*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* Volvo teases next generation XC40 and V40 with 40.1 and 40.2 concepts
Volvo has finally unveiled a conceptual version of its new XC40 crossover, due to arrive next year. The concept, dubbed 40.1, was unveiled alongside an electric version of the mid-sized V40, both of which are the first to be built atop Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) as part of the company’s global small-car strategy.
Despite the parallels with Citroen’s rather– read ‘hideous’ – Cactus crossover, both the 40.1 and 40.2 exterior designs are in-keeping with the design DNA showcased on both the newly unveiled S90 and updated V40, right down to the Thor’s Hammer headlights and dominating front grille. Neither images nor details of the cabin have been released yet, Volvo stating only that the interior offers ‘the most advanced standard package of safety features and ground-breaking Scandinavian interior design.’ So yeah, expect autonomous driver assistance at the very least….
Power for the 40.1 comes from a hybrid powertrain, which combines a 180bhp T5 Twin Engine three-cylinder with a 74bhp electric motor, the former driving power to the front wheels via a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission in a move away from the company’s traditional all-wheel drive configuration. The 40.2 meanwhile marks a major step for Volvo as part of its ‘commitment to the electrification of its entire portfolio’, during which the Swedish marque aims to sell up to 1 million electrified cars globally by 2025. Plans will more than likely include a new Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain as well, which – much like the CMA platform – will be shared across both Volvo’s range and that of parent Chinese company Geely.
Full performance details, release dates and pricing has yet to be released, though in aiming to ‘leap-frog many of the players in the premium segment’, chances are Volvo is gunning for the Audi’s new Q2 as well as the BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Golf.
Source – Volvo Cars
