It seems Volvo is preparing a larger brother for the V40 Cross Country in the form of a V60 Cross Country. A prototype has just been spotted by surprise in Europe.
The prototype was spotted in what appears to be almost production guise with very little camouflaging, out on the streets in Spain with a regular V60. The images first appeared on Autoblog.nl.
Volvo has done extremely well to keep this one concealed. We haven’t heard even a hint that such a model was on the way. It’s believed it will be called the V60 Cross Country.
The prototype was wearing a T5 AWD badge, suggesting it will be offered with the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 187kW as seen in the regular V60. Other engine packages will probably be offered like in the regular V60.
Aside from the standard all-wheel drive system – normally only equipped on some V60 models – the V60 Cross Country comes with a slightly raised up body, off-road-friendly tyres, and plastic scratch-resistant cladding around the wheel arches and body skirting.
A crossover version of the V60 does seem like a natural idea given the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers. So far this year Volvo Australia has sold 736 examples of the V40 and 272 examples of the V40 Cross Country. In comparison, the local arm has only sold 188 examples of the regular V60.
A full debut for the new model may take place at next month’s Paris Motor Show. We’ll keep you updated.
UHHHH, WOULDN’T THAT BE THE ALREADY IN PRODUCTION XC60…DUH