Volvo’s first-ever three-cylinder petrol engine is exclusively mated to a six-speed manual gearbox in the XC40;
automatic option to arrive next year globally
Volvo will be introducing first-ever three-cylinder engine in its over nine decades of steeped automotive history and it powers the brand new XC40. In recent years, the Swedish brand is associated with using small capacity turbocharged engines and as the industry shifting its focus towards mainstreaming zero-emission solutions in the near future, Volvo is doing its bit to slap down the emission level at present with new technologies and the three-pot unit is the latest in that list.
The 1.5-litre direct injection petrol mill was developed in-house and it will be supple enough to get accustomed to the hybrid and plug-in integration. It is now being made available in the entry-level India-bound XC40. Whether it will immediately be launched or not when the XC40 enters our domestic market is yet unknown.
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It is connected exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission at present and will receive an eight-speed automatic as option next year. It is produced on the same ethos as the regular four-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains. Dubbed the T3, prices for it will start from $39,145 (Rs. 25.28 lakh) in the UK.
Volvo says the compact three-cylinder engine gives the XC40 customers flexibility in choosing powertrain options. It does not stop there as hybrid and pure electric variants are expected in the near future. The SUV can be bought with either a D3 diesel which is good enough to produce 150 PS or a T4 petrol developing 190 PS.
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The important trim levels are Momentum, R-Design and Inscription. Prices for the Inscription start at $42,652 (Rs. 27.55 lakh) and it comes equipped with special body colours, unique skid plates, chrome touches and wheel sizes differing between 18 and 21 inches. On the inside, the XC40 gets Driftwood decorated inlays and crystal gear knob on automatic gearbox equipped versions among other changes.