At the same time our spy shooters were snagging pictures of Volvo’s engineers testing a camouflaged prototype of the upcoming crossover version of the V40, a member of the Dutch Volvo Forum hit the jackpot by spotting the production model completely undisguised during a photo shoot.
The compact crossover will likely be named the XC40 with its presentation possibly taking place as early as this fall at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
Judging by these photos, the XC40 is to the V40 what the XC70 is to the V70. In other words, a soft off-roader version of the V40 with a slightly tougher look that benefits from a raised ride height, an assortment of robust plastic cladding, prominent roof rails and perhaps either standard or optional all-wheel-drive system.
At this point, we don’t have any information on the engine range, but we’ll have to assume that the XC40 will be available with the more powerful engines of the V40 series such as the 251bhp 2.5-liter inline-five turbo and 178hp 1.6-liter turbo petrols and the 2.0-liter diesel units.
While Volvo has no plans to offer the V40 hatchback in the U.S. and Canada, it is possible that the company will bring the XC40 to North America.
Thanks for the tip Bruno!
Photo Credits: Johann / Volvo-Forum.nl & CarPix for Carscoop
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