Third SUV from Swedish brand highlights performance, safety kit and class-beating prices.
Volvo Car Thailand has launched the all-new XC40 as it third SUV following the XC60 and XC90.
With prices starting from 2.09 million baht for the T4 Momentum spec, the XC40 becomes the most attractively priced SUV in its class.
While power comes from 190hp 2.0-litre petrol-turbo engine driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic, the standard list of driving aids comes to over 10 items.
For buyers with more money to spare, there’s the all-wheel drive T5 sporting a meatier 252hp of power to make its 6.4sec 0-100kph time a full 2sec faster than the T4. Fuel economy is claimed at 12.5kpl -- 1kpl less than in the T4.
Priced at 2.39 million baht, the T5’s premium is further justified with the sporty R-Design trim and additional driving aids such as semi-autonomous parking and motorway cruising.
All of the XC40’s intended opponents are priced higher, although some are offering economy-focused variants like the diesel-powered BMW X1 going for 2.329 million baht in 150hp 18d and 2.529 million baht in 190hp 20d forms.
The Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz, meanwhile, are only sold with petrol engines in Thailand. The 180hp Q3 costs 2.549 million baht, while the 156hp GLA200 and 211hp GLA250 are priced at 2.14 and 2.39 million baht respectively.
Such aggressive pricing in this particular corner of the Thai luxury car market is likely to put pressure on Lexus, which is planning to launch the all-new UX in the country later this year.
