VolvoS60 Cross Country

Volvo S60 Cross Country is a sedan crossover that has raised heads for its new body style. Unlike the usual cross concepts that we have around like the hatchback crossover or SUV crossover, this premium offering from the Swedish auto maker comes in as a fresh breath of air, however it remains to be seen if it will get acceptance in India or not. Powering S60 CC is a 2.4 litre, D4 diesel engine good for 189bhp. A six-speed automatic transmission and an all wheel drive system are synced to the engine. Plethora of features are incorporated inside the plush cabin that offers ample space to occupants.

Lurking behind Germans in the luxury segment, Volvo has taken a bold step by bringing in the crossover sedan to India. This term indeed seems to be alien to Indian buyers who have just got accustomed to the crossover hatchbacks or for that matter the more popular crossover SUVs. To start with, the production version S60 Cross Country has not disappointed both in terms of looks and in terms of comfort, which hints at a plush cabin that is favoured by features. Moreover, the Cross Country isn’t just a cosmetically mutated avatar of the standard model, Volvo has made few critical alterations to it. Serving the S60 Cross Country is the 2.4 litre D4 diesel engine borrowed from the standard S60. Currently, S60 Cross Country is available in just one variant and seems like Volvo has no plans in near future to come up with other variants.  With all the additions and alterations made to the new model, Volvo S60 Cross Country price in India is placed quite rationally. But here, we should also consider that being a sedan crossover this kind of segment is not very popular in India and who all would want to splurge a grand amount on this offering.

Volvo S60 Cross Country Exteriors

Exteriors are sumptuous, the bonnet in long, wide and low slung, moreover it features prominent lines. Face gets a simple large black finished honey-comb grille featuring a Volvo logo in the centre. Large pulled back head lamps flank the front grille. The lower bumper features air-dams, fog lamps and a skid plate.  Use of chrome is almost negligible on the outside. Flanks designed suavely, but what may catch your attention is the narrow contemporary window frame. Also the wheel arches are well spaced showing no void between wheels. Rear is again austere yet classy, at the bottom dual exhaust pipes are visible along with a skid plate. Rear windscreen flows seamlessly onto the boot and there is hardly any trace of chrome around, instead the black cladding around the wheel arches and scuff plates on flanks add ruggedness to the vehicle. One of the other significant changes that we talked about in the beginning is the notable increase in the ground clearance. Comparing it to the standard model which gauges at 136mm, S60 CC brags a high ground clearance of 201mm which is significantly more than the popular entry level premium SUVs like BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

Volvo S60 Cross Country Interiors

Use of premium quality material inside the cabin notches up the game for this Volvo, but that is something that we expect from a premium auto maker like Volvo. Dashboard gets a clean design and it isn’t feature clad or clumsy featuring a number of buttons. The centre console isn’t flexuous unlike other premium offerings; it instead features a flat console with a number of dials and buttons along with a rectangular ac vent. Cabin wears a dark colour scheme, however the seats are upholstered with dual toned leather. Chrome is used around centre console and side ac vents but it is not overdone in the cabin. Space is generous for passengers in front and especially at rear, the leg and knee room is ample, hence making the long journeys snug. Seats offer good thigh and back support, but the windows are small and are placed higher than usual.

Volvo S60 Cross Country Engine Specifications & Transmission

Under the hood sits a 2.4 litre, D4, 5 cylinder, diesel engine developing max power output of 187bhp and top torque of 420Nm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and this set up also gets an all-wheel drive system channelizing drive to all four wheels. Claimed top speed for the D4 powered S60 CC is around 210 kmph.

Volvo S60 Cross Country Features

Volvo has decked S60 CC with an array of features like the 18 inch alloy rims on the outside along with an optional 19 inchers. Inside, the crossover sedan gets digital instrument cluster, keypad design centre console, dash-embedded infotainment display, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, reverse camera with parking sensors, sport seats, electric front seats, driver’s seat with memory, sat-nav, leather upholstery and several others.

Performance & Mileage

The diesel engine is quick and achieves the 100 kmph mark from zilch quite effortlessly in less than 10 seconds. The diesel engine stays refined at low speeds but it makes a loud noise when you rev it up. Ride height has gone up and suspension has been firmed which shows in the performance.

Accessories & Infotainment

A single DVD player with 7 inch screen and Mp3 decoder is equipped inside; music can also be played via AUX-IN and USB port.  Bluetooth handsfree, audio streaming, navigation, remote control and audio controls on steering wheel are some of the other vital features aboard.

Braking & Handling

Braking force comes from 16.5 inch disc unit in front and non-ventilated disc brake at rear.  Anti-lock-braking system further bolsters the braking power preventing the car from rolling or skidding when brakes are exerted abruptly. Other than these the vehicle also gets dynamic stability traction control, electric parking brake and drive away release parking brake.

Safety & Security

The crossover sedan gets a host of safety features like 2 step airbags for driver and front passenger, SIPS airbags and inflatable curtains, front seats with whiplash protection, seat belt reminders in front seats, pyrotechnical pre-tensioners in front and rear, cut-off switch passenger airbag, ISOFIX on the outer position rear seat, emergency brake assist, emergency brake light flashing, high positioned rear brake lights and intelligent driver information system. Other than the above mentioned features, S60 Cross Country also gets pivotal support systems such as trip computer, cruise control, city safety, park assist camera, park assist in front & rear, hill descent control, hill start assist, height/length adjustable steering wheel, speed sensitive power steering, rain sensor and tyre pressure monitoring system. From the locking and security systems, S60 gets central locking, personal car communicator with keyless drive, home safe lighting, power child lock for rear doors, inner lock button and diode for all doors and auto up/down power windows for all doors among others.

Comfort and Convenience

Volvo has packed umpteen goodies in the S60 cross country, on the outside the automatically retractable wing mirrors come with power adjusting and heated functions. The head lamps get active bending lights and LED daytime running lights are also incorporated in front. Features like air quality control, clean zone interior software, electronic climate control, IR reflective wind screen, electrically heated window, sunroof and rear window with sun curtain ensure curbing temperature inside the cabin. Besides, the vehicle also gets a digital combi instrument, electrically adjustable seats for driver and co-passenger with memory function for the driver’s seat, heated front seats, folding rear headrests, leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift paddles, rear armrest with cup holders and storage, front armrest, front cup holders in tunnel console etc.

Volvo S60 Cross Country Wheels & Tyres

The large tyres on the S60 Cross Country get prettified by seven spoke 18 inch alloy rims that come as standard, whereas customers can also opt for 19 inchers.

Volvo S60 Cross Country Competition

Volvo S60 Cross Country does not have a direct rival but the model will be pitted against the likes of entry level sedan and SUVs like BMW X1, Audi Q3 and a few other names that are priced along the same lines.

Pros:

Plush cabin
Feature rich
Impressive handling

Cons: 

High window line
Noisy diesel engine
Stiff suspension.