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The Volvo V60 Cross Country makes sense. But this?
The S60 Cross Country, much like the former Subaru Outback SUS, is a sedan with the ride height of a crossover. Powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine, the AWD sedan is probably not what Volvo needs to gain a bettert foothold in the U.S. market.
81 Comments on “Volvo Launches Successor To Subaru Outback SUS...”
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it’s not April 1st is it.
L.M.F.A.O!
It can jump the shark?
The All new VOLVO DONK.
I have zero problems with this idea, and I just saw my first SUS the other day (metallic dark red over gold, of course).
However, this will cost as much as a loaded XC70, and have fewer options than a similarly priced 428i x-Drive. So fail.
But in bronze though, with slightly darker brown trims down below? Mhm.
Looking at what happened to the ZDX I feel like BMW, Merc, and VAG can tolerate product bloat better than Volvo can.
What they really ought to have is a V40 Cross Country, think upscale XV Crosstrek.
http://www.volvocars.com/uk/all-cars/volvo-v40-cross-country/pages/default.aspx
Unfortunately for the current owner, under the previous one US certification was not pursued for the V40.
Good idea. The V40 Cross Country looks very appealing. It seems like it would make sense to invest the needed money to bring to the USA the V40 and Cross Country version of it.
The AMC Eagle sedan lives again.
LOL is more like a S60 “donk” style on 24″ dubs… super stupid.
WTF. I call for a Volvo deathwatch.
Making the S60 worse without adding the utility of a CUV isn’t going to be successful?
Worse for whom? This may be an improvement for anyone who has a muddy driveway or occasionally drives on two-track. It doesn’t need a ton of buyers, just a few who want a sedan with a bit more ground clearance.
I can’t believe I’m going to say this but the 47 or so people who think “Volvo” for this need would be better off with a pseudo wagon hatch thing than an already small sedan. Your small[ish] Volvo sedan entry is for people buying basic transportation at a price point (who don’t want to spend more for the better sedan). So smallish sedan with a lifted suspension and a small trunk makes sense? Even the myself the Fake Utility Vehicle Hater in Chief recognizes this makes no sense vs a wagon/hatch config. This shows me internally Volvo design folks got nuthin’ to throw at us, as it were.
It doesn’t really need more than those 47 people. It’s a mishmash of existing parts and won’t cost much to amortize at all. And they do offer the V60 XC as well for the more numerous people who will want it as a wagon.
This is a cheap play for a few extra units, nothing more.
But, but, don’t you see it as a X4/X6/GLA fighter? Isn’t that exactly what Volvo needs now?
He said knowing full well it isn’t
Here’s a question, can you even introduce a reconfigured model to the US market without paying 100 million dollars for re-certification and other emissions related tribute to the Federal octopus? Volvo essentially only has one platform which it contorts into five or six offerings as the 21st century K-car, but yet we know they pay per model for these costs. Wouldn’t this be subject as the S60 Cross Country?
Well, expecting people to buy a car based on what “makes sense” is the most glaring issue with your criticism. I’m not saying this thing will be a hit, but I would expect at least a couple people, especially among those who still want a new Volvo, to be too vain for a two-box design, but want high ground clearance for the rutted path to their modernist lake house.
It’s a small number, to be sure, but I’ll go out on a limb and guess the changes haven’t cost a fortune and they figure they’ll be able to amortize.
“Here’s a question, can you even introduce a reconfigured model to the US market without paying 100 million dollars for re-certification and other emissions related tribute to the Federal octopus?”
I’m not particularly bright nor well informed, but I can point to the CTS-V wagon, which GM was able to brag about making a profit off of some laughably small # of units. I don’t know if or how this would change for a foreign company, but at first glance it looks like a broadly similar situation.
This should be a trim level of the S60 for certification purposes. It doesn’t have a new body or powertrain. It’s a revised suspension and some new trim.
2.6″ of ground clearance is actually quite a bit. It’s enough to make this meaningfully more useful than a standard S60 on two-track or in semi-deep snow, of course at the cost of more ponderous handling. I’m positive those tires aren’t summer performance tires.
I just realized! This is actually an S60 Adventure. Lol.
