Volvo unveil the facelifted XC40 via images and specifications on their online configurator

The Volvo XC40 SUV has gotten a refresh, but the Volvo hasn't announced anybody yet. Instead, Volvo has surreptitiously disclosed photographs of the new car, as well as most of its specs and price information, via its online configurator.

Once the facelifted model has been adequately rolled out, Volvo will also release an even more basic entry-level vehicle called the XC40 Start, which will only be available with a 129PS 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a manual transmission.

However, not every variant will be accessible right once; some of the Volvo XC40 SUV's variants will require a nine-month wait. The new XC40's electric models will not be available until the end of the year.

The Volvo XC40's updates are in line with the normal facelift changes. There's a new front bumper with a redesigned grille, significantly smaller LED headlights, and a new rear bumper without the exhaust cutouts of the previous model. The exhaust now exits behind the back valance, hidden from view.

There are two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, badged B3 and B4, in addition to the 1.5-litre three-cylinder. The former has 163PS and 265 pound-feet Nm of torque, while the latter has 196PS and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission, with four-wheel drive available on the B4 variant.

The plug-in hybrid variants are limited to only two options, both of which are based on the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine featured in the basic model. The front-wheel-drive T4 type has a petrol engine with 129PS and an electric motor with 82PS, which Volvo claims is enough to propel the XC40 from 0 to 100kmph in 8.5 seconds. The T5 variant, which is more expensive, combines the same electric motor with a 180PS petrol engine. The SUV's 0 to 100kmph time is reduced to 7.3 seconds because of the increased power.

The two electric variants include a 230PS front-wheel drive with a 67kWh battery pack. Volvo claims a total range of 425 km. The range-topping four-wheel-drive model comes with a larger 75kWh battery pack and gets a twin-motor electric powertrain with an output of 406PS and 660Nm of torque.

The interior hasn't altered all that much since the previous model. The infotainment system is the same size as before, but it now includes new Google-powered software as part of the Swedish automaker's recent partnership with the tech giant. The most significant modification is a new dash trim piece for the passenger side, which has a different design depending on the specification.

Being a Volvo, the XC40 comes with a slew of standard safety features. Buyers receive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, an adjustable speed restriction and Volvo's approaching lane mitigation system, which automatically steers the car away from oncoming traffic to help prevent a head-on collision.

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