vehicle in India on 3rd July? Well, the wait is finally over and here it is – the petrol version of S60! Priced at Rs. 42 lakhs, the all-new Volvo is set to compete with the likes of Mercedes Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series.

Motivation for S60 comes from a 2.0 liter T6 engine, which is good for pumping out 306 horsepower with 400 newton meters of torque. The engine is mated to 8-speed automatic FWD transmission. The vehicle comes standard with 18 inch alloy wheels and interior with wood and leather-finish sports seats, navigation, ABS and six airbags. Also, the adaptive digital display will supply the driver with personalized information, in addition to choice of three themes: Eco, Performance and Elegance.

Considered to be one of the high-end vehicles, the S60 adds all-digital instrument cluster combined with seven-inch infotainment system, leather upholstery, fixed headrests, power adjustable seats, sunroof, park assist and electronic climate control system. Laminated front windscreen with infrared rays, three-mode instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic dimming function, parking holder and inner mirror also add to the list.

Some of the technology features include MP3 coder, with DVD player in other variants, single-CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and steering mounted audio controls. Mr. Tom Von Bonsdorff, Managing Director at Volvo Auto India said: “India is one of the fastest growing markets for Volvo. An array of recent launches – V40 Cross Country petrol, XC90, V40, and now the S60 T6 petrol, will add a positive thrust to the brand’s presence in India.”

He also said that Volvo Auto India won’t be participating in the Delhi Auto Expo next year.

June 18, 2015

Volvo V40 Hatchback Launched For Rs 24.75 Lakh

If the V40 Cross Country of Volvo isn’t of your taste, here is another option to look for. The V40 hatchback which India was eyeing long back is finally launched for a starting price of Rs 24.75 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi.

In terms of segmentation, V40 Cross Country is the crossover sibling of V40 hatchback with the raised height and added gimmicks, which the hatchback had shed to compete the likes of BMW 1-Series and Mercedes A-Class. New paint scheme, darkened front grille and air dam, no body cladding and lowered height are some traits that are owned by the new car which differentiates it against the Cross sibling. Panoramic glass roof and new alloy wheels add some more details to it. In fact, Swedish carmaker had made available two variants of standard V40 across the sales floor – Kinetic and R-Design, where each of them are powered by a D3 diesel engine of 147bhp mated to a six-speed auto transmission. ABS, airbags – front, side, curtain and pedestrian, and traction control are the standard features available alongside the mood lighting, powered front seats with memory, dual zone climate control, and parking sensors.

Thus, the only benefit of buying a Volvo in India is its unmatched quality standards, because the cars are imported directly into the country as a CBU (completely built unit). And this new hatchback V40 no exception will get imported from Belgium. In the time when every carmaker at the top of line from Germany are going the ‘Make in India’ way, Volvo sticking to CBU route is still interesting to look at.

Prices of Volvo V40 Hatchback:

Volvo V40 Kinetic – Rs 24.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

Volvo V40 R-Design – Rs 27.7 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)

May 22, 2015

Volvo V40 Carbon Launched In International Markets

Volvo’s offensiveness in India was witnessed with regards to the propone launch of new XC90, and also its confirmation for more international models coming soon, where a one is the V40 hatchback. Yes, that’s right; the maker has introduced only the Cross Country version of the V40 in India which rivals with compact SUV of German brands. But to take the fight on another level, it planned to introduce the V40 standard hatchback that will penetrate Volvo deeper in the market at a price point lesser than that of present entry-level.

However, for the international markets, Volvo had introduced the V40 Carbon, which to go with the title holds roof and mirror caps made out of carbon fiber. This new special Volvo is actually a joint-product of the carmaker and Polestar Performance. To further demonstrate the title, and add spice garnish to the package, black accents are seen across the car where not to forget the tail pipes are blackened, the unique 19-inch set of wheels acts as icing on the cake.

Inside the cabin, V40 Carbon houses various changes, but the carbon made door sills and red seat belts are some significant components among the others.

The engine bay of V40 Carbon will hold two options, T5 and D4. The former produces 253bhp and 400NM of torque, which is almost 25bhp and 50NM more than the standard variant. On the other side, D4 too delivers the similar result with an increase in power of 16bhp and 40Nm torque, totals at 200bhp and 440NM.

