The latest teaser for the Volvo XC40 highlights a clutter-free cabin concept ahead of its official unveiling at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto Show. With a view to make it more practical for everyday use, the new model has been stocked with an inductive charging system and smartly designed storage compartments. Post launch, it will complete the company’s SUV line-up that also features the top-of-the-range large XC90 and the mid-sized XC60. Volvo claims to have spent considerable time in making the Volvo XC40 friendly for city users. Based on customer inputs, Volvo designers designed the vehicle keeping in mind the space, storage and all-round functionality.
Speaking about its design element, Louiza Atcheba, Model Brand Manager for the 40 Series at Volvo Cars said, “As we spoke to people about how and where they store the things they carry with them daily, it was quite clear that most of today’s cars are falling short in this area. Phones slide around in the mid-console, takeaway bags are at constant risk of falling over and people fumble behind the wheel as they try to get service cards out of their wallets. We set out to solve these and many other issues we encountered.”
Inside, the company has moved the speakers from the door and developed a world-first, air-ventilated dashboard-mounted sub-woofer. The company has also created enough storage in the door compartment for a laptop as well as a tablet and can accommodate a couple of water bottles. Conny Ewe Blommé, Senior Design Manager at Volvo Cars, said, “When we designed the tunnel the focus was not only on creating a nice design, but also to ensure that cup-holders can be used as cup-holders and that the design itself provides areas for coins, cards or charging cables. Another focus area was to make a usable space for your phone which offers wireless charging as well as USB ports.”
Convenience being a priority, the car also gets small fold-away hook in the glove compartment which can hold small shopping or take-away bags. Both front seats offer storage space under the seat, large enough for a mini tablet or other smaller items. The XC40 also offers slots for credit and service cards that can be neatly inserted into the dashboard, making them readily available when needed. In the tunnel console, under the armrest, there is a large storage area with room for a tissue box. A special, removable bin allows you to discard and quickly get rid of waste. The vehicle also includes a fold-up trunk divider with two hooks to help secure shopping bags or other luggage, along with four load hooks that make loading luggage a simple task. A private locking storage compartment has also been added under the load floor.
Additional details about the vehicle will be revealed at the 2017 Frankfurt Auto show.
