Volvo XC40 crossover spied

With new platforms and updated designs, Volvo is looking to take the fight directly to the German titan three. The Swedish automaker is expanding its model range to offer a larger variety of options across different segments and Volvo's rival to the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has been spied on test.

Labelled the XC40, the crossover's test mule isn't wearing its production ready body. The vehicle looks like nothing more than an up-sprung V40, and is an engineering mule, which is most likely using a CMA platform based chassis. In terms of design, we can expect styling cues along the lines of what we have seen in the new XC90 and spy shots of the soon to be revealed S90 (that replaces the S80).

As you would expect, the XC40 will look more like a beefed up hatchback than a brutish SUV. Given the rising demand for such crossovers, Volvo is looking to tap into a very high-potential market.

Images via: Autoevolution