Hence, Volvo had confirmed the production of V40 to remain restricted only to 343 units, which will get sold in its home country – Sweden, Netherlands, Finland, France and Japan.

May 18, 2015

Volvo Dealers Demand More XC90s For India Due To Surging Demand

If the big SUV market is growing bigger by every passing day in India, then Volvo has hit the bulls’ eye with the launch of new XC90. This flagship SUV of Volvo is quite glamorous on the new face. That fresh set of headlamp infused with daytime running lights and the vertically slatted grille makes it up for the new-gen avatar at the first sight.

However, the launch concluded couple of days back, a source of industry now reported the dealerships of this carmaker needs more units to make the sale conveniently. As per the projections, Volvo reported to import 350 units to comply with the deliveries that will start in September, but as the number of enquiries are pouring in dealers of this country expect 400-450 are needed to fill the gap between demand and supply.

However, Volvo India doesn’t have a manufacturing facility locally, which makes it to imports its entire lineup of cars from abroad as a completely built unit. However, speaking to a source, the maker has revealed, by next year India will receive 1000 units of the SUV as company plans to speed up the production to 90,000 units. Working out on the statistics, Volvo holds current production capacity of 55,000 units of which 30,000 units are already sold.

Over the top, Volvo aims to increase number of dealerships in India, which by the end of this year the Swedish carmaker aims to turn that number up to 22 with same number of workshops. Now, it enjoys the retail from 14 showrooms and 15 service centers.

New-gen Volvo XC90 is launched in two trims: Momentum Luxury and Inscription Luxury. The former is tagged for Rs 64.9 lakh, the latter with Rs 77.9 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai, pre-Octroi). In the rivalry, new XC90 rivals the likes of Audi Q7 and BMW X5. But under the bonnet it lacks the strength than those duos due to a 2.0-litre diesel engine of 225bhp max power delivered at 4,250 rpm, and 470 Nm of torque sent between 1,750-2,500 rpm. The traction is controlled via 8-speed automatic transmission, and is transferred to all-four wheels for the max-speed of 230km/h.

May 13, 2015

New Volvo XC90 Launched In India For Rs 64.9 Lakh Ex-Showroom Mumbai

Finally, it’s launched. The ever increasing demand of SUVs in India has compelled Volvo to launch its second-gen XC90 flagship shortly after its global debut. The Swedish automaker made this vehicle available in two trims: Momentum Luxury and Inscription Luxury. Former is priced at Rs 64.9 lakh, the latter at Rs 77.9 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai, pre-Octroi). Deliveries are stated to commence from September.

Just not the exterior crust, new platform is also pinned underneath which do makes a huge difference. The appearance from outer on this new-gen model is enhanced towards a luxurious SUV, where the vertical slats of front grille promise immense aggression. Its T-shaped daytime running lights in each of the headlamp clusters make a cut above the rest.

However, standard 19-inch wheels do make up for a risen drive, whereas those still do not find it incompatible can switch to 20-inch from the optional list.

Turning to the rear, its tail gate is revised with the rest of rear fascia. Tail lamps too are new, whereas those couple of exhaust tips poses for a bully shot.

Stepped inside the cabin, it is new and plush to meet the standards of other luxury SUVs from German carmakers. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes up the first glimpse as entered. Properly placed air-con vents, neat dashboard and panoramic sunroof are some other details that makes up for the slick atmosphere inside the cabin. On top of all, a 1400W Bowers & Wilkins music system consisted of 19-speaker blow away the mind when played the music.

As underneath the hood, new Volvo XC90 packs the package with a 2.0-litre diesel engine which sends max power of 225bhp at 4250rpm, and 470Nm of torque between 1750-2500rpm. The traction is sent via 8-speed automatic transmission to all-four wheels which for it to clock the max speed of 230 km/h.

Hence, Volvo is famous for the new inventions in safety-features; buyers can get away with the airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, whiplash protection, and others. A “world’s first” is also on-board named off road protection package which reduces injuries induced at the time when this SUV moves over rough terrain at great speed.

