We’re all for niche models—particularly when they’re niche, slightly-raised Scandinavian station wagons.
Of course, we’re talking about the 2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country, which launches here this week as a mild off-roading variant of the regular Volvo V60 wagon.
Relatively popular singe its launch in the United States, Volvo are trying their luck at modernising their Cross Country concept. Many of us will remember the XC70 Cross Country, based on the V70 family hauler, that was a fixture on Australian roads in the early 2000s. The V60 Cross Country has a similar vibe, updated for 2016.
Instead of being its own model line, the Cross Country is now a trim within the regular V60 lineup. Priced at $63,375, the Cross Country is effectively based on the V60’s mid-range D4 Luxury ($57,775). The $5,600 price premium buys the street cred of raised ride height, cladding, and Volvo’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system.
The regular V60 D4 is a two-litre unit, but because the Cross Country has all-wheel-drive, it retains the old 2.4-litre five-cylinder—also called D4.
The five-pot remains a useful thing, producing 140kW of power and 420Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels dynamically, and paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Volvo tell us the motor is good for a combined fuel economy figure of 5.8L/100km.
The old XC70 was effectively a Toorak tractor and the new V60 Cross Country is unlikely to be used on more than camping trails. However, it’s actually quite useful indeed in tougher stuff: the North American media has already had its first winter with the car, which launched earlier there. Deep snow is something the V60 CC takes in its stride.
Largely, that is down to the respectable 201mm of additional ground clearance. For peace of mind, there are additional skid plates at the front, rear and sides to keep the paintwork scratch-free.
The Cross Country’s equipment levels are based on the V60 D4 Luxury. That means each one benefits from bi-xenon headlights, satellite navigation, City Safety autonomous emergency braking, useful 40:20:40 split folding seats, and eighteen-inch wheels.
Many will option the advanced safety package for $4,000. This adds blind spot assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control.
2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country: Australian price
- V60 Cross Country D4 Luxury: $63,375
Key options
- Driver Support Package: $4,000