Volvo has outlined a radical future platform and engine plan after its breakaway from Ford ownership. It includes a new modular platform that can underpin anything from a C30 to an S80 and a new range of highly efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) will allow future Volvos to be up to 150kg lighter than the models they replace. Their modularity will mean that all models — regardless of size — can be built on the same production line. Chinese-owned Volvo claims that the SPA also allows for improved weight distribution and better driving dynamics, as well as incorporating a common electrical and safety architecture for all models.

The Volvo Environmental Architecture (VEA) direct-injection petrol and common-rail diesel engines will produce less CO2 and offer up to 35 percent better fuel economy than current like-for-like engines, with greater performance than current six-cylinder units.

VEA engines are also upto 90kg lighter than present units and some will be offered with hybrid tech, including an innovative flywheel hybrid system that claims 80bhp more power and 20 percent better economy.