Volvo has spoken about its plans of a new small SUV. Likely to be monikered XC40, the car has been on the company’s wishlist for a while; only now is it being planned to pursue it with intent.

While speaking to our sister publication Autocar UK, Volvo president and CEO Håkan Samuelsson said “A small SUV is very high on our wish list,” thus clearly stating the carmaker’s aim. “There is a clear trend towards downsizing, and we will provide customers with an SUV that is small in stature but remains premium in nature.” he added.

The car is likely to be based on Volvo’s upcoming Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform that is being developed in collaboration with the company’s Chinese owner, Geely. As far as engines go, the XC40 will possibly have the company’s Drive-E lineup, and that means the 2.0-litre, four-cyliner turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel options.

Based on what Samuelsson further revealed, there’s also a chance that the XC40 will be ready within the next four years. “In four years’ time, the new XC90 will be the oldest car we make, but we see the priority as replacing our bread and butter models rather than breaking new ground,” he said.