PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Volvo V90 Cross Country teased

Volvo has teased the fourth-generation Cross Country version of its all-new V90 in a video created to build anticipation for a rugged wagon alternative to an SUV.

In the short video, that also celebrates 20 years of the niche Cross Country wagon, the Swedish explains how the new version will follow in the tyre tracks of past models and be a "capable yet comfortable driving experience".

With images already leaked online from a reported brochure shoot, the new V90 will stick to the original car's tried and tested formula.

That means the Subaru Outback rival will feature a raised ride height and tough protective plastic cladding on the wheel-arches, door sills and front and rear bumpers. The all-wheel drive V90 also comes with prominent metal front and rear bash plates, plus new alloy wheels.

Inside, according to the images, the Cross Country version shares the regular Volvo wagon’s luxurious interior.

It’s not known which V90 engines are set to power the large Swedish crossover wagon, but the safe money is it will come with the option of the V90's higher-output diesel and petrol variants.

That means the V90 Cross Country will be offered with either the turbocharged 2.0-litre 235kW/400Nm petrol T6 engine or the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 173kW/480Nm D5 and, potentially, the 300kW/640Nm T8 hybrid that technically is already all-wheel drive as it has a rear electric motor that drives the rear axle.

All models are expected to come with all-wheel drive.

It’s not known when Volvo plans to reveal the V90 Cross Country but it is expected to star at the Paris motor show in late September before it goes on sale early 2017.