The new Volvo V90 Cross Country should assume itself as an alternative for those who want a spacious family, with an adventurous and versatile appearance, but without the need for a van format.
As we know, SUV’s are gaining more and more market share than vans. And it is in this context of cannibalization of vans by SUV proposals, that Volvo will launch the 4th generation of its Cross Country van: the Volvo V90 Cross Country. The most adventurous and relaxed version of the recently launched Volvo V90. It's an expected return to a sub-segment that Volvo knows better than anyone…"It was us!"
Apart from the various safety devices introduced by Volvo in the automotive industry – namely the modern seat belt, among others – Volvo can also claim for itself the creation of the concept of “adventure van” which it dubbed “Cross Country”- long before the SUV's invasion. Today, virtually all brands have adventure derivatives of their models – from the small Opel Karl to the spacious Dacia Lodgy, passing through the luxurious Audi A6 Allroad (just to name three examples) – but it was the Swedish brand that for the first time dared to create something similar.
It was 1997 when the world was surprised by the launch of the Volvo V70 Cross Country. Today it's a model that doesn't surprise anyone, but at the time it was a real “rock in the pond”. A model that preserved all the qualities recognized by Swedish vans, but that added all-wheel drive, plastic protections throughout the bodywork and a younger, more relaxed look. The success was so great that as we said, all brands replicated the formula.
returning to the present
Today, almost 20 years later, the 4th generation of Volvo Cross Country is about to arrive. The new model will use the SPA platform (the same as the XC90) and will certainly also use the original formula created by the Swedish brand: greater ground clearance, all-wheel drive, bodywork with elements prepared for the aggressions of the terrain and a more adventurous overall look . As for the engines, they will be exactly the same as those found in the XC/S/V90 range – without official confirmation.To whet our curiosity, the brand launched this video where it presents the evolution of the concept over time. At the end it's possible to get a glimpse of the look of the new Cross Country:
The brand has already confirmed the launch of the 4th generation of this van for 2017. The V90 Cross Country is expected to be officially presented at the Paris Motor Show, taking place at the end of this month.
Featured Image: Volvo Official Twitter