The Volvo V40 will remain the brand’s smallest model, at least for the foreseeable future. The next-generation of the V40 and the mechanically-related XC40 will be based on a new scalable platform that could pave the way for smaller models, but there’s a very small chance they will be badged as Volvos.
The smaller cars are likely to be marketed as Geely vehicles, because Volvo’s safety bosses currently believe that building a car smaller than the V40/XC40 could force the automaker to compromise on its safety standards.
Currently under development at a Volvo-Geely facility near Gothenburg, Sweden, the new CMA architecture will mark the end of the use of Ford platforms. The Volvo XC40 SUV is planned to arrive in 2018 at the earliest with the option of two- and four-wheel drive and a similar choice of powertrains as the V40.
Volvo may also build a performance variant of the V40 powered by an engine derived from the company’s 450hp 2.0-liter triple-turbo Drive-E engine concept.
Volvo will also make some naming changes in the near future, with only fully-fledged SUVs (like the XC60 and XC90) to use the XC letters. This means the next-generation Volvo XC70 will be called V90 Cross Country. That’s because the next-generation S80 and V70 will be renamed S90 and V90, respectively, in order to simplify the range for buyers.
Volvo’s lineup will therefore consist of three core model families: “40” (small), “60” (mid-size) and “90” (large).
Story references: Auto Express
Note: Current Volvo V40 R-Design pictured
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