First look: Compact XC emerges from Volvo

VOLVO has reluctantly given a glimpse of its concept SUV that is tipped to become the XC60 when it goes on sale in about two years.

Two German magazines are believed to have broken an embargo on the pictures ahead of its debut at January's North American International Motor Show in Detroit, and the photos have quickly shot around the world on various websites.

Although strictly dubbed a concept show car, the smaller relative to the XC70 and XC90 is expected to go into production in 2009.

If you think the exterior styling looks familiar then you’d be right. It follows Ford Europe’s "kinetic" design language, which produced the Ford Iosis concept.

The Volvo concept looks edgy, smart and takes Volvo design to a new level.

Inside, the interior is equally as slick. The white interior tonings and dashboard look more like an iPod than anything else with a see-through centre console that is back-lit at night. The trademark Volvo "floating" centre console is there too.

Not much is known about the drivetrain but as the concept is based on the same platform as Land Rover's new Freelander, expect the production version to feature a similar AWD system.

Expect the engine line-up to include inline petrol five-cylinder petrol units and the D5, although the new 3.2-litre straight six may also fit under the bonnet.