Production Volvo XC40 'very close' to the Volvo Concept 40.1 - Report

25/05/2016 - 12:18 Volvo XC40, Volvo Aravind Jayachandran

Could be a key volume player for Volvo in the Indian market.

In an interview with Autocar India, Peter Mertens, senior vice president of Research & Development at Volvo Car Group, has stated that the exterior of the production-spec Volvo XC40 will be "very close" to the Volvo Concept 40.1 that was unveiled on May 18.

He divulged to Autocar India -

The 40.1 concept is very close to what the car will look like in reality. We’re going to launch it next year so we do not have much time to reinvent the wheel.

The only compact vehicle available currently in Volvo's range is the Volvo V40, while the Volvo S40 (never sold in India) was discontinued in 2012. Given that the C segment luxury vehicles are witnessing an increasing demand from emerging markets, Volvo cannot go wrong with introducing smaller vehicles.

Also Read: Volvo Auto India releases revised price list

The Volvo XC40 will be the company's smallest SUV when it launches for sale in 2017. It will be the first recipient of the newest CMA platform, and would offer downsized 1.5L three cylinder and 2.0L four cylinder engines, as well as support for plug-in hybrid powertrains. The XC40 will go up against the Audi Q2, Mercedes GLA and BMW X1.