What's all this about?
It was teased ahead of the big reveal, but now at a special event in Malmo the Volvo V90 Cross Country has been confirmed. And revealed. Obviously.
Have you got a full run-down on specs?
Not really, although we can give you the broader strokes. It is based on the same Scalable Product Architecture underpinnings as the V90 and will likely offer the same choice of two diesel engines (badged D4 and D5, but both Drive-E units of 2.0-litre capacity) and probably also the T8 Twin Engine Hybrid. It will come only with four-wheel drive and rides 60mm higher than the regular V90 on more supple, long-travel suspension and Pirelli all-terrain tyres. Like all crossover estates, it has body cladding around its lower portions, but it's surprisingly subtle and it doesn't spoil the gorgeous looks of the big Swedish wagon.
Has Volvo said anything about it?
Plenty, but we'll give the soundbite job to Dr Peter Mertens, senior VP for R&D at Volvo, who said: "Our cars are well known for their safety, strength and durability. With All-Wheel Drive, increased ride height and a chassis optimised for comfort and control in all weather and road conditions, the new V90 Cross Country takes our versatile V90 estate and adds the heart of an explorer."
Heart of an explorer, eh? When is it on sale?
Later this year, with first deliveries in Q1 of 2017. Prices and exact specs for the UK are not confirmed, but if you reckon on something in the £40,000 ballpark, you're in the right area.
Matt Robinson - 16 Sep 2016