PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Volvo rules out small SUV
V40 Cross Country will plug the gap in Volvo's small SUV portfolio for the foreseeable futureThe model previously thought to be Volvo’s answer to the small SUV has been revealed as the V40 Cross Country at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The high-riding wagon fills the brief for Volvo, who says it is as far as seven years away from developing a compact crossover.
Speaking at the reveal of the V40 Cross Country) and V40 R-Design), Volvo Technical Director, Sven-Gunnar Johansson, told motoring.com.au the brand will utilise the rugged version of its new small wagon to temporarily plug the gap in its SUV portfolio.
“The small SUV has been discussed, and it will be discussed again, [but] the V40 Cross Country should be judged on its own strengths,” cautioned Mr Johansson. “We developed the Cross Country in parallel with the base model, changing the roll bars, shock absorbers, bushings and steering to give it a higher stance.”
In addition to the added clearance and offroad ability, Volvo’s technical guru was quick to add that the V40 Cross Country was more than a jacked-up wagon, saying that Volvo is pleased with the amount of technology and equipment it has packed into the small wagon.
“The V40 is loaded with technology, [it has] everything from our bigger cars. And getting some of those features in the car was in itself is a challenge,” he said.
Mr Johnasson went on to explain that, in comparison to other European manufacturers, Volvo was relatively small, and that seeking funding from its new Chinese owners was a challenge, especially considering the investment already made in its upcoming modular chassis, SPA (Scalable Product Architecture).
“We are developing a new platform for our future cars, and that is consuming a lot of resources and strength at the moment. On top of that, there is our new engine program. So there is a lot of stress, a lot of work going into development to deliver these new products, but I think we are using our resources in an efficient way,” Mr Johansson surmised.
That investment means the V40 will be with us for longer than usual, with Mr Johansson indicating a life cycle of at least seven years, albeit with one “major facelift” along the way.
The new Volvo V40 range will arrive in Australia from February 2013.
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
