Luxury car maker Volvo Auto India today launched its compact luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) Volvo 'XC60' priced at Rs 39.5 lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi) to strengthen its presence in the domestic market.

''Volvo XC60 has received high appreciation across the world since its introduction because of its unparalleled driving pleasure, contemporary styling, and advanced technological features,'' Volvo Auto India Managing Director Paul de Voijs told reporters here.

The Volvo 'XC60' will be imported as completely build unit (CBU) from the company's manufacturing facility in Ghent, Belgium.

The company has already registered the booking of the first lot and it will deliver 45 cars in January 2011.

''We are opening the bookings from today and everything booked now will be delivered in about two and half and three months...that is in February 2011, we will deliver them,'' Mr Voijs said.

According to the company, the market size of the small premium utility vehicle in India is pegged at 750 units per year and with the launch of its latest model, the firm hopes to gain further advantage against its rivals.

However, he said that India has tremendous growth opportunities and in about 3-4 years it will be among the top 6 markets for Volvo.

The 'XC60' which is the third offering from Volvo is powered by a D5 twin turbo diesel engine and according to the company will deliver a mileage of 13.8 kmpl.

The vehicle is also a BS-IV compliant and will be available in 9 colours.

The Ex-showroom Mumbai price of the car is Rs 41.41 lakh.

Volvo also said that sales of its other models in the country are doing as per expectations. ''Last year (2009) we sold about 140 units...and this year we will do slightly better,''Mr Vojis said, adding that the car maker will roll out more vehicles during the next year.

However, he didnot divulge any further details.

The company currently sells two premium models in India, the luxury SUV Volvo 'XC90' and luxury sedan Volvo 'S80'.

Speaking about the dealership plans of the company, Mr Vojis said that the firm plans to have about 15 dealership outlets by 2011-end.

''We want to have the right number of dealership in India coupled with right product offerings,'' he said.

The company currently has dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad Kochi and Coimbatore and Pune with Ahmedabad and Jaipur set to be functional by the end of the year, Mr Vojis informed.