2004 Volvo 3CC Concept

As of late, the concepts that Volvo has been producing have progressively become less constrained and limited. It takes just one

The 3CC's sandwich structure allows lithium-ion batteries to be flat-packed within. Volvo states this layout could be used for more conventional fuel sources. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

good glance to see that the 3CC, currently on display in Shanghai, is a radical departure from what's on the brand's showroom floors. The 3CC's styling cues include a seamless and unusually upright front end, futuristic swept-back LED headlamps and fenders which stretch to the tips of the front valance, all absent from road-going Volvos.

Volvo has seemingly used the 3CC's quirky styling as an element of surprise. Beyond the front flanks lies a completely different vehicle, unexpected from the Swedish firm. Strangely, the stylists at Volvo's concept studios have tweaked the liftgate by pinching and tightening it, all the while allowing its

The 3CC is capable of reaching speeds of 135 km/h after attaining 100 km/h in just 10 seconds. (Photo: Volvo Cars of Canada)

coke-bottle fenders to ripple and flow. If Jeep's Treo concept mated with a classic Volvo P1800S Wagon, their offspring probably would look along the lines of the 3CC.

The quirky and unique character of the 3CC's exterior is continued throughout the interior. As its tapered rear end suggests, this is no conventional five-seat hatchback. Although it features a pair of regular buckets with Volvo's unique four-point safety belt system, the conventional rear bench gets replaced by a single seat. The extra seat in the 2+1 configuration is accessed via a sliding mechanism which physically alters the layout of the interior. When the front seats are slid forward, the floating instrument panel retracts allowing greater ease for entry and exit.