A break from tradition: Volvo’s first three-cylinder engine

KUALA LUMPUR: Three-cylinder engines are the future. What was once hated for being anemic and unbalanced is now the favorite of the car world because of its compact size and frugal nature. Nothing confirms this trend more than a company once known for producing impressive 5-cylinder engines, introducing their first three-cylinder after 91 years. 

The company in question is Volvo (you would have guessed that if you had read the title), which is all set to introduce its first three-cylinder engine in the upcoming XC40. This announcement came just after the teaser release of the V60 wagon along with several others, all related to their baby compact SUV, the cute XC40. Volvo’s first entry into the compact SUV market now has the option of a 1.5-litre, direct injection gasoline engine, mated 6-speed manual transmission, with an option of an 8-speed automatic from next year.

Based on the same modular 4-cylinder Driver-E engine design, this one is called the “T3” and will be produced from the same production lines. As you might have guessed, this engine is made specifically to be used with Volvo’s future plug-in hybrid drivetrains. The company also confirmed that there would be complete electric versions of the SUV in the future. For now, the XC40 is also getting two new options in the form of 4-cylinder D3 150 hp diesel and 5-cylinder T4 190 hp gasoline engines. The company, however, did not disclose any numbers related to the three-cylinder yet.  

The XC40 also got a new top of the range trim level known as the Inscription level. The completely non-threatening looking SUV now has the option of 18-, 19- and 20-inch rims. Upping the premium ante, it also gets unique skid plates, chrome treatment on the grille mesh, unique windows, and colors. The 'pièce de résistance', however' resides inside. The driftwood treatment and the gorgeous crystal gear lever knob that were earlier available for the XC90 and the XC60 are now available for the baby XC40 too.

It was only a matter of time before such changes were becoming more mainstream for car companies. Hopefully, this premium brand can maintain its charm even with two fewer cylinders.