If you can’t bring yourself to buy an SUV, the Volvo V60 Cross Country could be the new answer from Sweden. The latest model from the transformative brand is said to take the V60 “from the suburb to the skogen” – the Swedish name for the forest. More than just a styling exercise, the V60 Cross Country also has some significant mechanical changes to ensure it can keep going in tough conditions and costs from £38,270.
2019 Volvo V60 Cross Country Revealed
For a start, ground clearance is 75mm higher than the regular V60, thanks to its specially developed chassis and suspension. This should give it the ability to tackle rough terrain, while its standard four-wheel drive system makes sure it can keep going. Its electronics are also adapted, with Hill Descent Control for steep terrain, Corner Traction Control and a unique Off-Road driving mode. Its styling has been toughened up with a new front grille and flared wheelarches and bumpers finished in ‘charcoal’.
When it arrives in the UK early next year, the V60 Cross Country will be fitted with the 2.0-litre D4 diesel engine, producing 188bhp and paired with a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox. With 18-inch alloy wheels fitted it can return up to 55.4mpg and emits 135g/km of CO2. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 8.2 seconds and the Cross Country has a top speed of 130mph.
Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, said: “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. The added versatility makes it at home in town and country, thanks to a higher seating position, increased ground clearance and dynamic all-wheel-drive capabilities.”
