Little Volvo set for 2018 NZ launch

Volvo’s first-ever small SUV, just launched in Europe, will arrive in New Zealand during the first quarter of 2018.

The XC40’s arrival means that for the first time in its history, Volvo Cars will have three new globally available SUVs in the fastest-growing segment of the automotive market.

The XC40 is the first model to use Volvo Cars’ new modular vehicle architecture (CMA), which will underpin all other upcoming cars in the 40 Series, including fully electrified vehicles.

‘‘The XC40 is our first entry in the small SUV segment, broadening the appeal of the Volvo brand and moving it in a new direction,’’ said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive at the launch event in Milan, Italy.

From start of production, the XC40 will be available with a D4 diesel or a T5 petrol four-cylinder Drive-E powertrain. Further powertrain options, including a hybridised as well as a pure electric version, will be added later. The XC40 will also be the first Volvo model to be available with Volvo Cars’ new threecylinder engine.

The XC40 brings the awardwinning safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies of the new 90 and 60 Series cars to the small SUV segment.

These technologies make the XC40 one of the best-equipped small premium SUVs on the market. Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360-degree camera that helps drivers manoeuvre their car into tight parking spaces.

The first models arrive in New Zealand in the first quarter of 2018.