Volvo’s XC range will get a new member in the form of the new compact SUV, the XC40. The car was previewed as 40.1 Concept in May last year and will be positioned below the XC60 in the Swedish carmaker’s portfolio. The car has been spied out in the wild in Volvo’s home country undergoing cold weather test ahead of the official debut at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show.
The new XC40 will be the first vehicle of the new 40-series when it arrives in early 2018. It will be underpinned by a new compact modular architecture designed for smaller vehicles. Looking at the test mule, it is evident that the new signature Thor’s headlamp will make the XC40 instantly recognisable as a Volvo. All the design elements from the 40.1 Concept are concealed under the cladding, which includes the vertical louvred grille along with the floating roof and the sleek high-riding tail lights. Primarily front wheel driven, Volvo could provide an optional all-wheel-drive variant as well with both petrol and diesel powertrains. A fully electric or hybrid powertrain are also on the cards.
The XC40 is expected to significantly boost sales for the Chinese-owned manufacturer as it enters into a segment dominated by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. Furthermore, the car will also make the Volvo models appealing to a new set of buyers, and it will slot into a similar spot as the V40 Cross Country. The new XC40 will be joined by the production version of the 40.2 Concept which is expected to be called S40. Both these cars will come to India as well since Mercedes-Benz has tasted great success with the GLA and CLA sedans indicating the potential for sales.
Guess we’ll have to wait until the Shanghai Motor Show to see the XC40 in all its glory. Stay tuned to CarWale for further development on the Volvo’s new compact SUV.
