Swedish manufacturer Volvo has unveiled a new three-cylinder engine for the XC40 compact SUV – the first three-pot unit in the brand’s history.
This 1.5-litre engine was developed by the company’s Driv-E department and it comes with the intention of being the heart of a hybrid powertrain due at some point in 2019.
Labelled the T3, it will come with a six-speed manual transmission from launch, with Volvo saying it will be paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox next year.
It will be built in the same production facility as the brand’s four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, which currently power the XC40 range.
Alexander Petrofski, senior director of Volvo’s 40 range of vehicles, said: "Our new three-cylinder engine is an exciting development for the XC40 and for Volvo Cars in general.
"This compact engine design provides the flexibility we need as we introduce more powertrain options for XC40 customers."
To add more powertrain options to the small SUV, Volvo said that the D3 diesel unit that produces 148bhp and the 187bhp T4 petrol engine will now be available with the model.
The brand also confirmed that this XC40 will be getting an all-electric version during its lifetime.
Prices for the XC40 T3 will start from £27,905, with deliveries beginning in the summer.
