Volvo introduced its new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform with the new XC40, and it’s already taking steps to expand, with an all-new, next-gen V40 hatchback being the next model to make use of this adjustable, electrification-ready platform. And, that is the keyword: Electrification – and that’s exactly what you can expect from the next-gen V40. And, it will be offered with at least two battery sizes too, making it more affordable in base form and more able to compete with its German rivals in higher trim levels. Want to know more? Keep reading to find out all about it.

The V40 Will Borrow DNA from the Volvo XC40 and the 40.2 Concept

So, as I mentioned before, the V40 will use the CMA architecture, but it will also adopt the XC40’s wheelbase as well as several engine options, including the D3, D4, T3, T4, and T5. More importantly, however, is the plug-in hybrid and all-electric drivetrains that will also be available, both of which (the EV at some point) will also come directly from the XC40. So what will make the V40 unique? Well, it will have that lower and more dominating roofline. And, even though the XC40 was the first model to be produced on the CMA platform, it is also set up nicely for low, dynamic vehicles, and that’s exactly what the V40 will be – a low and dynamic hatchback.

And, the CMA platform was designed from the very start to be plug-in capable:

"In purely physical terms, we have to fit the battery in the floor," Green said, "but CMA gives us pretty good bandwidth. Everything from the full SUV height down to fairly low cars is possible. We’ve designed CMA from the beginning to have plug-in capability."

With that in mind, the V40 will also be its own vehicle too. Well, in a way, that is. See, the overall design, as shown by the exclusive images published by AutoExpress, will be borrowed directly from the Volvo 40.2 Concept – all of the way down to that funky front end, unique taillights, and sporty stance. This shouldn’t be a surprise, though, considering the 40.1 concept became the XC40… You did know that, right?

Looking into the Future of Volvo and the V40

Under Geely ownership, Volvo has taken a turn for the better, and it’s quite amazing to see. We’re finally seeing some nice products come out of Volvo. When you take into consideration the fact that the V40 taking its DNA from it and the 40.2 concept, will have a wide range of engines, and all of that electrification goodness, the V40 is an undeniable winner. And, with it being available as a pure-electric model too, it will be able to take on models like the Volkswagen eGolf, as well as the A3 and BMW 1 Series.

Don’t get it twisted though. The V40 (nor the XC40, for that matter) will be the first all-electric vehicle to make use of the new CMA architecture. Nope – that will be the Polestar 2, a high-performance saloon that will be offered by the now stand-alone high-performance arm of Volvo and likely nothing more than a Volvo with some extras and a different badge. As for the V40, however, you’ll see a full list of options carry over from other Volvo models, including a foldable rear floor, seat drawers, Sensus nin-inch infotainment system, and a fully digital instrument cluster. And, there may be smaller vehicles in the works someday:

“You can probably do a smaller car with the CMA platform,” Green said, “but we’re not actively looking at that right now. So, one day we may have an SUV that’s even smaller than XC40, but at the moment this is the exciting size for us.”

References

Volvo V40

Read our full review on the 2017 Volvo V40.

Read more Volvo news.