The model has been in the works for several years, however it is believed to have been put on the back burner in 2013 due to incompatibility with the new platform that underpinned the higher-priority XC90. The larger crossover is now on the market and experiencing better-than-expected demand, switching Volvo’s development focus to the other end of the size spectrum.
Chief executive Hakan Samuelsson has confirmed that a small crossover has become a top priority. The company has not yet publicly acknowledged additional details, however unnamed sources told Automotive News Europe the XC40 will be the first model built upon the new compact modular architecture (CMA) platform.
The small crossover is expected to be ready by early 2018, offered with a range of Drive-E four-cylinder engines. It is said to be quickly followed by the next-generation V40 and V40 Cross Country, both underpinned by the same CMA platform and slated for 2019.
Development efforts are reportedly being shared with Geely Automobile, a fellow brand controlled by Volvo’s China-based parent company. Previous reports suggest the model could arrive first in China before heading to Europe and eventually the US.
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