Volvo teases new models via Snapchat

SWEDISH luxury car-maker Volvo has used social media to tease two upcoming new models, likely the first look at a pre-production version of its all-new V40 hatchback and XC40 small-sized crossover.

The first of the two images, which surfaced on picture sharing platform Snapchat, shows an extreme close-up of a front headlight with the words “not your daddy’s Volvo” and is possibly the first glimpse of the next-generation V40.

A sculpted bonnet, prominent front grille and a chiselled lower chin can also be seen, while the headlight will repeat the signature Thor’s Hammer LED design first seen on the XC90 large SUV.

The second picture reveals the lower front bumper vent detailing of a different vehicle, accompanied by the words “teasing the future of Volvo”, and is most likely the first look at a V40-based XV40 crossover.

Black plastic body moulding around the wheel arches, similar to other brand's high-riding hatchbacks such as the Mazda CX-3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, can be seen in the shot, as well as what appear to be LED foglights.

Both pictures also feature a selection of emojis – the mark of any good Snapchat.

The pair will be built on Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which has been confirmed to underpin a new 40 series range – which also includes a small-sized sedan – and could herald an electric drivetrain option across all models.

While rivals for the V40 premium hatchback include the BMW 1-Series, Mercedes-Benz A Class and Audi A3, a V40-based small sedan could steal sales away from the popular Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi’s A3 sedan.

An XC40 crossover would be positioned against similar premium SUVs including BMW’s X1, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3, and gives Volvo a presence in Australia’s fastest growing small-size SUV segment.

So far in 2016, sales of Volvo’s V40 hatchback have increased year-on-year by 33.9 per cent with 395 new registrations to the end of April.

A facelifted version of the V40 is expected to arrive on Australian shores in the third quarter of the year.