Update: You can now read our first review of the 2019 Volvo XC40
Promising we’ll actually see its all-new XC40 model “shortly,” Volvo has dropped a few additional hints about its upcoming premium compact SUV. Expected to share a number of key cues with the 40.1 Concept pictured here, the new XC40 will be aimed at a younger, hipper city-dwelling buyer set interested in “fashion, design and popular culture.” As such, it will be available with a wider and more vibrant selection of colors and trims than are available on any other current Volvo, along with even greater personalization possibilities.
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“We took inspiration for the XC40’s color and materials from many different sources, mixing them and putting them back together into something cohesive. What we created is a car with a tough attitude that feels fresh, energetic and confident,” said Ebba Maria Thunberg, Vice President Color & Materials at Volvo Cars.
Stepping up in style
In keeping with that philosophy, Volvo promises the new XC40 will feature strong monochrome as well as bold two-tone exterior treatments. Equally adventurous will be the X40’s interior motifs that will include elements like Oxide Red upholstery, a warm Lava Orange carpet plus felt-based carpet/headliner/door insert materials, along with a selection of distinctive trim bits inspired by urban architecture and cartography. Thunberg notes the Momentum trim will be the most fashion-oriented member of the XC40 family with the boldest color choices, while R-Design and Inscription variants will reflect a more dynamic and premium character.
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As we’ve reported previously, the new XC40 will be based around Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that also will underpin several other future Volvo, Geely and Lynk & Co vehicles, including the next-gen Volvo V40 wagon. Expected to launch here as a 2019 model, the XC40 will offer both conventional and plug-in hybrid drivetrains including a T5 Twin-Engine variant that matches a turbocharged 1.5-liter/3-cylinder Drive-E engine with an electric motor coupled with a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Look for the new XC40 to come in both front-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations and be capable of accepting various levels of autonomous operating capability.
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