Hangzhou, China - Chinese start-up Lynk & Co has pulled the covers off its first ever sedan, the 03, which is said to be closely based on the next-generation Volvo S40.
Like Volvo, Lynk & Co. is owned by Geely, and the Chinese auto giant is positioning the new middle-market brand between Geely (budget) and Volvo (premium), while also maximising efficiencies of scale by sharing platforms and technologies with the Swedish brand.
As with the Lynk & Co ‘01’ and ‘02’ SUVs, the ‘03’ sedan is built around Volvo’s Compact Modular Architecture that also underpins the XC40.
The 03 is expected to share much of its componentry with the upcoming S40 sedan and although the two will have completely different exterior styling, they will likely have similar proportions.
The Lynk & Co four-door takes a relatively daring approach to design, with a sporty shape and a two-tier front end with hints of muscle car inspiration lower down.
There’s only one engine choice at present and that’s the same 115kW 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol found in the XC40.
No cabin pictures have been released as yet, but you can expect plenty in the way of technology and connectivity.
Lynk & Co prides itself on being “connected” and innovative, allowing customers to “buy, borrow or just subscribe to a car,” and those that do buy one will have access to a “share” button that allows them to rent their car out, Airbnb style.
Although at present Lynk & Co only operates in China, plans are afoot for global expansion, with Europe set to Lynk in from 2019. Other markets are likely to follow early in the next decade.