New Volvo V30 test vehicle spotted

November 2011

A leading UK industry magazine has revealed photos of a new Volvo car being tested in the Netherlands last week.

Car Magazine has spotted the new Volvo V30 hatchback - a model it predicts to slot between the marque's Volvo C30 hatch and Volvo V50 estate.

Despite not being officially named yet, the dubbed Volvo V30 model comes in response to the Volvo C30 coupe-style hatch being offered with three doors, rather than five.

The new Volvo model is expected to launch in late 2012 and could also in turn result in a smaller SUV model being launched by the car manufacturer.

The new Volvo model's engine is said to be based on existing Volvo small car architecture - most likely resulting in front-wheel drive and a more eco-friendly focus.

Also set to begin trialling in China is the electric model of the Volvo C30.

According to China Daily, Shanghai is the third international locale - after Paris and Los Angeles - where the marque is testing the electric car outside of Sweden.

However, there will be limited production of the Volvo model upon release.