Volvo XC40, The Compact SUV, To Launch Later in 2017

Volvo will make its way into the crossover vehicle market with its soon-to-be-launched XC40. Volvo's R&D boss, Henrik Green, recently confirmed that the compact SUV will indeed be unveiled in the latter half of 2017.

AutoCar UK spoke with Henrik Green during the Detroit Motor Show. "There's a big chance it'll be one of the most successful cars in our line-up," pointing to the Volvo XC40. This compact SUV will be using the all-new platform aptly called Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), specifically designed for small cars. The CMA was developed in partnership with Volvo's Chinese parent company Geely.

Volvo XC40 will not be the only vehicle in this lineup to utilize Volvo's CMA. Two other small Volvos will ride on this new architecture, including the new replacement to the V40.

The Volvo XC40 is set to rival Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in its own segment. In fact, this specific compact SUV was seen last year as the Concept 40.1, alongside the 40.2.

According to MotorAuthority, Volvo's compact SUV will be wearing the "T5" badge. They will be featuring a twin engine plug-in hybrid technology. A possible 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol power unit could come as a standard option next to the 4-cylinder diesel.

At the heels of the debut of Volvo XC40, a family of 40-series models is set to be sold in the United States. They will significantly represent "part of growth in the next 3 to 4 years," adds Green.

Also, the second-generation XC60 will launch this year, replacing the company's best-selling SUV. Further, V60 and S60 replacements will soon follow suit. After this, the company will focus on their all-electric models come 2019.

Volvo XC40 is the 3rd SUV in its line-up. However, a possible addition to the lineup isn't ruled out by the R&D boss.