Volvo Car Corporation paved the way for a new segment with the V70 Cross Country in 1997. Now, 15 years later, the all-new Volvo V40 Cross Country brings the unique blend of capable ruggedness and expressive elegance up to a new altitude, by establishing a Cross Country in the premium small car segment.
"There is a clear distinction between our XC and Cross Country models. The Volvo XC models have a distinct crossover character with unique body styles, including an elevated seating position, while the Cross Country models are expressive all-road versions of our dynamic wagons and hatchbacks," says Volvo executive Lex Kerssemakers.
"When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country is eager to take on the sportiest competitor versions. It features an attractive blend of sportiness and comfort."
The driver rides 40mm higher in the V40 Cross Country than in the standard V40. This capable impression is enhanced by a number of unique Cross Country details:
• Wheels the same size as the Volvo V70, including up to 19-inch rims
• Contrasting dark front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille, vertical daytime running lights
• Sculpted, contrasting sills
• Contrasting rear bumper with integrated skid plate
The V40 Cross Country features class-leading driving dynamics with all-wheel drive available on the T5 petrol turbo to enhance the all-road, all-weather capability.
The five-cylinder 2.5-litre T5 engine has a power output of 254bhp (187kW) and 400Nm of torque, including 40Nm overboost delivered during acceleration. It comes with automatic transmission and acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is 7.8L/100 km (EU Combined).
The T5 is also available in a 2.0-litre version with 213bhp (157kW) and 300Nm of torque on certain markets.
There is also the T4, a 1.6-litre GTDi engine with 180bhp (132kW) and maximum torque of 270Nm, including 30Nm overboost. Fuel consumption is 5.5 l/100 km. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 129g/km.
A 2.0-litre five-cylinder T4 engine with 180bhp (132kW) and 300Nm of torque is available on certain markets.
The T5 version comes with a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the T4 is available in combination with the automatic six-speed Powershift transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.
Powershift operates in principle as two parallel manual gearboxes with separate clutches, a system that provides quick and fuel-saving gear changes.
The five-cylinder 2.0-litre D4 turbodiesel has been optimised for fuel-efficient driving pleasure. It delivers 177bhp (130kW) and has torque of 400Nm across a wide rpm range. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 8.3 seconds with the automatic gearbox (8.6sec with manual).
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 4.4L/100 km (117g/km) with a manual gearbox and 5.2L/100 km (137g/km) with the automatic (EU Combined).
In addition there is the 2.0-litre D3 producing 150bhp and 350Nm of torque. Both turbodiesels are available with a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearbox.
The D2 version of the V40 Cross Country comes with CO2 emissions at a class-leading 99g/km – corresponding to fuel consumption of just 3.8L/100 km. The 1.6-litre diesel engine has 115bhp (84kW) and 285Nm of torque, including 15Nm overboost. The D2 engine is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and start/stop function.
All engine versions have start-stop and braking energy regeneration, no matter whether they are fitted with a manual or automatic gearbox.
To make altitude-changing adventures more comfortable for the driver, the V40 Cross Country also features Hill Descent Control on the T5 version with all-wheel drive, which controls the car's speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. The V40 Cross Country also has a practical Hill Hold function that makes starting on a hill easy.
Volvo Car Corporation expects to sell 17,000 units per year of the all-new Volvo V40 Cross Country. Around 50 percent of the total volume will go to European customers and around 30 percent to Chinese buyers.
The V40 Cross Country will be built in Volvo Car Corporation's production plant in Ghent, Belgium. Production gets under way in November 2012.
