Volvo V40 to replace S40 in China in 2013

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai July 26) - The Volvo V40, which made its Asian debut at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition earlier this year, will be sold in China in mid-2013 as an imported model, the Beijing Times reported today.

The V40 (pictured) will help fill the gap caused by a halt in production of Chinese-made S40s. The domestic S40 is produced by Changan Ford Mazda. Although current production has stopped, replacement parts for the car will still be made for the next five to ten years. According to Volvo officials, the S40 will still be sold overseas for the time being.

The V40 comes with a choice of four gasoline engines and three diesel ones. According to reports, the first V40 available in China will come with a five-valve, 2.0 L turbocharged engine, capable of producing a maximum of 184 kW and 400 Nm of torque. It will boast a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 6.7 seconds.

In other news, Volvo confirmed that its first Chinese-produced vehicle following its purchase by Geely will be a mid-size sedan. Production for the new model may begin in limited quantities at the end of next year. Its market debut is scheduled for 2014.