No segment is sacred anymore, as the world’s auto manufacturers explore a multitude of shapes and ideas for new products. As part of Volvo’s strategy for the foreseeable future, the entry-level C30 hatchback will double as a junior SUV – much like BMW’s X1 and the forthcoming Audi A3.
Due to make production so that the first XC30s will make showroom floors in Europe by the end of 2013, the new baby crossover will also serve a basis for planned production activity in China, where recent purchaser of the Swedish brand, Geely, hails from.
The XC30 will be based on the existing P1 platform used for the C3, with the addition of an all-wheel drive system and will probably take on a similar mold to that of the two-year old XC60, sales of which has really taken off in markets abroad.
The new five-seater will also be approximately 4 350 mm long, with the possibility of a long wheelbase model for sale in China and the USA.