Volvo Car Corporation, the well-appreciated Swedish auto maker, has introduced a new V40 Cross Country model, which turns out to be a perfect blend of ruggedness and elegance in the premium C-segment. With the launch of this model, the company has established new heights for luxury and comforts in the auto sector.
At the launch ceremony, the Senior Vice President Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management of Volvo Car Corporation, Lex Kerssemakers, quoted, “The new V40 Cross Country is built on the heritage that started with the V70 Cross Country back in 1997. It is designed for those who want a sense of adventure in their everyday life. And when you want a break from the city, it is capable enough to take you and your gear to your favourite adventure and back. However, you still need to climb the mountain yourself.”
The new model from Volvo boasts off advance off-roading credentials, which helps it to promote the company's strategy of go anywhere. On this, he further added, “There is a clear distinction between our XC and Cross Country models. The Volvo XC models have a distinct crossover character with unique body-styles including an elevated seating position, while the Cross Country models are expressive all-road versions of our dynamic wagons and hatchbacks. When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country is eager to take on the sportiest competitor versions. It features an attractive blend of sportiness and comfort.”
Under the review of standard V40, the driver's seat in V40 Cross Country is 40 mm higher. Complementing these features, the model also boasts off dark contrast bumper, sculpted as well as contrasting sills, upright DRL-lights and honeycomb mesh grille. The wheels incorporated within the model is of the same size offered in Volvo V70, including the rims of up to 19-inch. With integrated skid plate, the 2012 edition model of V40 happens to be a refreshed five-door premium crossover, which can comfortably seat five individuals. The car is equipped with several off-road details, including anodized, dark high-gloss frame around the greenhouse, the black polished rear view mirror and the design railings over the roof.
Describing the designing language of the new model, the Exterior Design Manager of V40 Cross Country, Simon Lamarre, said, “The V40 Cross Country retains its V40 stylishness by integrating the ruggedness in the design with meticulous attention to detail. It has en extrovert, expressive character that promises the open-minded adventurer a great time.”
Coming to its interiors, the model features the Raw Copper exterior colour, which adds to its unmatched stitching, which can be highlighted further by opting the Copper Dawn centre stack inlay. The Swedish auto company has also offered an option of leather upholstery in five different inserts, which includes Espresso Brown accent colour.
Expressing her views on this, the Colour and Material Design Manager of V40 Cross Country, Maria Uggla, quoted, “Our customers are individualists, so we want to offer them a lot of possibilities. All choices feature the same strong, emotional expression as the exterior of the car. The two-tone upholstery alternatives are the perfect choices for those who want a truly individual look. There is a generous range of individual possibilities. Dark elegance? Scandinavian bright? Sporty ruggedness? Just choose the interior that fits your personality best.”
Volvo V40 Cross Country is a perfect vehicle to take on adventurous trips, no matter off-road or on-roads. The rear seat backrest is provided within two pieces and can be easily folded 40/60 proportion. Boot of the model is also a key USP for the car as it can store a volume of luggage without blinking an eye. The auto maker has provided steel net as a part of standard accessory and buyers can also ask for soft safety net, being a part of optional accessory. Besides, the model can be equipped with an extra floor in the boot compartment. The move creates a number of useful possibilities like if folded upside, individual will get a grocery holder and if folded away, passengers will get best-in-class space for storing luggage. Moreover, the flat floor can easily store long stuff, which adds to the utility of boot.
The seat of front passenger has an option of forward folding, which adds to the space provided within the model. Apart from the permanent two hooks, the additional floor features extra hooks for hanging bags. Interestingly, between the lower and upper floor, there lies ample space for storage.
Accessory options provided within the model include a 'Cargo Mat Organiser', which is capable enough to store smaller safely and in a specific order. The car also has a storage compartment under the armrest, which is suitable for storing music CDs and several other small items. The compartment also has a connector for USB/iPod and AUX input, depending on the compatibility of the audio system. Besides the armrest, which can be easily adjusted for offering extra support to the driver, the front console also holds two cup holders and a 12V power socket.
