What's the news?
Volvo's diversification of the Drive-E engine philosophy is finally taking effect - but, big-capacity engine fans, don't get too hyped up, as we're going down in piston count from four cylinders, rather than up.
H owever, this is exciting news in general as this new powertrain is Volvo's first three-cylinder in the company's 91-year history. Due to make its debut in the magnificent XC40 compact SUV, it follows Drive-E's modular form: so as the existing four-cylinder engines are all 2.0-litre units, this three-cylinder engine is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol.
It will be badged 'T3' and comes with a six-speed manual transmission at first, with an eight-speed automatic offered as an option in 2019. The three-pot turbo will roll off the same production lines as Volvo's four-cylinder petrol and diesel Drive-E engines.
Volvo is also adding a 150hp D3-badged diesel (confusingly, this is a four-cylinder engine) to the XC40 line-up, as well as a 190hp T4 petrol 2.0-litre. Further, the Swedish company says the new T3 has been designed, like its bigger brethren, to be integrated into a Twin Engine plug-in hybrid drivetrain - and both part- and full-electric XC40 models will be offered in the near future.
Anything else?
Alexander Petrofski, the senior director cluster 40 for Volvo Cars, 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. The new XC40 is a youthful car that suits drivers with a strong sense of individuality. 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."