Last year Volvo showcased the 40.1 Concept car, a preview for the upcoming 2020 Volvo XC40. The car is set to become their smallest crossover yet, and it is aimed directly at the Mercedes GLA or the new BMW X1. Unlike their higher end models, the XC40 is going to be based on Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture, or CMA. This has been designed together with Geely, and it will be used not only by Volvo but also by Geely and Lynk&Co.
This should allow Volvo to lower the research and development costs and release a rather affordable car. So far it seems the XC40 might cost just as must as its rivals, so around $30,000 for a base version. While this is a rather large sum of money, the XC40 will more than likely deliver. The car is expected to be just as good as its larger siblings and it seems that Volvo won’t skip on materials or technology.
More details about this car!
The car has been spied a few times now with the most recent sighting being just a few weeks ago. Like their other development mules, the XC40 was also covered by thick plastic boards. These cover up the overall shape of the car quite good, but we can still see a few interesting traits. The car is actually expected to be unveiled in the early 2018 while the market availability will start later.
Early rumors suggest a late 2018 arrival. It is also worth mentioning that the XC40 won’t be the only car on the new platform. Volvo will also release its siblings, the S40, and the V40, shortly after its unveiling.
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2020 Volvo XC40 Design
Even though the 2020 Volvo XC40 is just a test mule at this point, it is quite clear that Volvo is nearly done with the design. The car’s lines have been thoroughly covered by the development team. However, it is quite clear that the crossover is very similar to the original concept. For starters, in the front, we can see the same upright grille, “Thor’s Hammer” headlights which are slightly swept back as well as the imposing front bumper.
Despite looking slightly squarer than the concept, this is just due to the plastic boards. In fact, the rear of the car seems to be mostly identical to the concept as well. We can see the roof-line is slightly arched towards the back while the tail lights are large and upright, identical to the concept. On the sides, we may also see the same design lines found on the 40.1, but the thick C-pillars seem to be gone which would increase rear visibility by quite a bit.
Source: topspeed.com
Inside view
Not much has been revealed about what the 2024 Volvo XC40 will feature inside the cabin. Even so, it is quite clear that Volvo is trying to depart from the competition when it comes to interior design. This started with the XC90, and it seems the XC40 will follow its footsteps shortly. The car will likely feature a large center screen which will control most of the functions inside such as the AC or infotainment system.
Volvo might offer a cheaper version without the screen, but this is unlikely at this point. The instrument cluster will be a fully customizable screen on the higher end models, a similar trait to its rivals. The car will be able to house up to 5 people, and it seems it may offer sliding rear seats as standard.
Under the hood
They already confirmed that the 2020 Volvo XC40 would feature the new 1.5 liters 3 cylinder turbocharged gas engine. This has already been seen before in the V40 where it made a healthy 180 horsepower. For the XC40 the engine is expected to come in a few outputs from as low as 150 and all the way up to 200 horsepower for the top of the range version. A hybrid, called the T5, will use the top of the range 1.5-liter engine mated to an electric motor and a large 9.7 kWh battery.
This will be able to deliver north of 250 horsepower, and it should easily become one of the fastest, and most efficient, premium crossovers around. A 6-speed manual or a six speed automatic will be available on the regular engines. The hybrid will get to use a newly developed seven speed automatic which will drive all four wheels as standard.
Source: topspeed.com
