The Volvo V60 Cross Country has been unveiled and will arrive in showrooms before the end of 2018.
Taking Volvo’s mid-sized range to three alongside the already on-sale V60 estate and soon-to-launch S60 saloon, the Cross Country follows the style of its predecessor models in presenting a more off-road pitched version of the car.
Its ride height is raised 8cm over the standard car, skid plates are mounted under the front and rear body, and extra cladding is added to protect the lower sides.
Volvo has also significantly revised the V60 chassis and suspension to ensure the Cross Country has a degree of off-road ability to match its visual appearance. Not surprisingly, all-wheel-drive is standard.
Electronic aids include hill-descent control, electronic stability control, a corner traction control and an off-road setting on the cockpit-selectable drive modes.
Initially, the V60 Cross Country will go on sale with a D4 diesel engine of 191hp. Volvo says that the range will be expanded with both mild and plug-in hybrid versions at a later date, the Swedish brand having already committed to producing electric versions of all new models.
The standard safety package includes the City Safety with Autobrake, autonomous emergency braking that can also recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. Run-off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and other steering assistance systems are also standard.
Other driver aids available for the Cross Country include the Pilot Assist steering, acceleration and braking system, and the Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake.
The infotainment system includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 4G compatibility, the tablet-style touchscreen control combining car functions, navigation, connected services and in-car entertainment apps.
Volvo has sold Cross Country models since 1997, taking on the likes of the Audi allroad equivalents. “We invented the Cross Country segment over 20 years ago, and with this car we reinforce our long-standing pedigree in safe, capable and versatile family cars,” says Volvo president and CEO Hakan Samuelsson.
Pricing and the full UK specification of the Volvo V60 Cross Country will be announced closer to its launch.