[Wimbledon]

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/09/volvo-tells-us-v40-cross-country-not.html

The good news about the V40 Cross Country is that we have a fresh set of high-resolution images and a pair of videos to show you following the introduction of the car the other day.

The bad news is that if you live in the United States and thought the Cross Country's tougher looks may have persuaded Volvo to bring it to this side of the Atlantic, we hate to disappoint you, but that's not going to happen.

We asked Laura DiStefano, Corporate Communications Manager for Volvo Cars of North America, and her reply was the same we got for the regular V40 hatchback: "No plans for the U.S."

The Cross Country version of the V40 may look the part with its beefed up bumpers featuring black cladding and skid plates, and sculpted contrasting sills, but it lacks substance when it comes to off-roading as the only real asset it has is the 40mm ride height increase.

Besides, while offered with most of the powertrains in the V40 lineup, only the range-topping 251hp (254PS) 2.5-liter T5 five-cylinder engine is available with all-wheel drive. On the other hand, this is something Volvo itself admits.

"There is a clear distinction between our XC and Cross Country models," explains Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation.

"The Volvo XC models have a distinct crossover character with unique body-styles including an elevated seating position, while the Cross Country models are expressive all-road versions of our dynamic wagons and hatchbacks. When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country is eager to take on the sportiest competitor versions. It features an attractive blend of sportiness and comfort."

The V40 Cross Country will be displayed for the first time in public at next week's 2012 Paris Motor Show.

 

[Andytech]

Shame really as some of my American friends would love to be able to buy it. Even in the US the price of gas is starting to bite and sales of their traditional big gas guzzlers are starting to come down as Americans downgrade. The T5 is still a relatively small engine over there and this car would be a great seller for Volvo.

 

[GusGecko]

Yep...I'm sold. Where do I sign?

 

[jens-peter]

As I understood it, none of the V40 models will go on sale in the US?

 

[Andytech]

No.
It doesn't really make any sense not to sell it in the US. Especially when Volvo need all the sales they can get.