2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country Preview

Exterior Features

The new V60 Cross Country receives subtle SUV-style design changes, including front and rear skid plates, fender extensions, and side scuff plates. Sitting on a suspension raised by 2.6 in. to supply a generous 8 in. of ground clearance, the new Cross Country model's standard 18-in. and available 19-in. aluminum wheels also feature taller-profile tires intended to provide greater protection for the wheels when engaging in light off-roading.

Interior Features

Based on the scant details provided in advance of the V60 Cross Country model's debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new wagon will come standard with sport-bolstered front seats as well as black leather upholstery with brown exposed stitching. Aluminum, piano black, or wood trim will be available, and after launch Volvo will introduce new 2-tone interior color schemes.

Optional Features

Expect the new V60 Cross Country to be available with similar features to the V60 T5 Premier on which it is based. Given the Cross Country model's natural compatibility with cold climates, those are likely to include heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, heated windshield wiper nozzles, and a heated windshield. Additionally, look for Keyless Drive technology, premium sound system, and integrated child booster seats.

Under the Hood

Volvo says that when the V60 Cross Country hits the U.S. market, it will have a turbocharged, 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission will feed engine power to all four of the V60 Cross Country's wheels, and Volvo predicts this car will get 23 mpg in combined driving.

Additional highlights include hill-descent control, corner traction control, and torque-vectoring technology. Also, look for a remote engine starting system that will allow owners to get the heated-everything working prior to driving the car on cold days.

Safety

In 1959, Volvo introduced the 3-point seat belt. Today, Volvo's stated intention is that by 2020, no one will be seriously injured or killed in one of its new models.

To that end, the V60 Cross Country will come standard with City Safety technology that includes pedestrian and cyclist detection with full auto-brake capability. Volvo's Intellisafe suite of safety options will be optional, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with full auto-drake, 360-degree camera, active high-beam headlights, blind-spot information system with cross-traffic alert, and a lane-departure warning system.

Technology

In addition to Intellisafe systems, Volvo is likely to supply an optional Park Assist Pilot system. Using this technology, the V60 Cross Country steers itself into a parallel parking space while the driver operates the pedals and transmission.

Also, look for the new Volvo Cross Country to feature the automaker's Sensus suite of connectivity technologies, including a free 6-month subscription to Volvo On Call smartphone app and Sensus Connect services, navigation system, access to Internet radio, and more.