Volvo takes its Cross Country brand into sedan territory
Volvo is stepping up and meeting the demands of its core customers with the unveiling of the exciting Volvo S60 Cross Country at the Detroit Auto Show.
Back in 1997, when Volvo was the first premium brand to introduce an all-road capable variant of its successful wagons, no one could predict the future success of the crossover concept. Today, the crossover is ubiquitous and has helped to define a whole new category of lifestyle vehicle. Volvo has taken a bold step forward – this time in the sedan segment – with the unveiling of the Volvo S60 Cross Country – the first premium sedan with the same level of capability and rugged design cues of the renowned Cross Country wagons.
Like the recently introduced Volvo V60 Cross Country, the Volvo S60 Cross Country shares an increased ride height and comes with the same capable All-Wheel Drive underpinnings of its sibling, making it a capable and stylish all-road sedan crossover on the market.
“The Volvo S60 Cross Country is the sole contender in the crossover sedan segment. We have identified a clear niche in the market for a more capable sedan with rugged styling cues and a higher stance. The Volvo S60 Cross Country will appeal to people who are searching for an exciting and capable sedan, whilst enjoying the clear benefits that a crossover offers,” says Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Service.
Reflecting Volvo’s love of nature and Scandinavian heritage, the Volvo S60 Cross Country offers both 18” and 19” wheels with high profile tyres that add comfort, reduce road noise, and add increased wheel protection when needed. This dynamic design also brings a sporty, unconventional and adventurous edge to the sedan concept.
The Volvo S60 Cross Country will launch with a full powertrain program, ranging from a powerful T5 All-Wheel Drive gasoline powertrain delivering up to 187kW available in the US, Canada, Russia and Europe, to the Front-Wheel Drive 140kW diesel D4, based on Volvo’s class-leading Drive-E powertrain architecture, offering efficiency and performance in European markets. A diesel All-Wheel Drive D4 will also be launched based on the proven 2.5L 5-cylinder diesel engine.
Volvo Car South Africa has a strong local line-up – especially with the all-new Volvo XC90 and V60 Cross Country arriving in SA this year. At this stage there are unfortunately no plans for the Volvo S60 Cross Country will to be sold locally.