Dirt-busting new Volvo V60 Cross Country revealed

Volvo has unveiled a rugged new V60 Cross Country that it hopes will steal sales from both the Audi A4 Allroad and VW Passat Alltrack, while convincing others to make the switch from SUVs.

Following in the tyre tracks of its bigger brother, the V90 Cross Country, the new all-wheel drive V60 Cross Country gets a 75mm increase in ride height, a revised front grille and extra protective plastic body cladding on the bumper, sills and wheel-arches to help guard the paint from the rigours of off-roading.

As well as standard all-wheel drive, the mud-loving V60 Cross Country also gets Hill Descent Control and a special Off Road mode as standard that helps maximise traction when the going gets tough.

Inside, aside from a higher driving position, the Cross Country's interior is nearly identical to the standard V60's, meaning it shares its large 9.0-inch portrait-mounted infotainment screen and minimalist approach to cabin design.

Like the regular V60, the Cross Country gets Volvo's semi-autonomous cruise control that steers, accelerates and brakes up to speeds of 130km/h.

From launch, in European markets, the V60 Cross Country is available with both the 140kW D4 diesel and the more powerful 184kW T5.

Later on, the Swedish car-maker will introduce both a mild-hybrid version and a full plug-in T8 version that's likely to offer about 290kW.

Volvo has also confirmed that the V60 Cross Country will be offered to its existing customers who are using its Care By Volvo premium subscription service.

There's no news yet if and when the V60 Cross Country is destined for Australia.