Teaser: Next Gen Volvo V40, XC40 concepts

First of the production models will hit the market in 2017.Teasers of what is believed to be the next gen Volvo V40, and XC40 concepts have been released on Snapchat ahead of their world premiere next week. The teasers came with the caption “Not your daddy’s Volvo”, indicating that the Swedish automaker is targeting younger audience with it smallest product series.

The teasers make it abundantly clear that the brand’s latest design philosophy has been extended to the 40 Series. The headlamps with Thor’s Hammer LED daytime light signature and a rectangular-ish front grille (presumably with vertical slats) define the design. Clean surfaces and sharp lines will give both models an enhanced road presence.

The XC40 and next gen V40 will be based on the new CMA modular platform which is developed in association with parent company Geely. Apart from underpinning Volvo’s compact car family, the architecture will also serve Geely’s premium range. The powertrain lineup is expected to be a mix of three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with hybrid assistance for the higher variants.

The new Volvo XC40 will cater to the fast growing premium compact SUV space which is currently populated by the likes of Mercedes GLA, Audi Q3 and BMW X1. It has the potential to quickly become the best selling Volvo. The concepts will lead to production models in the coming months. We can expect the first of these to cars to make its European debut in 2017.

Volvo had previously stated that, by 2020, the new XC90 will be the oldest car in its portfolio.

This article has first appeared in Rushlane.com