What's the news?
This is the Cross Country version of Volvo's V60 estate, which takes its styling and tech inspiration from the larger V90 Cross Country.
Volvo announced the V60 CC in the run-up to the Paris Motor Show and the key change is a ride height elevated by 75mm, made up of chassis and suspension detail alterations. All V60 CCs will be all-wheel drive, with toys such as Hill Descent Control, Electronic Stability Control, Corner Traction Control and a special Off-Road driving mode all making sure it's as good off-road as it is on it.
The V60 CC is based on the Scalable Product Architecture underpinnings and will also offer City Safety with Autobrake collision-avoidance tech, Pilot Assist enhanced cruise control and driver assist, Run-Off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Cross Traffic Alert, to ensure it's as safe as any self-respecting Volvo should be. The Sensus Connect nine-inch portrait infotainment, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is carried over.
Volvo is saying a T5 AWD petrol model will kick off the V60 CC family but, in all likelihood, here in Ireland we'll gain D4 turbodiesel variants instead. Mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid electrified versions are promised later in the CC's life.
Anything else?
"With the new V60 Cross Country, we take our Swedish family estate from one natural habitat to another," said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. "We invented the Cross Country segment over 20 years ago and with this car, we reinforce our long-standing pedigree in safe, capable and versatile family cars."
Henrik Green, the senior vice president of research and development at Volvo Cars, added: "The V60 Cross Country is every bit as refined as the other 60 and 90 Series cars based on our SPA platform. The added versatility makes it at home in town and country, thanks to a higher seating position, increased ground clearance and dynamic all-wheel-drive capabilities."