Volvo XC40: The compact XC90 is on its way

The Volvo XC90 (pictured) is getting a baby brother – the Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 – a compact take on the XC90 – is on its way and expected to arrive in 2018 to take on cars like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA.

The Volvo news at the moment is all about the new S90 and its estate sibling, the new V90, but a car that could really change things even more for Volvo is the arrival of the new V40, and in particular the arrival of the compact take on the XC90 – the new Volvo XC40.

The new Volvo ’40’ Series cars will be built on a new CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture) developed with China’s Geely, and will spawn a whole range of cars including an S40, V40, V40 Cross Country and the new compact SUV XC40.

Under the bonnet will be a range of Volvo’s new Drive E engines, including 3-cylinder versions and plug-in hybrids, with everything from a T1 petrol through to a T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid and a range of diesels, likely to be badged D1 through to D4.

In terms of looks, we expect the XC40 to deliver much of what the XC90 does, but in a more compact form, including a clean and uncluttered interior that steers away from the German take on interiors and instead offers a more stylish and practical feel.

The XC90 has been a big success for Volvo, and the new XC40 should really take the fight to cars like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3.

We should see the XC40 arriving in 2017 before going on sale in 2018.