Volvo Small Car Concepts Break Cover

Following several recent teaser images, Volvo Car Corp. has fully unveiled two concept vehicles—including a hybrid and an all-electric model—the company says reflects its future small-car strategy.

The 40.1 hybrid, which is expected to preview the next XC40 compact crossover and its 40.2 electric-hatchback variant are built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). Volvo says the modular architecture allows for industry-leading connectivity, electrification and autonomous drive technologies.

The front-wheel-drive 40.1 concept teams a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with a 9.7-kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produce a combined 250 hp. The car has a 30-mile electric driving range, according to the carmaker.

The hybrid powertrain is mated with a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission. The engine drives the odd-numbered gears, while the electric motor handles even-numbered gears and reverse.

The electric motor engages and disengages through a separate clutch that connects it to the transmission’s input shaft. Volvo says the layout minimizes frictional losses and is more cost effective than positioning the electric motor between the transmission and engine.

In the 40.2, Volvo says the EV’s floor-mounted battery pack provides an estimated driving range of 217 miles. The concept model features coupe-like styling, which media reports note will boost its appeal to Americans and Chinese customers.

Volvo plans to introduce the first production model of the new 40 series lineup next year. The flexible architecture also will be used by Volvo’s parent company Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group for future models in China.