Volvo XC40 to be launched in Autumn 2017, R&D chief confirms

Will be Volvo's Audi Q3 rival.

Now that the Volvo 90 series launch is complete, Volvo Cars is readying new 40 and 60 series models that will start arriving this year. The first 40 series model will be the Volvo XC40, which, Volvo Cars R&D Senior Vice President Mr. Henrik Green has confirmed to Autocar, will be launched in Autumn 2017 (September-November 2017).

Speaking to the British publication at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, Mr. Green revealed that the base development work of the Volvo XC40 has been completed. The first model to be based on the Volvo-Geely co-developed CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform could be one of the most successful models in the company's line-up, Mr. Green anticipates.

The base and mid-level Volvo XC40 will be offered with 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. It has been reported that Volvo non-turbocharged engines too will be available. The range-topping XC40 will pack T5 Twin Engine petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 180 bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 74 bhp electric motor. The front-wheel drive electrified variant will have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and offer a pure electric driving range of 30 miles (48.28 km).

Also See: 2017 Volvo XC60 spied testing [Video]

The Volvo XC40 will reportedly have its world premiere at Auto Shanghai 2017 in April. For all markets except China, it will be built alongside the Volvo S40 (name TBC) 40 series sedan in Ghent, Belgium. There's no confirmation yet, but the smallest Volvo SUV should be launched in India sometime next year. Volvo Auto India won't need much time launching it, as it would be sourced in CBU form.

[Source: Autocar]