Volvo Cars has launched a new three-cylinder engine in the company’s compact XC40 SUV.
The new Drive-E powertrain is the first three-pot in the company’s 91-year history. The 1.5-litre T3, three-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine delivers 117kW and 265Nm and was designed to allow for integration into Twin Engine plug-in hybrid cars as well. A hybridised as well as a pure electric powertrain option for the XC40 will be added later.
The new engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission and an optional eight-speed transmission will follow next year.
“Our new three-cylinder engine is an exciting development for the XC40 and for Volvo Cars in general,” said Alexander Petrofski, senior director cluster 40 at Volvo Cars. “This compact engine design provides the flexibility we need as we introduce more powertrain options for XC40 customers.”
Volvo’s current D3 110 kW diesel and T4 140 kW petrol engines are also added to broaden the XC40 engine offer.
“The new XC40 is a youthful car that suits drivers with a strong sense of individuality,” said Alexander Petrofski. “We want our customers to be able to make a statement their way – subtle or otherwise – and so we want to offer them more choices, both in performance and styling.”
Volvo Car South Africa will be launching the XC40 T5 185 kW and D4 140 kW in April this year. The XC40 T3 three-cylinder will follow later in the year toward Q4.