The V60 Cross Country has 2.6 inches more ground clearance than the V60. It’s safe to assume this will be about the same. That isn’t giving this much more offroad performance than the S60. The performance tires and 19″ wheels probably don’t help either.
I think the 19 / tire combo are an option. I haven’t got a spec sheet for it yet. if I got one of these I’d definitely go with 17s and higher profile tires.
Lol, Volvo has come over to the darks1de. The world as you know it will end now
Much like the nation, Volvo went over the dark side over fifteen years ago. Now they’ve just lost whatever sanity was left.
@28-Cars-Later You must understand the financial power of their backers, and Chinese obstinacy and pride. The weak link in the US and Canada is how long the private dealer network can hold out, though.
Maybe, but I’m getting the feel this is the result of trying to squeeze one more model offering out of an already tired platform.
“Cmon guys, Hangzhou is demanding another new model”
“What if we put the XC60 suspension on the S60 and call it a Cross Country and up the price a third?”
“Brilliant!”
If it’s like the V60 CC it’s a 5% bump over the non-CC model with equivalent options.
(Otherwise, I don’t disagree.)
Financial power of their backers? What, Geely? They are a private outfit with stagnant sales, no ties with a large foreign manufacturer like SAIC with GM and VW. They’re not in a complete bind yet, but do vociferously complain at the free-ride joint partner government-sponsored manufacturers get.
http://m.ibtimes.com/why-chinas-privately-held-car-companies-geely-byd-great-wall-cant-seem-compete-state-owned-1668802
I like the look, but not the 5-cylinder engine or the price.
I’m willing to bet that 5 cylinders the same engine Volvo used in the 850, not a bad sounding engine but expensive to service, and using a timing belt on an interference engine is just dumb.
I could be wrong but I thought the I4 Hondas used to to that as well back in the day.
Honda J series SOHC V6 engines still use timing belts. An independent shop changed the timing belts and water pump for $500 cash for me 5 years ago. I let the mechanic pick a slow day to do this scheduled maintenance in exchange for a small discount.
Honda K series DOHC I4 engines have used timing chains since 2002. No scheduled maintenance, but some people have had to replace the chain tensioner.
Thx for the info, your figure sounds about what I would expect.
“using a timing belt on an interference engine is just dumb”
Maybe, but it’s a very common practice.
Timing belts are quieter, need no lubrication, and are quite reliable. You just have to change them every so often.
For mid three to four figures a pop.
Depends on the car. My Volvo 960, which had the 6cyl version of this engine, took ~1hr to do the belt by an experienced Volvo wrench. Having watched a belt job on an S70, it wasn’t that much worse, maybe 2hrs. Hardly onerous.
Dealers charge big money flat rate for timing belts because they CAN, not because it necessarily is a difficult or time consuming job. My Saab 9-5 was a great example – dealer wanted $750 to do the belt service, it took my indy mechanic 2hrs, cost me $150 in labor, $200 in parts (belt and pulleys).
True, belts are pretty reliable and don’t need lubrication.
It depends on the cars market imo, luxury makes like BMW can get away with interference belts because they expect owners to tend to a cars needs (or trade it in 2 years later).
For mass-produced Camcord and Camcord competitors you have to make them as “idiot-proof” as you can.
BMW hasn’t had a car with a timing belt in 15 years or so. When they did have them, they were ~1hr job to change. And only the small sixes ever had timing belts. 50K or 4 year change interval.
Volvo has used timing belts since 1976.
Could this be a clue that manufacturers have realized we’re all thoroughly sick of potholes?
The first Subaru we purchased stateside was a 1999 Outback SUS. My wife loved that car. She still hopes for the day Subaru brings that model back.(good luck with that)
Some people just don’t like wagons/CUV’s and want a vehicle with clearance for traversing snow. Not many but some.
I can kind of get the idea. One of the reasons people like crossovers is the high seating position they have. However, they well sell about a dozen of these. I guess if they are making them anyway and it doesn’t cost a lot to bring them over to North America….
Ironically my 240 does have an odd seating position for a “car”, but this is due to the overall design of the car and simply not a lift kit. The EUCD Volvos (sedans at least) have a relatively low seating position and sit low to the ground, it appears instead of spending money and redoing the platform a little someone ordered aftermarket shocks and put them on. Inappropriate lift kits on luxury cars is nothing new, the interesting thing here is though, this is FROM THE FACTORY.
