Report: Volvo Will Enter Compact Crossover Market in 2018
Automotive News Europe reported that Volvo will offer a new compact crossover, based on a new architecture, in 2018 that will likely be called the XC40.
The crossover will be built in Ghent, Belgium and possibly in China, using the same platform being developed for compact cars in Europe.
The crossover will get Volvo power plants that include a hybrid variant. It would also likely get some sort of semi-autonomous driving feature as the Swedish automaker further develops its technology.
“We will not be sourcing engines from other manufacturers. Instead, we will be offering three- and four-cylinder versions of our own new engine program,” Samuelsson said. “We will also offer a plug-in hybrid for the compact models. Autonomous driving will be an option we will offer in our cars as of 2020, also in the compact lineup.”
The potential compact crossover would share its platform with the automaker’s V40 and V40 Cross Country models, according to the report. Volvo will invest €200 million ($227 million) in its Ghent facility to prepare for the new platform.
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That's a *little* guy in there!
Volvo is trying to make a resurgence and I think they'll be able to do it. I'm willing to bet their progress will be better than Lincoln because Volvo doesn't have to worry about their vehicles being based on a "lower" tier platform, even if it's good enough to be a luxury vehicle.
Seems like a lot of hate for a platform that isn't in the USA and what will show up is 3 years away. I would be very interested in the V40. I'll be in my 70s by the time it shows up and tired of the TSX so a comfortable seat and autonomous controls could just be the ticket for me. Add a handy hatch and I'm golden.
Unfortunately, it is a little late to the party. However, I'm sure they'll sell. Very good looking...and hopefully not over priced.