Volvo to broaden 40 series model range

Volvo to go mainstream in the compact luxury car market with its future range of V40, V40 Cross Country, S40 and XC40

Swedish car maker Volvo has taken things up a notch with the launch of the contemporary second generation XC90 and the upcoming S90 sedan. However, apart from its full sized model range, the company is focusing on compact luxury offerings for the future as well with new models in the 40 series model range. Currently, the V40 and V40 Cross Country luxury hatchbacks consist of Volvo’s compact luxury offerings. Volvo’s German rivals, namely, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz already have compact hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. Now Volvo is looking to cash in on these segments as well in the future.

To start with, Volvo will be building its new range of compact luxury cars on the company’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that is being developed in collaboration with its parent company, Geely. The setup will feature more economical construction and likely a torsion beam rear suspension setup for front wheel drive models. The platform will spawn the next generation V40, V40 Cross Country, S40 compact luxury sedan and XC40 compact luxury SUV.

The S40 of the future will compete against the likes of the, Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series while the XC40 will take on the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

The CMA platform will also be developed with hybrid powertrain fitments in mind. Volvo’s head of R&D, Peter Mertens, said, “Small diesels are becoming harder and harder to justify in small cars, because of the costly technologies that are required to make them comply.” As a result, a small electric motor along with the gearbox of a car is reportedly being prepared by Volvo for its cars of the future, especially to offer alternative to diesel models in the future.

Also read: Volvo V40 R-Design Review