Volvo XC20 will likely use the flexible CMA platform with design language inspired from existing Volvos; a new 1.5L turbocharged engine might be employed
Volvo seems to be entering a new entry-level segment as the brand’s R&D head, Henrik Green, has explained that it would not be a problem to have an XC20. The Swedish luxury automaker could be rolling up its sleeves and sensing a potential winner in the realms of Audi Q2 and BMW X2.
Volvo has a versatile platform as well as smaller capacity engines in different variations to enter the highly sought after segment in recent times. It could afford to wait and see how well the segment expands and make changes on the shop floor accordingly seeking the likenesses of the customers as the XC20’s arrival is expected only in the near future.
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The CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform can be modified for smaller cars stated Green. It is being co-developed with Chinese owner Geely for the highly promising XC40 and it will spawn the next generation V40 hatchback as well as a Lynk & Co SUV which will be largely based on the XC40.
Green believes that although the hatchback segment V40 resides in is the largest in SUV, it is essential for Volvo to meet the requirements of buyers in the SUV and crossover spaces as they have grown continuously in recent years. According to reports, the small SUVs are estimated to get past two million sales by next year after having recorded 1.4 million sales in 2016 in Europe.
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Although there are plenty of mainstream manufacturers investing big on the segment, the Audi Q2 stands alone in the luxury arena and the opportunity could be used by Volvo with the advent of XC20. Green said that the CMA platform’s length can be reduced more than its width and it’s a predominant factor for an SUV to be determined as big or small.
With the design language as current generation Volvos, new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine, good fuel economy and safety features the XC20 is likely to become a popular model if it is given green signal for production. As the Q2’s arrival is eagerly anticipated in India, the XC20 will be an attraction addition as well and the mooted local assembly could only come in handy.
Volvo Concept 40.1 and Concept 40.2 Images
Source: Autocar