[volkman10]

With the growing SUV segment worldwide, Volvo thinks of a crossover smaller than XC60 and the most natural evolution for the Volvo XC40!

Will rival Audi's Q3, BMW's X1 and Mercedes GLA and debut in 2018

a compact SUV is a priority for the automaker but declined to confirm the name of the model or the timing of its arrival when asked during a visit to the automaker’s factory here.

Volvo has confirmed that Ghent will build models underpinned by its new compact modular architecture (CMA) and that it will expand its compact lineup, which currently consists of the V40 and V40 Cross Country, once the platform debuts

The sources say that the XC40 will be the first Volvo underpinned by the CMA platform and that the new-generation V40 and the V40 Cross Country will start using the architecture in 2019

http://europe.autonews.com/article/2...18-sources-say

[volkman10]

First Pictures of the Volvo XC40 Test Mule.

These images show a test mule using the future XC40 chassis with a modified V40 body mounted on top. The larger wheels and increased ground clearance give it a purposeful look, while the long nose and very short rear overhang give it an adventurous attire.

The final XC40 will look nothing like this and very much like the new XC90 SUV and S90 saloon. Expect a fair share of Thor’s hammer headlights and also a similar implementation of the new taillights design, as seen on the V90 Station Wagon.

The XC40 is going to be the first Volvo model based on the CMA platform to come out, the official launch being expected to take place in early 2018.

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/fi...y-101245.html#

[Suraj25]

Wow. It just looks like a jacked up V40 with big wheels. Reminds me of a few Maruti 800s and Zens I used to see in Bangalore :P

[amit]

How is this different from the V40 Cross country?!

It seems that the Mercedes GLA & Volvo XC40 will fight for the ugliest small SUV prize.

[johnjacob]

Originally Posted by Suraj25

Wow. It just looks like a jacked up V40 with big wheels. Reminds me of a few Maruti 800s and Zens I used to see in Bangalore :P

Originally Posted by amit

How is this different from the V40 Cross country?! It seems that the Mercedes GLA & Volvo XC40 will fight for the ugliest small SUV prize.

It is a test mule. From the quotes on this page:

These images show a test mule using the future XC40 chassis with a modified V40 body mounted on top. The larger wheels and increased ground clearance give it a purposeful look, while the long nose and very short rear overhang give it an adventurous attire.

The final XC40 will look nothing like this and very much like the new XC90 SUV and S90 saloon.

A test mule is a test vehicle equipped with prototype components. It need not look anything like the final production model.