This is essentially what they did minus the donks:
http://s267.photobucket.com/user/camaro1090/media/P3060348.jpg.html
Yeah, I get the idea, but from this pic, it looks like big wheels and a lift kit on an S60. I’m not seeing a win here.
In theory, this should be close to the ultimate TTAC reader car. Apparently, we all know that SUV’s and crossovers are amazing because easier for retirees to shove themselves into (good seats too, because comfort is the ultimate priority), and the sedan form is preferable to the wagon and hatch, because it’s quieter, and people won’t steal your stuff? This even avoids the dreaded four-cylinder.
That said, it’s a European brand, and ergo, too finicky and complex, so it’ll never work. But it got so close!
I normally like to defend Volvo, but this looks like flailing. They should focus on translating the new XC90 design to the entire line instead of pretending to introduce new cars. Disclaimer: I have a 2014 S60 and like it alot. This just looks silly.
This strikes me as a cheap way to compete with the BMW X6 and other “Sport Activity 4-Door Coupes”, since all of Europe seems to have an obsession with the AMC Eagle.
If not, its a weird way of winning back Volvo buyers that switched to Subaru.
Hows that saying go? Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt?
Yep, thats an old Abraham Lincoln quote.
As cliche as it is I paraphrase Dark Knight with “Either you die a hero or live long enough to become a villain” with Volvo.
Saab mostly went out as a hero, only making small sparks in the press here and there. Volvos just a confused zombie at this point wondering about a Chinese restaurant.
Ben Franklin, it’s a Ben Franklin quote
I stand corrected, thanks for the clarification.
Proverbs 13:16
Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.
Predates Ben Franklin. :)
The Donk market really is an unexploited niche by an OEM. Kudos to them.
I kind of wish Subaru still made an Outback Sedan. Or a “Legacy Sport” in the style of the Impreza Outback Sport. Higher ground clearance than the standard Legacy, some goofy side cladding, all-weather features and fog lights standard. But I’m probably the only one who’d be interested.
I kind of wish Subaru still made an Outback Sedan. Or a “Legacy Sport” in the style of the Impreza Outback Sport. Higher ground clearance than the standard Legacy, some goofy side cladding, all-weather features and fog lights standard. But I’m probably the only one who’d be interested.
[This may be posted twice, but my first attempt wasn’t showing.]
Trying to comment, but nothing is showing up…
Ok, was trying to post: I might be the only one who’d still be interested if Subaru did sell an Outback Sedan again, or a Legacy Sport in the style of the Impreza Outback Sport.
Wraith, I started commenting a few days ago and every single one of mine has gone to the spam folder. Most show up after a day or so.
Has your experience been the same?
I don’t like the design but it would probably look better if they made it into a notchback.
The new Chinese owners appear to have the mistaken impression that what they see on American gangster rap videos is actually mainstream Americana.
Those low-profile tires will result in poor handling and lots of expensive wheel replacements.
Those tires are the same size you get on all sorts of other vehicles. The factory tires on my G8 are lower-profile and it has excellent handling and no wheel issues.
I had a SUS and loved it. For some reason I’m on board with a jacked sedan moreso than a hatch or wagon. Looks less tippy, still drives over stuff.
But then, I have a warm spot for sedans and C3 Corvettes attached to Blazer frames by people in overalls so my opinion really doesn’t count.
I like it. A sedan that doesn’t require you to crawl in and out on all fours. And it has decent ground clearance for cottage country.
I’d strongly consider buying it if produced; but, being Volvo, it will be over-priced and under-featured.
This is what I was thinking. Despite the B&B’s best efforts to hate the XV Crosstrek out of existance, I like the look of non-aftermarket lifted cars. I’d totally grab one of these if it wasn’t a damn volvo.
In Germany, you can only have it with two diesels and Volvo claims it is the first lifted sedan (forgetting about both Subaru and the AMC Eagle).
I am stunned they present the car in camryish grey, when they could have gone with a rallye theme and display the thing next to a restored PV or Amazon rallye car.
The obvious BMW X6 connection makes me sad.
