Volvo has begun testing the Volvo XC40 on public
roads ahead of its debut later this year. Recently a test mule of the Volvo
XC40 was spied in Worthing, UK, courtesy Motoring Research.
Despite the heavy camouflage, it looks like the
production version won’t deviate much from the concept car, with respect to
design and styling. The youngest SUV model in the Volvo range also incorporates
signature cues of the bigger and more premium XC60 and XC90, such as the Thor’s
Hammer headlights, upright grille with the Volvo Iron Mark logo and L-shaped
tail lights. A notable change from the concept version is bigger rear windows
and the conventional door handles.
The Volvo XC40 is the first model to ride on the new
CMA platform co-developed with Geely. Along with 1.5-litre three-cylinder and
2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel models, the XC40 range will include a
T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid model positioned at the top. The T5 Twin Engine
powertrain combines a 180 bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol and
a 74 bhp electric motor with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to spin the
front wheels. The battery will store enough charge to offer a pure electric driving
range of about 48.28 km.
The Volvo XC40 is set to release this Autumn
(September-November) in international markets.