May 4, 2015

New Car Launches For India In May 2015

The intense heat of summer may have taken its toll on many of us, but automotive industry did not seem shaken by its stir. Reportedly, there are several launches lined up for the month of May which will leave buyers with number of options for the proceeding monsoon. Follow us to know more about them.

Tata Nano GenX

Tata Motors has taken the wraps off its new Nano called ‘GenX’. The same that was displayed at Delhi Auto Expo 2014 where this world’s cheapest car was hold back with a 5-speed AMT gearbox and an openable boot. The same will now hit sales floor with its redesigned front and rear bumper and other bits. Thus, with this new deployment in the drivetrain we expect the compact Tata to launch with a price tag of Rs 2.7 lakh as the universe’s cheapest automatic car.

Volvo V40 Hatchback

The crossover did well, now it is time to unwrap the standard (hatchback) version of the same which will get hit as V40. After the introduction, this Volvo machine will take on BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. However, the change is not restricted only to outer shell. Buyers from India will also find Drive-E 1,984cc engine that will make 152PS of peak power and 320Nm of torque after mated to a six-speed gearbox. Two variants will turn out across the sales floor, where top-end will host numerous bells and whistles, and the one down the line will miss out most of them to keep the cost in check for a starting price of Rs 25 lakh (expected).

Volvo XC90

Referring to the rising demand of large size SUVs Volvo decided to bring down new XC90 ahead of the schedule. A source from industry earlier reported, this utility vehicle of Sweden will make its appearance by end of the year, but decision for launch is preponed now. Two trims will go on offer, Momentum and the Inscription. Both stand distinctly with regards to their varied headlamps. Panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, electrically operational boot, rear parking camera, navigation, 9-inch infotainment screen are some features found on the standard list. Top-of-line, Inscription, will see a new long list. A D5 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine good for 228PS max power and 470Nm peak torque shall make to this country with an 8-speed auto transmission. The new XC90 soon after the launch is believed to take on Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Audi Q7, where both of them are dominant in the market for their size and sheer driving pleasure. It is expected to see the price somewhere between Rs 65-70 lakh for gaining entry in the showrooms.

Fiat Abarth 500

A thick line is stretched between the luxury and performance. Getting both of them at the same time will excite everyone. Playing smart this time, Fiat will launch Abarth 500 in India for the expected price of 25 lakh. Pretty small in size than that of Mercedes A-Class and BMW 1-Series, as only these two hatchbacks fill the line in premium segment, a performance-packed 500 from Abarth will set the pulse racing from 137PS max power off a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The same machine also gives buyers an option of 163PS for those who thinks the earlier wasn’t a match of their taste.

Hence, those aforesaid launches are sure-footed for the buyers to get more than expected, after all the competition will just rise like soaring temperature.

April 22, 2015

Volvo XC90 Lounge Console Debuts In Shanghai

Volvo has unveiled XC90 Lounge Console at Shanghai Auto Show followed by a teaser last week. Actually, the concept is designed keeping in mind the ultimate buyers of luxury cars who desire to relax themselves while switching between destinations.

Removed the front passenger seat and placed a lounge console, SUV now boasts a large work table which includes vanity mirror and storage tray for watches, jewelries, accessories and make-up. The same even power forward the 17-inch media screen for an ultimate entertainment experience. If that wasn’t enough, there is even a room for shoes and storage box, provided with locking facility.

Commenting about its conceptualization and the acceptance of such a concept originated in Sweden, Thomas Ingenlath, Sr. Vice President for Design at Volvo Car Group said, Luxury Console is for the people who are constantly on move and lives a hectic lifestyle. Their work style demands moving from event to event, or meeting to meeting, where in the meanwhile personnel are need to relax in their personal space and pace through some luxury time to boost the morale for next engagement. Volvo’s Lounge Console concept is designed to facilitate the said.

Presently, no reports of it going into production leaked, but looking to its usability for the people who handle business worth of billions will surely make it reach the sales floor very soon. Last but not the least, crowd at auto show was also quite perked to see this tranquility from Volvo offering the experience of Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman Limo.