By: Jason Woosey
These two concept cars are our first look at Volvo's next-generation '40' range, which will grow off Volvo's advanced new CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform.
Volvo says we can expect a range of vehicles with bold designs and we suspect that the first to surface, given that the current V40 has only just been facelifted , will be an XC40 crossover previewed by the 40.1 Concept.
Sure to be a strong seller in Volvo's line-up, the Swedish carmaker would be wise not to stray too far from the concept's design, which is a pleasantly sporty interpretation of the SUV design cues first seen on the new XC90.
The 40.2 Concept, which is a three-box hatchback with a sedan-like boot lip and the butch stance of a crossover, implies that the next-generation V40 could be heading in a radical new design direction, although it could also be hinting at the rumoured S40 successor.
Either way, both concepts are "the flavour of small Volvos to come," in the exact words of Volvo's design vice president Thomas Ingenlath.
This architecture is about much more than style though as it paves the way for electric propulsion in various forms. According to Volvo, the new compact car range will include pure electric versions as well as 'Twin Engine' plug-in hybrids.
In addition to that, Volvo promises that these new cars will offer a full range of high-tech connectivity features as well as the most advanced suite of standard safety features in its class.
The first members of the new '40' family are expected to roll off the assembly line some time in 2017.
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