The Volvo V40 Cross Country will go on sale in Australia at the end of August.
The tougher-looking version of the new Volvo V40 hatchback will be available locally with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines and the option of front- and all-wheel drive.
While Volvo Australia says the exact make-up of its compact crossover range is still being finalised, we know that the diesel-powered models will be strictly 2WD, with AWD exclusive to the high-grade petrol variants.
Three diesels are available globally, ranging in size and output from the 84kW/270Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder D2 to the 130kW/400Nm 2.0-litre five-cylinder D4. The D2 consumes 3.8 litres per 100km on the combined cycle while the D4 can sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds.
The petrol range comprises three engines in four states of tune, starting at 132kW/240Nm for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder T4 and rising to 187kW/360Nm for the 2.5-litre five-cylinder T5. The entry-level T4 drinks as little as 5.5L/100km combined while the high-performance T5 can reach triple figures in 6.1 seconds. The T5 AWD is the only model offered with hill descent control.
The Volvo V40 Cross Country rides 40mm higher than the standard V40, giving it a more capable appearance that is further enhanced by its unique alloy wheels, honeycomb mesh grille, black plastic bumpers and side skirts with silver lower protection panels, upright LED daytime running lights, black mirror housings and silver roof rails.
Brown contrast stitching is a subtle differentiator of the V40 Cross Country’s cabin, though it can be further defined by optioning the Espresso Brown leather and Copper Dawn centre stack inlay.
As with the V40, an expansive list of available safety systems includes City Safety auto-braking system, pedestrian and cyclist detection and avoidance technology, road sign information, adaptive cruise control, active high beam, pedestrian airbag and more.
While full pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to the car’s launch, the Cross Country will command a small price premium over the regular V40, which ranges from $34,990 to $49,990.
The launch of the Volvo V40 Cross Country will be followed in the final quarter of the year by MY2014 updates to S60, V60, XC60, V70 and S80.
