Volvo debuts new three-cylinder in XC40 20 | 02 | 2018
VOLVO HAS LAUNCHED its new three-cylinder Drive-E powertrain in the XC40, the company's first entry into the compact SUV segment. The new powertrain, which has been designed for integration into Twin Engine plug-in hybrid cars, is the first three-cylinder engine in the company's 91-year history. (Related: Volvo XC40 scoops Car of the Year)
The new Volvo XC40 is already on-sale at Scottish dealerships. Prices start at £27,905 for the XC40 T3, with Inscription versions available from £30,405. First customer deliveries are expected this summer.
The all-new 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine was developed in-house using the same modular design as Volvo's four-cylinder Drive-E engines. The three-cylinder powertrain (badged T3) comes with a six-speed manual transmission. An optional eight-speed automatic transmission will follow next year. (Related: Scots car giant plans new Volvo dealership)
In line with Volvo Cars' strategy to continue improving economies of scale, the engine will roll off the same production lines as the company's four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
"Our new three-cylinder engine is an exciting development for the XC40 and for Volvo Cars in general," Alexander Petrofski, senior director cluster 40 at Volvo Cars, said. "This compact engine design provides the flexibility we need as we introduce more powertrain options for XC40 customers."
Volvo's current D3 150 hp diesel and T4 190 hp petrol engines are also added to broaden the XC40 engine offer. A hybridised, as well as a pure electric powertrain, option for the XC40 will be added later. More details will be available in due course.
The Swedish carmaker has also increased the choice of trim levels, which now includes entry-level Momentum and dynamic R-Design versions, plus the luxurious new Inscription trim level.
Inscription trim offers exterior styling choices with 18in, 19in, 20in or 21in wheels, unique skid plates, side window and grille mesh chrome, plus model-specific paint colours. Inside, Inscription adds a newly designed crystal gear knob (on versions with an automatic transmission) and the attractive Driftwood deco inlays, which Volvo introduced in its award-winning XC60 mid-size SUV.
There’s also a new selection of accessories for the XC4, including the new exterior styling kit that offers brushed stainless steel skid plates, lower door trim mouldings and integrated dual tailpipes, and the new accessory roof spoiler.
"The new XC40 is a youthful car that suits drivers with a strong sense of individuality," Petrofski continued. "We want our customers to be able to make a statement their way — subtle or otherwise — and so we want to offer them more choices, both in performance and styling."
Related: Nairn cooks up success with Volvo
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Jim McGill