All-new Volvo XC40 coming soon to take on the Mercedes-Benz GLA

MANILA: Recently Volvo’s R&D Head, Henrik Green confirmed that the company is gearing up to introduce the new XC40, which will be the first updated car in the 40 series family. The Swedish automaker is likely to introduce the crossover by the end of this year. The upcoming crossover will take on the likes of BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The concept model was showcased last year along with Concept 40.2 saloon.

The crossover will be based on the Volvo’s modular CMA architecture and the base is already completed by the company. The test mules were already spotted several times on the International roads and from the camouflaged model it can be stated that the small SUV has adopted a range of features from the concept version. The new light design is expected for both the front and the rear while the butch nose is another significant change. According to reports, the all-new XC40 will also feature unconventional window line that resembles the angled one which was evident on the concept.

With the new XC40, the company will also introduce a new modular 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine. The new engine is derived from the four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel and petrol units. The new engine will be available in both petrol and diesel options with or without turbocharging. Volvo XC40 will be also available in a petrol-powered plug-in hybrid (PHEV) tagged as the T5 Twin Engine. It will be comprised of an 182 hp producing three-cylinder engine accompanied with a 75 hp electric motor.

The hybrid will be front-wheel-drive hybrid and will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. The gearbox will receive direct input from the electric motor as well. The total range of the car will be 48km in full-electric mode.

This year, Volvo will be introducing some of its prominent model updates which include an updated V40, second generation XC60 SUV, V60 estate and S60 saloon. Let’s see how the new cars in the Volvo’s lineup will perform in the International market.  For the Philippines, there is no news from the Swedish automaker for now and the latest offering is the S90 for now from Volvo.