Volvo India to introduce 6 new models by Q3-Q4 2016

Volvo Auto India, which launched the S60 Cross Country in Mumbai today at Rs 38.9 lakh, has revealed plans to introduce six new models, comprising new and updated models, this year. 2016 will also see the introduction of the Swedish automaker's performance brand Polestar and the launch of a new segment.

Speaking at the launch of the S60 Cross Country, Tom Von Bonsdorff, managing director, Volvo Auto India, said, "Nothing could be more appropriate for India than a cross-country sedan. Our customers want their cars to glide through rough roads but had to compromise on the rear seat comfort of a sedan. Our latest launch, S60 Cross Country addresses both these issues in a unique blend of sporty ruggedness. We have included all the capability-driven features standard offering a unique all-weather, all-road experience."

He added, "All Volvo cars are equipped with diesel particulate filters and are BS VI compliant."

The S60 Cross Country, at 201mm, has ground clearance more than some of the SUVs in India. The car comes with an ultra braking systems that houses laser technology to brake automatically, and thereby reduces the risk of accidents.

Apart from today's launch, here is a look at the manufacturer's plans:

Volvo S60 Polestar

Volvo will bring its Polestar performance brand to India with the S60 Polestar sedan in the third quarter of this year. The car S60 Polestar gets new bumpers, sports seats, revised mechanicals and a 345bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine.

Volvo V40 facelift

Next to follow will be the standard sibling of the V40 Cross Country. The V40 will come with all the changes seen on its Cross Country sibling. Expect the bumpers to be more in line with a standard hatchback than a crossover.

Volvo V40 Cross Country facelift

The facelifted V40 Cross Country is expected to get styling tweaks on the exterior and interior. Styling changes could include new front and rear bumpers, tweaks to the tail-lamps and grille, and new headlamps with ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lamps. The engines are likely to carry forward unchanged from the V40 Cross Country.

Volvo XC90 R-Design

Having launched the R-Design packages for the S60 and the XC60 in India this year, Volvo is set to do the same with the XC90 in 2016. As part of the package, the full-size SUV will get an aerodynamic body kit that includes modified front and rear bumpers, larger alloys with slightly different wheel arches, twin exhausts, silver-painted roof rails and wing mirrors. The 225bhp 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel will power the XC90 R-Design as well.

Volvo XC90 Excellence

Volvo will bring two new versions of the XC90 to India this year. One of them is the XC90 Excellence, a more luxurious version of the SUV that will rival the Range Rover and Mercedes GLS. The XC90 Excellence is differentiated from the standard XC90 by the chrome trim around the windows on the exterior. It gets a four-seat layout with the rear seats getting massage and ventilation function, retractable touchscreens for the rear passengers, rear tray tables, a refrigerator, and heated and cooled cup holders. The XC90 Excellence will likely be powered by the existing 225bhp 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel from the XC90 available in the country.

Volvo S90

The S90 is the replacement to the ageing S80 sedan and will take its place atop the Volvo line-up. The production car will borrow styling elements such as the ‘Thor’s hammer’ daytime running lamps, rectangular front grille and coupé-like receding roof-line from the Volvo Concept Coupe. The interiors are expected to borrow from the XC90, with a large centrally located touchscreen display dominating the centre console. When launched in India, the S90 will be powered by the same 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engines as the XC90 SUV.