This is just the natural progression of automotive taste, guys. What’s the real difference (in concept) between this and a BMW X4/Mercedes GLAC whatever/Acura ZDX?
The only major difference is that this doesn’t have a liftback, but does that make it less of a crossover? Not for a lot of people.
Even Chevy has tried this, several times. Here’s one from Albany, New York: http://alloveralbany.com/images/chevy_caprice_big_rims.jpg
Oh come on you guys! You loved the Legacy Outback sedan! You were just talking about it like yesterday! WILL NOTHING THEY DO MAKE YOU HAPPY?
*cough*
I kinda love it. It’s ridiculous.
Edit: I can order you guys one in Twilight Bronze. That’s Volvo for brown!
They are trolling all the nasties on the Internet who posted bad words about Honda Accord Crosstour.
This reminds me of Mitsubishi USA (formerly) pinning it’s hopes on the iMiEV. And just as unlikely to be successful
Off-road vehicle. Low profile tires. Aluminum rims. Get to know these people: http://www.wheelcollision.com/
It’s not an off-road vehicle any more than BMW X6.
And don’t forget that one of TTAC writers (IIRC, it was Bark) cracked an alloy rim of a Scion xB upon a highway pothole somewhere in South Carolina.
Good point! You won’t have to drive that poseur off-road machine on some rocky dirt road to crack those fancy rims. ‘Just drive it on any highway up north during a January freeze/thaw cycle. !
Maybe they saw a 328 Gran Turismo and thought “hey, we should build that, except taller”?
It looks OK, but will probably cost $80,000 and Volvo will sell 7 of them.
I’m guessing $42,975 CDN with sunroof and leather.
Donk, right from the factory floor. Those pics remind me way too much of ghetto baller base model Chargers/300s (that I’m sure were bought used) on 24 inch wheels.
AArrrghh! So close and yet so far!
This thing should have a hatchback and true fully folding rear seats. (And normal 60 or 70 series tires on steel wheels with chrome center caps.)
Did they say if suspension travel is increased, or is the whole thing just jacked up?
To quote the Volvo media email that went out today:
Capable stance
Like the recently introduced V60 Cross Country, the S60 Cross Country shares an increased ride height of 65mm (2.5 inches) and comes with the same capable All-Wheel Drive underpinnings of its sibling, making it the only truly capable and stylish all-road sedan crossover on the market.
“The S60 Cross Country is the sole contender in the crossover sedan segment. We have identified a clear niche in the market for a more capable sedan with rugged styling cues and a higher stance. The S60 Cross Country will appeal to people that are searching for an exciting and capable sedan, whilst enjoying the clear benefits that a crossover offers,” says Alain Visser, Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Service.
Reflecting Volvo’s love of nature and Scandinavian heritage, the S60 Cross Country offers both 18” and 19” wheels with high profile tires that add both comfort and all-road aesthetics, reduce road noise, and add increased wheel protection when needed.
Delivering an involved and focused driving experience with rugged substance, this dynamic design brings a sporty, unconventional and adventurous edge to the sedan concept.
Powertrain
The Canadian market will offer the all-new S60 Cross Country equipped with Volvo’s iconic five cylinder 250 horsepower petrol engine paired with All-Wheel Drive capabilities. The S60 Cross Country is equipped with an automatic transmission delivering a highly competitive combined fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The Canadian market will offer the S60 Cross Country with the Platinum trim.”
That would be the V60 Cross Country (hatchback and fold-flat seats). Makes much more sense and looks better. Can be configured on the volvo site. As for the wheels…
I can spec a V60 CC with steelies for you if you want, man.
Am I the only one who doesn’t understand why the hell there is both a V60 Cross Country and an XC60 to begin with? The V60 CC is more money but has less cargo capacity despite being the exact same length (ok, it’s 0.2 inches shorter). So it’s for people who want a taller crossover but don’t want it quite that tall?! I’m guessing it has better fuel economy but it seems like all this effort would be better used fine tuning the XC60.
Volvo seems to be trying the BMW strategy of having a weird niche sized vehicle in every shape and form but I don’t think they have the budget to be wasting it on cars that are going to sell 5000 units a year.
Amazing. By far the greatest car idea I’ve seen in the last little while.