Volvo Adds Cross Country Model to V40

Volvo V40 Cross Country

Volvo Adds Cross Country Model to V40 Lineup

Paris Motor Show 2012The "V40 Cross Country," which made its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show 2012, is an "all-road" version that joins Volvo's premium compact V40 in the fiercely competitive C-segment.V40This model enhances its off-road capability, building upon the V40.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)Event photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko

For Those Who Seek Adventure in Everyday Life

"This is a model for those who seek adventure in their daily lives. Load it up, head out to your favorite adventure spot, and come back. This V40 Cross Country makes that possible. But you'll have to climb the mountains yourself."

So says Volvo Car Corporation. While their "XC" models feature a raised seating position and a Cross Country-like styling, the "Cross Country" models, somewhat contrary to their name, are positioned as "all-road" versions based on the wagon or hatchback models.XCThis "V40 Cross Country" also emphasizes sportiness and comfort, with a focus on daily use and on-road performance.

Nevertheless, the V40 Cross Country's seating position is 40mm higher than the standard V40. It accommodates wheel sizes up to 19 inches. Furthermore, dark-colored bumpers, a honeycomb mesh grille, vertical daytime running lights, and protective elements on the sills, rear, and underbody add to its robust appearance.

Inside, the decorative panel on the center console features a distinctive copper color. The leather seats can be chosen from five patterns, including two-tone options, demonstrating Volvo's confidence in meeting the demands of even the most particular customers.

Abundant Engine Variations

The powertrain lineup is diverse.

The all-wheel-drive model is equipped with the most powerful 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, the "T5." It produces a maximum output of 254 ps (187 kW) at 5,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1,800 and 4,200 rpm. Of this maximum torque, 40 Nm is available only during acceleration via overboost. The transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.1 seconds for the front-wheel-drive model and 6.4 seconds for the all-wheel-drive model. Fuel consumption is 7.8 L/100 km for the front-wheel-drive model and 8.3 L/100 km for the all-wheel-drive model (EU combined).

Additionally, only for the all-wheel-drive model, a function called "Hill Descent Control" is included to prevent unintended acceleration on steep descents. Overall, the all-wheel-drive model appears to have the most distinct character.

Furthermore, a 2.0-liter version of the "T5" with a maximum output of 213 ps at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 300 Nm between 2,700 and 5,000 rpm will be available in some markets.

The gasoline engine lineup also includes a 1.6-liter T4 engine model, with a maximum output of 180 ps and a maximum torque of 270 Nm, of which 30 Nm is from overboost. Environmental performance is rated at 5.5 L/100 km and CO2 emissions at 129 g/km.

A version equipped with a 2.0-liter five-cylinder T4 engine, offering a slightly increased torque of 300 Nm, will be sold in certain markets.

A 6-speed dual-clutch "Powershift" transmission can be selected for the T4 models.

The diesel engine options include the 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbo "D4," the "D3" which is also a 2.0-liter five-cylinder turbo but with reduced output and torque, and the 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo "D2" engine. Among these, the D2 is an environmentally friendly version with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km and fuel consumption of 3.8 L/100 km.

All models are equipped with a start-stop function. Production begins in November, targeting the European and Chinese markets.