Zooming across the country in style with the Cross Country
Starting in 2024, Volvo EX30 will also become available as a ‘Cross Country’ variant. Order books for this special version of the small electric SUV will open in 2024, with production expected to start later that year.
So what exactly is a ‘Cross Country’ Volvo? Well, let us explain to those of you who have never noticed this ‘raised’ aggressive version of Volvo wagons and also hatchbacks.
Volvo have been ‘flying’ the station-wagon ‘flag’ for decades and it has been the preferred choice for mothers, house-wife’s and even some male adventure seeking drivers.
Interestingly, it all started with the then very popular Volvo V70 model which was some time in the year 2000 where their engineers added 1.4 inches of ride height, all-wheel drive system, some rugged-looking side trim and so the Cross Country was born.
Meanwhile, in constructing the V70 Cross Country, critical points of the body of the car were glued instead of spot welded. As a result, the new body was about 70 percent stiffer than the regular V70.
Then the wheelbase was extended by 5 centimeters, without increasing the total length. The car received more loading space as a result of this change. The ground clearance increased from 16.6 centimeters to 21 centimeters thanks to a bigger suspension.
This is before Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) became the talk of the town.
The Cross Country variant has been a mainstay in the Volvo line-up ever since and the last Volvo Cross Country to be sold in Malaysia was the V40 version which has now been retired.
Meanwhile it is good to know that the Volvo EX30 Cross Country will build on the long Cross Country heritage, the celebrated line-up of models for customers who want a bit more adventure from their car. It will come with a range of bespoke features, such as more ground clearance, 19-inch black wheels and the option of 18-inch wheels.
When you take your EX30 Cross Country off the beaten path, it will be recognisable by its skid-plates on the front, rear and side, special black panels on the front bumper and boot-lid, and stylish Cross Country branding, with the small, hood-mounted Swedish flag is the cherry on top.
