The small SUV market is expected to expand in the next two years. Volvo car has already seen the big picture, and has moved several steps ahead, coming out with its XC60 Concept, a Volvo-branded compact crossover SUV. The car will debut at the Detroit Motor Show next month.

XC60 integrates the muscular XC-versatility and the sporty styling cues of a coupe, revealing several design elements that will be part of future Volvos. XC60 will be assembled with already proven gasoline- and diesel-burning engines. and shared technology with the next-generation Land Rover Freelander, using a modified version of the Ford C1 platform. It is not to be confused with the very similar Volvo XC50 which was the first name used for the vehicle, but in fact will be called the XC60 when formally released as a production car.

Volvo expects more than 10 challengers in this sector and considers the Small Premium Utility segment as the toughest and fastest growing segment in the automotive world.

The XC60 Concept is targeted to reach showrooms in early 2009 and it is scheduled to go on sale in 2009 for the 2010 model year.

Read more about this compact SUV here here.