Geely’s new Lynk & Co brand unveils its first model, the Volvo-based 01

Geely’s newly created Lynk & Co brand has unveiled its first model, the rather unimaginatively named 01 compact SUV.

Although its name may be lacking in creativity, the car itself is one of the most attractive Chinese cars we have cast our eyes on, thanks to input from Volvo.

While the 01 will be manufactured in China, the SUV is actually designed and engineered in Sweden and shares it underpinnings with the upcoming Volvo XC40. Geely, which owns Volvo says it intends to sell the car in volume in Europe as well as the United States.

Lynk & Co claims the 01 is the world’s most connected car. As such, the car will always be connected to the internet and to its own cloud, with a ‘share’ button allowing owners to control, monitor and share their cars via smartphone. It features an open application programming interface that allows developers to “enrich the automotive experience” of the 01 with their own ideas.

While Lynk & Co has confirmed the 4.6m long, 1.86m wide and 1.7m tall SUV will be based on the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform from the XC40, it hasn’t revealed much about the car’s drivetrain. However, the model is expected to borrow a range of turbo engines from Volvo, including a selection of 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 1.5-litre three-cylinder engines as well as a plug-in hybrid. A six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered.

Lynk & Co says the 01 will hit the market in 2018, followed by the 02 and 03 further down the track.