For immediate release
It has the comfort, safety, handling and fuel economy of a sophisticated European wagon - but it's not a wagon. It has the ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and rugged appeal of an SUV - but it's not an SUV.
Meet the new Volvo Cross Country, the successful marriage of Volvo's benchmark station wagon market leadership with the "go anywhere" appeal of SUV traction and versatility. The result is a flexible, stylish vehicle that combines the best of both worlds.
The Cross Country virtually created a new segment when it was first introduced in 1997 as a vehicle that spanned the gulf between premium wagon and versatile SUV. Completely new for 2001, the Volvo Cross Country has the enhanced appeal of improved performance, greater all-road capability, and a flexible, comfortable interior with elegant style wrapped in a new-generation Volvo design with a distinct outdoor flavor.
The first Cross Country has been a market success, accounting for 32 per cent of Volvo V70 sales in Canada since its introduction. The 2001 Cross Country is expected to build on that success when it goes on sale at Canadian Volvo retailers in mid-August.
Based on the acclaimed Volvo large car platform, the new Cross Country offers more of everything that made the first generation model so successful.
The new Cross Country is a distinct visual departure from the previous edition and its Volvo V70 sibling. Greater ground clearance (200 mm total) and a taller stance from 215/65x16 tires on unique Cross Country rims are just a start: fender flares and body accents blend sophisticated and rugged design elements to give a purposeful definition to the exterior.
Powered by a thoroughly revised and refined version of the proven 2.4-litre in-line 5-cylinder engine with light pressure turbocharging, the new Cross Country offers improved performance and better fuel economy than most premium SUVs. With 197 hp and high torque from as low as 1,800 rpm, the engine is equally at home climbing a mountain road or cruising the expressway.
A 5-speed automatic transmission with adaptive programming, smooth All Wheel Drive (AWD) and Volvo TRACS traction control system ensure all-weather grip and control in day-to-day driving. The improved ground clearance, AWD traction, smooth power and maneuverability combine to make the Cross Country an exceptional performer on difficult forest and mountain roads, as well as in slippery conditions - virtues sought by many SUV buyers. But the Volvo Cross Country still delivers car-like fuel economy.
The flexible interior design acknowledges the Cross Country's dual role as city car and country wagon. Features such as an innovative rear seat design with two-position, 40/20/40 split backrest for enhanced load-carrying capacity in the rear cargo area, a fold-away shopping bag holder, available rearward-facing third seat, clever storage bins and pockets, and the ability to add a rear seat table, plug-in cooler or clip-in storage bag give the Cross Country unparalleled interior versatility among automobiles.
Of course, luxury does not take a back seat to versatility: fine interior trim with elegant materials and state-of-the-art sound systems make the inside of the new Cross Country a comfortable and sophisticated driving environment.
It is no surprise that occupant safety is a high priority in the new Cross Country. Taking a holistic approach, Volvo Cars engineers integrated the impact management characteristics of Volvo's large car platform with innovations like dual-stage front airbags, side airbags (part of SIPS, the Volvo Side Impact Protection System), the new Inflatable Curtain side-impact technology for head and upper body protection, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats for rear-impact protection, seat belt pre-tensioners and other safety features. ISO-FIX child safety seat attachments are standard and integrated child booster seat cushions are an available option.
Managing the environmental impact of the car was also a major consideration in its design and development. The PremAir® catalytic radiator technology that eliminates smog-producing ozone, state-of-the-art exhaust emission controls, interior air management and filtration system with available active carbon filter and gas sensor, and the use of Öko-Tex certified materials on the interior ensure that the new Cross Country is clean inside and out. A comprehensive Environmental Product Declaration certifies that the design, manufacture, operation and eventual recycling of the car meet stringent environmental control guidelines.
Available at 46 Volvo retailers in major markets across Canada, the 2001 Volvo Cross Country has a suggested retail price of $48,995.
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Information:
Lisa Graham
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
(416)490-5834
Doug Mepham
MacDonald & Co.
(416)975-1572
