Volvo V40 Cross Country likely for Australia

The official information from the Swedish manufacturer comes just hours after the first images and details of the new model appeared online yesterday.

While not a full-blown XC-series SUV, the Volvo V40 Cross Country adds extra off-road ability to the standard V40 hatch, much like the V70 Cross Country wagon from 1997.

The V40 Cross Country rides 40mm higher than the standard car and features wheels the same size as the V70, up to 19 inches in diameter.

Metal scuff plates and grey plastic front and rear lower bumpers and side skirts increase the Cross Country’s bush-bashing capability, while a honeycomb mesh grille, vertical daytime running lights, black mirror caps and alloy wheels and silver roof rails contribute to a more rugged overall exterior design.

The copper colour scheme continues to the cabin, embracing the centre stack as well as one of five colour options for the leather upholstery.

All-wheel drive is available exclusively in the flagship Volvo V40 Cross Country variant, which is equipped with the brand’s 2.5-litre five-cylinder T5 turbocharged petrol engine. Producing 187kW of power and 400Nm of torque, the auto-only model sprints from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds and uses 7.8 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle.

Front-wheel drive options include the 132kW/270Nm 1.6-litre GTDi T4 petrol engine as well as three diesels: the 130kW/400Nm 2.0-litre D4, the 112kW/350Nm 2.0-litre D3, and the 84kW/285Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder D2.

All engines are equipped with stop-start technology and brake energy regeneration whether teamed with the six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

All models feature a Hill Hold function, while the all-wheel drive T5 also scores Hill Descent Control, which automatically controls the car’s speed when driving down steep declines.

Volvo Australia says it is keen to bring the all-new Volvo V40 Cross Country down under, and is currently working though potential engine, transmission, specification and pricing details.

The standard Volvo V40 will arrive in local showrooms in the first quarter of 2013, with the Cross Country likely to follow in the short term.