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Volvo V40 to be replaced by new premium small car family

Volvo's Chinese owner Geely developing new range; to include crossover, hatchback and sedan.
1 min read25 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer
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The new range will include a five-door crossover, a hatchback and a sedan, with further models a possibility. (Current-generation Volvo V40 shown).

The Volvo V40 will eventually be replaced by a new family of premium small cars, currently being co-developed with the Swedish firm's Chinese owner, Geely. The new range will include a five-door crossover, a hatchback and a sedan, with further models a possibility. The project will yield a range of similarly sized models for Geely, which sells a variety of brands in China. Having considered collaborations with other manufacturers, Volvo and parent firm Geely decided to collaborate themselves. 
 
The modular nature of the firm's architecture will allow for the development of a series of more affordable Geely-branded models employing less advanced engines, suspensions and convenience features. The project is likely to engineer as many as five grades of sophistication into a wide family of cars, all of them featuring a high level of component interchangeability. Joint venture boss Mäts Fagerhag characterises this as a ‘plug and play’ approach to engineering the project’s various sub-systems, and their ability to comply with a wide variety of regional safety and emissions regulations.
 
Volvo and Geely have set up a new engineering joint venture to develop their C-segment Modular Architecture (CMA) vehicle family. It is likely the first CMA family model will be launched around 2017.
 

Jaguar XJ facelift takes shape

Updated Jaguar XJ to feature cosmetic changes at the front and rear; likely to carry over same engine.
1 min read25 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

According to our sources, the updated XJ will see styling tweaks with the huge grille of the current model slightly downsized by making it less deep.

Toyota lockout ends, but not dispute

Workers refuse to sign undertaking of good behaviour or enter premises.
1 min read24 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Some representatives of the workers' union also went to the Karnataka chief minister's house to air their grievances.

BMW, Toyota to collaborate on hybrid sportscar

Alliance to bring new hybrid tech to a series production model for first time.
2 min read24 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Details are scarce, but insiders involved on early engineering proposals suggest that the new car will use a high-strength steel and aluminium floorpan with carbonfibre elements for added weight savings.

Chevrolet Cruze gets minor updates

Chevrolet Cruze gets turn indicators on wing mirrors; automatic variant now reportedly more fuel efficient.
1 min read24 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

The Chevrolet Cruze is available in three trims – LT, LTZ manual and LTZ automatic.

Bentley targets 322kph for new SUV

New Bentley SUV arrives in 2016, once the manufacturer combines off-road ability with high-speed performance
1 min read24 Mar '14
Staff WriterStaff Writer

The new SUV which is being undertaken by Bentley’s new design chief, Luc Donckerwolke, is driven by the desire of a 322kph top speed.