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Is This the 2019 Volvo XC40 Plug-In Hybrid? Prototypes Drop Twin Engine Hint

Volvo engineers are currently working overtime to accelerate the development of the XC40, with a convoy of test vehicles for the upcoming compact SUV having recently been spied in Copenhagen.
2019 Volvo XC40 spied 19 photos
Photo: pro-street.dk/YouTube
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The prototypes being driven over in Denmark feature the uber-heavy camouflage we've seen in the previous spy material, but there's one cladding detail that caught our eye.

Zoom in on the quarter panel on the right side of the XC40 and you'll notice a fuel filler port, while the fender on the left side of the vehicle might just accomodate a charging port.

Whether this is just a camo trick or an actual clue towards the gas-electric powertrain of the crossover, we can be almost certain that the XC40 lineup will involve a plug-in hybrid version (Volvo enjoys calling such gas-electric setup "Twin Engine"), while all-electric versions are also rumored.

Nevertheless, the XC40 will be launched with an engine lineup consisting of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo and a four-cylinder diesel.

The fresh CMA (Compact Modular Architecture) platform developed by the Swedish automaker has been designed to accommodate green motoring solutions.

With the compact SUV market being on the rise, the Swedes are making sustained efforts to fight the German premium rivals, while brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Infiniti and Lexus are also among the competitors.

What about the interior of the newcomer?

When it comes to the cabin of the small SUV, we're expecting this to replicate the atmosphere we found on the XC90, since the flagship SUV of the company has proven to be a hit. Speaking of which, we added a previous series of spyshots to the image gallery, with this involving interior shots of the high-riding model.

Once the 2019 Volvo XC40 makes its debut, the automaker will use the said platform to introduce a new V40 hatchback, while an S40 sedan could also be a possibility.

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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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