Volvo bosses have admitted they are checking out expanding the current product range by introducing a sub-V40 model created to rival premium superminis such as the Audi A1 and MINI.
Speaking to automobile Express, recently appointed R&D chief Henrik Green, hinted at the feasibility of a smaller V20 hatchback and XC20 SUV models. The cars would be aimed at people who want all the high-end features found in the brand’s larger cars, but in a city-friendly package.
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“There is a lot of push to have smaller-sized vehicles, a lot more convenience,” green told us. “These people who want these small cars, they may want the same kind of technology in the car, the same level of active safety support, the same level of connectivity, the same level of premium feeling in all the surface materials.”
When quizzed about whether Volvo was ready for such a shift, green assured us that the forthcoming CMA platform (used to underpin the upcoming XC40 SUV) could be shortened to accommodate an Audi A1-sized supermini.
“CMA can be made a bit smaller and the length is not really a problem,” green added. “It’s a lot more about how much space and legroom you want to have in the rear; that’s the compromise.