Volvo 20-Series confirmed, XC20 mooted to take on Q2 – report
The US boss of Swedish manufacturer Volvo has somewhat confirmed that a sub-compact 20-Series model family is on the cards.
In a recent interview with America's Car and Driver, Lex Kerssemakers, president of Volvo USA, let slip that a 20-Series model (or family of models) could slot below the upcoming next-generation 40-Series family.
"It’s pretty straightforward: The 90 is the biggest, and the 40 is the smallest. And when there is a 20, it will be a smaller one," he said.
This is the first time a 20-Series has been mentioned, and likely indicates that the Swedish company is looking to compete with current offerings like the Audi A1 and Q2, along with the Mini Hatch.
Above, Top: Volvo XC40 concept
Additionally, Kerssemakers said that Volvo only makes global cars, so they "should apply to all parts of the world" meaning markets like the US - and even Australia - could see the wave of compact models arrive in the not-too-distant future.
It's also unlikely the 20-Series family will see the return of 'impractical' models to the company's line-up, such as coupes and convertibles like the discontinued C70. Kerssemakers said: "Coupes and convertibles—we don’t have them in the plan, because we are focusing on the bread-and-butter [vehicles] for the moment".
With that in mind, the 20-Series family is probably going to include a small hatchback to compete with the Audi A1, along with a compact SUV version to compete with the recently-launched Audi Q2.
An S20 small sedan could also be a possibility, though such a model would likely be aimed at the Chinese market considering the general hunger for SUVs in most countries.
Above: Volvo V40
In January, the company trademarked the V20 and V30 names in the US, hinting at two smaller hatchbacks or wagon models.
Volvo also filed applications for the P5, P6, P8, P9 and P10 names, which the document states are for electric vehicles - hinting at future electrified models co-developed with in-house tuning arm, Polestar.
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more Volvo updates as they come to hand.
MORE: Volvo patents hint at compact and electric models
MORE: Volvo news, reviews, comparisons and video
0
