Volvo unveils V60 Cross Country ahead of LA debut
Volvo has revealed the V60 Cross Country, featuring increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive, ahead of its first public appearance at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Volvo has officially revealed the V60 Cross Country, a rugged estate variant designed to bridge the gap between traditional wagons and SUVs, ahead of its public debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new model enters the market with higher ground clearance, all-wheel drive and distinctive styling details aimed at buyers seeking more versatility from their family car.
Raised ride height and protective design
Compared to the standard V60 estate, the Cross Country version sits 65 mm higher, giving it greater ability to cope with rougher roads and light off-road conditions. Volvo has fitted the car with front and rear skid plates, black fender extensions and side scuff plates to protect the bodywork. At the rear, dual exhaust pipes are standard, underlining the car’s more purposeful look.
The V60 Cross Country will be offered with either 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, both shod in high-profile tyres to further improve ride comfort and durability on poor surfaces. These changes follow the template set by other Cross Country models in Volvo’s range, building on the core estate with greater ground clearance and extra body protection.
Interior and equipment changes
Inside, the Cross Country features black leather sports seats with contrasting brown stitching as standard. Buyers can also select from a range of two-tone upholstery options. The cabin specification is otherwise familiar from the regular V60, but the emphasis is on a more robust, outdoors-oriented feel.
Engines and drivetrains by market
At launch in early 2015, the V60 Cross Country will be available in the United States and Canada with Volvo’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, producing 250 hp and driving all four wheels through an automatic transmission. This powertrain is familiar from other Volvo models and is aimed at buyers who value all-weather capability and strong performance.
European buyers will get their first chance at the V60 Cross Country later in 2015, with a broader range of engines. Volvo plans to offer its new generation of four-cylinder Drive-E petrol and diesel units, with both front- and all-wheel drive options. This approach mirrors the strategy used for the related S60 Cross Country, which was later shown at the Detroit show in 2015 (seeVolvo S60 Cross Country debuts at 2015 Detroit show).
Market positioning and rivals
By adding the V60 Cross Country to its range, Volvo targets buyers who want the practicality of an estate with the tougher image and capability of an SUV. The car enters a segment where models such as the Audi A4 Allroad and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack have already established a foothold. Volvo’s approach, combining proven all-wheel drive hardware with its latest design language, aims to broaden the appeal of the V60 family, particularly in North America where demand for crossovers and SUVs continues to grow.
Further details on European specifications, pricing and engine options are expected closer to the model’s regional launch.
