Volvo XC40: New variants confirmed for Australia

The local Volvo XC40 range will be bolstered by the addition of a new 'T4' petrol offering and the 'Inscription' trim grade later this year.

A keen-eyed CarAdvice reader noticed the new offerings during a visit to a dealer in Canberra, and Volvo Australia has since confirmed the additional variants will be coming later this year, though it wouldn't elaborate any further.

Two new variants were specified: a T4 Momentum, and a T4 Inscription.

In European markets the XC40 Inscription (interior shown below) is pitched as the more luxurious alternative to the R-Design – much like Inscription versions of other models in the Volvo stable.

Key features include a unique chrome grille, a bright-finished lower window trim, LED fog-lights, matte-silver skid plates front and rear, dual integrated tailpipes in the rear bumper, C-pillar 'Inscription' moulding, model-specific 18-inch alloys, and a power driver's seat over the entry-level Momentum.

Inside, the Inscription grade gets leather upholstery available in four colours, Driftwood trim inserts, upgraded interior lighting, metal tread plates for the front doors, a crystal gear selector, and 'luxury' floor mats.

Meanwhile, the 'T4' variant gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, good for 140kW of power at 4700rpm and 300Nm of torque between 1400 and 4000rpm.

Drive is channelled to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard (in the UK, at least), with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 8.2 seconds. Top speed is rated at 130mph (209km/h).

Currently, the only petrol option in Australia is the T5 petrol, which makes 185kW and 350Nm from its uprated 2.0-litre turbo, good for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 230km/h.

We'd expect the lower output T4 Momentum to start a few thousand dollars lower than the current T5 Momentum entry point – currently priced at $47,990 before on-road costs.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more details about the new XC40 variants closer to their launch later in the year.

Thanks to Daryn for the tip!

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