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First Pictures of the Volvo XC40 Test Mule, Future Q3, X1 and GLA Competitor

We’ve previously reported that Volvo is busy renewing and expanding its range of models, and one of the main models thought to lift the Swede’s sales is the sub-XC60 crossover that will be called XC40.
Volvo XC40 mule spyshot 9 photos
Photo: CarPix
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Since the SUV/crossover segments are the most sought-after these days - and the status quo doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon - not filling every possible shelf in these departments would be a costly mistake for Volvo. But if we could figure that out, you can imagine the people in charge at the Swedish company have been well aware of it for a long time.

That’s partly why they’ve come up with the new CMA platform, a version similar to the SPA architecture underpinning the larger XC90 and upcoming S90 and V90, only developed for smaller vehicles. It will be used for a wide range of compact-sized models, including the V40 replacement, but also the new XC40 crossover.

These images show a test mule using the future XC40 chassis with a modified V40 body mounted on top. To be perfectly honest with you, if a car just like the one pictured here were put on sale tomorrow, we would consider buying it. The larger wheels and increased ground clearance give it a purposeful look, while the long nose and very short rear overhang give it an adventurous attire.

But obviously, the final XC40 will look nothing like this and very much like the new XC90 SUV and S90 saloon. Expect a fair share of Thor’s hammer headlights and also a similar implementation of the new taillights design, as seen on the V90 Station Wagon.

The XC40 is going to be the first Volvo model based on the CMA platform to come out, the official launch being expected to take place in early 2018. The XC40 should make good use of the CMA platform’s ability to host a wide range of propulsion systems, so expect anything from four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to plug-in hybrid powertrains.

With the car in such an early development stage, we’re still stabbing in the dark here, but Volvo seems to have found its groove (and it’s a good one), and that makes it a little predictable. We don’t mind surprises either, though.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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