The glove compartment of Volvo V40 Cross Country has ample space for storing two cans or bottles of soft drinks, which can be kept cool with the help of its electronic climate control system. Other comfort features equipped within the model includes height adjustable headrests in the front row and the central rear seat, sunglass compartment over the driver's door, pen holder in glove compartment, cup holders at rear seat. Individuals can also store handy objects under the instrumental panel, front seat cushions and front row backrests.
2012 Volvo V40 Cross Country also features seven different mood lighting options. The interiors of the model are specifically designed to provide it feel of 'theatre lighting'. In order to light up the strategic areas, the car has been equipped with exclusive LED lights.
On the technical front, the car sports unmatched driving dynamics, accompanied by all wheel drive chassis. The company has assimilated a T5 petrol turbo engine in its Volvo V40, which makes it capable enough to roll on any weather condition. Five-cylinder 2.5 litre T5 engine has potential to belt out a maximum power of 254 bhp with a peak torque of 400 Nm, comprising 40 Nm overboost used during the acceleration. Mated to an automatic transmission system, the car can swiftly glide from initial to 100 kmph within a short span of 6.1 seconds. With these outputs and performance, the engine of this model delivers a fuel economy of 12.8 kmpl (EU Combined).
Besides, T5 engine is offered in a 2.0 litre version, which churns out a highest power of 213 bhp with a maximum torque of 300 Nm. The company has also offered a T4 1.6 litre GTDi engine, which produces a maximum power of 180 bhp with 270 Nm of highest torque, including 30 Nm for overboost. The mileage of this model stands at 18.1 kmpl with CO2 emissions of 129 gpkm. In few markets, Volvo has also offered a 2.0 litre five-cylinder T4 engine, which generates a peak power of 180 bhp with 300 Nm of highest torque.
T5 series has been mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, whereas T4 engine is provided with an option of either an automatic six-speed Powershift gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission system.
On the other hand, the diesel engine models are also being offered by the Swedish auto maker. A five-cylinder 2.0 litre D4 turbo-diesel powertrain has been designed by Volvo, which delivers a maximum power of 177 bhp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. This performance oriented power mill has the potential to enable the vehicle swiftly glide from 0-100 kmph within a short span of 8.3 seconds (automatic transmission) and with manual transmission, the same distance was covered within 8.6 seconds. With this performance, the diesel engine of V40 Cross Country delivers a fuel economy of 22.7 kmpl and CO2 emissions of 117 gpkm in manual transmission, while covers 19.2 kmpl in automatic gearbox.
With this, the auto maker has also offered an option of 2.0 litre D3 engine, which generates a peak power of 150 bhp and maximum torque of 350 Nm. Both of the abovementioned diesel engines are assimilated with either a six-speed automatic gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission system.
The D2 series in new V40 Cross Country delivers an impressive mileage of 26.3 kmpl with a controlled output of CO2 emissions at 99 gpkm. Besides, the 1.6 litre diesel powertrain churns out a maximum power of 115 bhp with a highest torque of 285 Nm, including 15 Nm for overboost. The D2 series has been mated to a six-speed manual transmission system, which has easy and hassle free switching between the gears.
It must be noted that all the models, including automatic and manual gearbox, have a smart-stop function, adding to the convenience of its passengers. Moreover, in order to make altitude-changing adventures easy for the driver, the new model from Volvo's end sports Hill Descent Control feature in T5 models with all wheel drive chassis. The mentioned advancement automatically maintains the speed of the vehicle while rolling down the steep inclines. Along with this, the model features a hill hold function, which makes it easy for the driver to climb the vehicle on a narrow hill.
Keeping in mind all the features, the Swedish auto giant has targets to deliver around 17,000 units annually. Among the estimated volume, the company aims to deliver over 50 per cent of the total sales to European markets and close to 30 per cent to the Chinese auto market. The model is planned to be manufactured at the company's Ghent, Belgium manufacturing plant, which will start the production process of V40 Cross Country from November 2012.
