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Volvo’s new small cars will debut in 2017 with new architecture

The next generation of Volvo small cars will debut in 2017 and will be underpinned by a new flexible toolkit, which is currently under development.


Dubbed the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA), the new platform module will likely be used for the next-generation V40 hatch and XC40 crossover, as well as possibly an S40 sedan.

Reports indicate that CMA will also be used under the skin of higher-end models from Volvo's Chinese parent company, Geely.


Above: Volvo's new Compact Modular Architecture with its T5 "Twin Engine" drivetrain.

As with other flexible platform toolkits from other manufacturers, such as the Volkswagen Group's MQB and Renault-Nissan's CMF, Volvo's CMA has a fixed portion between the front wheels and the firewall, but allows for flexibility in terms of front and rear overhangs, and the overall wheelbase.

Volvo says that CMA will complement the recently introduced SPA (Scalable Product Architecture), which will be the basis of its 60-Series (S60, V60 and XC60) and 90-Series (S90, V90 and XC90) cars.

The SPA made its debut under the skin of the second-generation XC90 SUV, and will we'll see it soon under the next-generation S90 sedan, which has been spotted by our spy photographers and leaked via scale model makers.

According to Volvo, the CMA and SPA platforms will be able to share diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. The two architectures will also share electrical components, as well as infotainment and climate control systems.

In four years time, Volvo expects to have renewed its entire lineup with cars based on either CMA or SPA platforms, finally bringing to an end the legacy of its time under Ford ownership.

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