Next generation Volvo V40 will be underpinned by the CMA platform as its XC40 sibling; to derive design inspiration from 40.2 concept
Volvo is said to be working on a possible replacement for its sporty V40 premium hatchback. The compact model is available in global markets as well as India and amidst a subtly good looking lineup of cars, the V40 does inject a quirkiness with its low-slung stance. The V40 is not a genuine contender against Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and BMW X1 and its place has already been filled by the entry-level XC40 SUV that will enter domestic market in the early parts of next year.
In international markets though, the V40 rivals Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus as they are proper hatchbacks. The next generation V40 is expected to take design cues from the 40.2 concept showcased in May 2016 in a similar fashion to the 40.1 that paved way for the gorgeous XC40. It will also be underpinned by the same platform as the new XC40 while retaining the same overall length and wheelbase.
Also Read: Upcoming Volvo XC40 India Launch In Mid-2018 – All You Need To Know
Being built on the CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) has two distinct advantages: One is that the upcoming V40 will be more spacious than the outgoing version and more crucially the flexible nature meant it can be fitted with several drivetrains. It includes a new D3 and D4 fuel-efficient four-cylinder diesel engines as well as the T4 and T5 petrol motors.
Since the platform is futuristic, the next-gen V40 will likely be one of the models from the Swedish brand to adopt electrification early. As similar to the XC40, it is expected to feature plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains. Volvo seems to be targetting a wide band of customers with the V40 as it is reported to come with at least two different battery sizes.
Also Read: Polestar One Electric GT Will Be Limited To 500 Units Per Year
Volvo’s Research and Development Chief Henrik Green told AutoExpress that the entry-level electric variant will be more cost conscious and with a slight compromise to battery range while the costlier bigger battery pack will enable more power and range. If the design of the concept is anything to go by, we are in for another stunner from Volvo.
But realistically speaking, expect it to be a XC40 converted into a conventional hatchback and it will not be a bad step either. No concrete plans regarding the upcoming V40 are known yet but we can predict it to arrive by the end of this decade. The electric versions of the XC40 and V40 are not going to be Volvo’s maiden zero-emission vehicles though as the Polestar 2 performance sedan slated for H2 2019 will take the mantle and is constructed on the same CMA architecture.
Volvo 40.2 Concept Images
Source: AutoExpress