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Volvo Cars has unveiled two new concepts that mark the launch of its global small-car strategy.

Today’s newly revealed 40 series concept models (40.1 and 40.2) demonstrate for the first time how Volvo plans to expand into the large and lucrative global market for premium small cars with a range of vehicles featuring connectivity, electrification and autonomous driving.

The new concept cars will be the first built around Volvo’s new compact modular architecture (CMA), which has been created for smaller cars.

“Each member of our product family has its own distinct character, just like the members of a real family.

“CMA has helped us to capture something special, something youthful in our new concept cars. They have an energy, a disruptive and engaging urban character that makes them stand out among the crowd. This is the flavour of small Volvos to come,” said Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president, design, at Volvo Car Group.

The Swedish company is currently implementing an ambitious revitalisation plan that will “reposition the brand to compete with its global premium competitors within the next four years”.

Volvo’s new global small-car range will include a pure-battery electric vehicle as well as twin engine plug-in hybrid powertrain variants, in line with the company’s commitment to the electrification of its entire portfolio.

Volvo plans to have sold a total of up to one million electrified cars by 2025 globally.

“By taking a modular approach to both vehicle architecture and powertrain development, we have succeeded in leap-frogging many of the players in the premium segment,” said Dr Peter Mertens, senior vice president, research and development. “Our new battery electric powertrain variant opens yet another exciting chapter in the unfolding Volvo story.”

The new cars will also offer a full range of innovative connectivity services, plus the world’s most advanced standard package of safety features.

“The new 40 series cars have the potential to improve our market penetration in an important growing segment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.

“An electric powertrain program, including both a new compact Twin Engine plug-in hybrid as well as a pure electric car, are central to the CMA architecture.” He at the first new 40 series car is expected to go into production in 2017.

The announcement of Volvo’s new global small-car strategy comes on the back of a strong start to the year in terms of sales and profitability.

Videos: Volvo Cars presents Concept 40.1 and 40.2 and Volvo Concept 40 design animation