New XC40 derivatives to satisfy current V40 buyers
With Volvo confirming the next V40 is “not due within the next 12 months”, the Swedish company’s XC40 small SUV is expected to fill the void.
According to Lex Kerssemakers, SVP Volvo Cars, the company is exploring different bodystyles which is holding up proceeding with the new V40 – which ceases production by summer 2019.
How will Volvo fill the void left by the current car? Volvo has made no secret of the fact that the new car will not be a like-for-like replacement. And, at a recent media briefing it was announced by Jon Wakefield, MD of Volvo Cars UK, that the plan for UK buyers is to offer different engine versions of its XC40 SUV – just like the recently launched T3 and the forthcoming PHEV version.
With Volvo’s plan to have a battery version of each of its models, Kerssemakers added that “a higher car such as the XC40 could be a better solution.” So, could the next V40 be more like the XC40? We will have to wait and see.