Volvo has been hard at work expanding its V40 premium compact’s model portfolio—already it has introduced a cool-looking R-Design iteration, and now it is rolling out a new V40 Cross Country variant. The Cross Country (XC for short) follows in the footsteps of Volvo’s other XC models like the XC70 by offering enhanced ground clearance and tougher styling. The V40 XC will make its big debut at the Paris auto show, and like the standard V40 hatch, it won’t be sold here in the U.S.
If you’re having trouble visualizing the existential differences between the V40 and the V40 XC, Subaru’s new XV Crosstrek is a decent simile: It’s essentially an Impreza hatch that sits higher off of the ground. The XC’s transformation from V40 to pseudo-crossover also includes black plastic lower-body accents on the front fascia, side sills, and rear bumper, as well as integrated roof-rack rails. Despite the V40 XC’s off-road-ready looks, all-wheel drive is in fact optional; opting for four driven wheels also nets you hill-descent control. A range of four- and five-cylinder gas and diesel engines is available, but all-wheel drive can be paired only with the top-dog T5 turbocharged inline-five.
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If the V40 XC is conceptually similar to the Subaru XV Crosstrek, it certainly manages to pull off the look better than the Subie. Whereas that car has a very AMC Eagle–esque look to it, the Volvo manages to look both dirt-road tough and sleek at the same time.
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