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Volvo's V40 goes 4x4 for SA

Hot on the heels of the all-new Volvo V40, the Swedish automaker is set to launch a 4x4 version in South Africa in March 2013 - the Cross Country

There is a clear distinction between Volvo's XC and Cross Country models - the XC models have a distinct crossover character with unique body-styles; the Cross Country models are all-road versions of the automaker's wagons and hatchbacks.

TAKING ON RIVALS

The new model is available in four engine variants - petrol 2.5 T5 and 1.6 GTDi T4 as well as the diesel 2.0 D4 and D3.

According to Volvo: "When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country is eager to take on the sportiest rivals."

Topping the V40 Cross Country  petrol range will be the five-cylinder 2.5 T5 engine capable of 187kW/400Nm mated to a six-speed auto. The T5-equipped model accelerates from 0-100 in 6.5 seconds and consumes 7.8 litres/100km.
 
The 1.6-litre GTDi T4 is capable of 132kW/270Nm and can be mated to a six-speed auto or manual. Fuel consumption is rated at 5.5 litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.
 
DIESEL GRUNT

The five-cylinder 2.0 D4 turbodiesel delivers 130kW/400Nm. The model accelerates to 00km/h in 8.3 seconds mated to an auto. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 5.2 litres/100 km and 137g/km.
 
The 2.0 D3 produces 110kW/350 with both turbodiesels mated to a six-speed auto. All models are equipped with all-wheel drive and start-stop as standard.
 
The T5 variant benefits from hill descent control though all models sport hill hold functionality.

DESIGN

The model rides 40mm higher than the vanilla V40 and benefits from 19" rims. At the front you can spot a honeycomb mesh grille and new lights. The sides sport contrasting sills and the rear has new bumper with integrated skid plate.

The four-door, five-seat model sports rails on the roof.
 
Simon Lamarre, exterior design manager for the V40 Cross Country, said: "The V40 Cross Country retains its V40 stylishness by integrating the ruggedness in the design with meticulous attention to detail. It has an extrovert, expressive character that promises the open-minded adventurer a great time."
 
The V40 Cross Country offers buyers versatility is "designed to suit any lifestyle, especially those with a more adventurous spirit".
 
The two-piece, 40/60, rear-seat backrest can be folded flat and the load compartment can be equipped with a hanging load net.

Byuers can choose a soft safety net as an option and a steel version an accessory. The Cross Country can be equipped with a versatile "extra floor" in the load compartment.
 
The accessory range includes a cargo mat organiser, to keep smaller items secure, as well as a load organiser that includes a load compartment divider, a load belt and two floor rails.

‘MOOD LIGHTING’

Below the central armrest is a storage compartment suitable for CDs and other small items and has USB and auxiliary connections, depending on the audio system specified.
 
As with the standard variant, the Cross Country has seven interior "mood" lighting settings. The lights in the front and rear can be dimmed.
 
FOCUS ON EUROPE, CHINA

Volvo expects to sell 17 000 units a year worldwide ith 50% headed for the European market and 30% to China.
 
The V40 Cross Country will be built at the automaker's plant in Ghent, Belgium.

PRICES
    

V40 Cross Country T4 Manual Essential - R319 900
V40 Cross Country T4 Manual Excel - R326 600
V40 Cross Country T4 Powershift Essential - R335 700
V40 Cross Country T4 Manual Elite - R340 500
V40 Cross Country T4 Powershift Excel - R342 400
V40 Cross Country D3 Geartronic Excel - R353 700
V40 Cross Country T4 Powershift Elite - R356 300
V40 Cross Country D3 Geartronic Elite - R367 600
V40 Cross Country D4 Geartronic Excel - R368 200
V40 Cross Country D4 Geartronic Elite - R382 100
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic Excel - R390 200
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic Elite - R404 100
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD Excel - R405 900
V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD Elite - R419 800
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