Volvo debuts new 3-cylinder engine in the new XC40 compact premium SUV.

Volvo debuts new 3-cylinder engine in the new XC40 compact premium SUV.

It wasn't long ago that we scoffed at the idea of a three-cylinder engine in a hatchback. Back then it was generally accepted that smaller and mid-level cars were powered by four-cylinder engines, larger cars received six-cylinder treatment in various arrangements and configurations. Ten- and twelve-cylinder engines were reserved for exotic machinery, bucket lists and bedroom walls.

Nowadays, as is the case with almost everything, everything is more or less turned on its head, apart from 10- and 12-cylinder engines which have all but been consigned to the history books. Certainly, three-cylinder engines have made their way into almost every market segment, from small city runabouts to turbocharged supercars (think BMW i8, which is of course aided by electrification). Indeed the diminutive '3-pot' has become the mainstay of manufacturers who are under constant pressure to lower emission outputs and fleet fuel consumption figures.

Perhaps only the SUV category has been somewhat shy to offer 3-cylinder turbo engines. For good reason - SUVs are generally quite heavy. Yes, they're fairly popular their smaller and lighter Crossovers siblings, but for mid- and full-size SUVs, there really is no replacement for displacement. Until now that is with news coming though that Volvo will launch its first 3-cylinder powertrain in the new compact premium XC40 SUV.

New car, new engine and also new market ambitions as the XC40 represents the first time the Swedish marque will enter the compact premium SUV segment. Back to that engine though... The all-new 1.5 litre T3, three-cylinder, direct-injection petrol engine is the first three-cylinder engine in the company’s 91-year history, and has been developed in-house alongside Volvo's other petrol and diesel Drive-E engines. Developing 115kW and 265Nm of torque the 3-pot will be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with the option of an eight-speed auto to be offered next year. The new three-cylinder powertrain has been deliberately designed for integration into Twin Engine layout, meaning a hybridised XC90 will be added to the range in the future.

Due to launch in this year, initially, the XC40 will only be available in T5 185 kW and D4 140 kW guise, with the T3 set to debut later in the year. Buyers will have plenty of choice in terms of trim levels, including the familiar range of Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription options. Inscription, headlining the XC40 line-up, ups the ante offering a range of exterior styling choices and the choice of 18”, 19”, 20”, or even 21” Black Diamond Cut rims plus model-specific car colours. Inside Inscription models you'll get a fancy new crystal gear knob and attractive Driftwood decorations. Nice.

2020 Volvo XC40 T3