The rugged XC70 now has a similar-minded stablemate. Meet the all-new 2015.5 V60 Cross Country; an all-road, all-weather capable take on the recently released V60 small wagon. Compared to the tarmac-friendly version, the Cross Country has had its ground clearance increased by over 2 ½”, there are skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders. New Cross Country 18” and 19” wheel designs fitted with high profile tires add to comfort and off-road aesthetics. Hill Descent Control is standard, controlling the car’s speed automatically when driving down steep inclines. Power stems from Volvo’s venerable 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder turbo making 250 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed auto and all-wheel drive are standard, delivering 23mpg combined. Inside, there are sport seats in black leather with brown stitching. Pricing starts at $41,925 for the base Premier while a loaded V60 Cross Country Platinum can top $50,000.

When you think of Volvo what's the first thing that comes to mind? Well it's probably either safety or station wagons. But the current generation S60 sedan has really opened up the brand to more than just those hallmarks. And with the all new V60, Volvo also delivers performance, technology and a new Swedish style. Though the station wagon is a popular bodystyle in Europe, automakers introduce them to the States with trepidation. Rumor has it that Americans prefer the look of an honest to goodness sedan. But that perception is changing. Though you’ll hear euphemisms such as Sportback, and Sports Wagon to describe these utilitarian rides, the basic premise of the old fashioned station wagon remains; you can put more into it. But unlike the boxes of the past, cars like this V60 infuse curves and athleticism, and often come in a much smaller footprint.The diminutive V60 is the first Volvo to offer the brand’s Drive-E technology. Similar to Mazda’s SkyActiv approach to improved efficiency, this car is powered by a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-4 making 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. There’s a start-stop feature that’s pleasantly smooth compared to similar systems and a new ECO+ mode that optimizes shift points, engine control and throttle response. When activated, it can improve gas mileage by 5% by also tweaking the start/stop system, allowing the car to coast farther in certain situations and deactivating the A/C compressor. A new electrical power assist steering system chips in, too. The result is impressive mileage; 25mpg city/37mpg highway and that’s on regular unleaded.The V60 comes in 8 trim levels with 3 engine options with all but the Drive-E models available with all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $36,675 while this mid-trim T5 Drive-E Premier adds leather seats, navigation, a brilliant new digital gauge cluster, silver bright work and special 17” wheels. My car contributes a wide range of optional equipment, most notably these Sport Seats which harness Volvo’s hallmark comfort, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and heated windshield a la Land Rover…so if you’re sensitive to looking through little squiggly lines, forgo the Climate Package. The City Safety collision avoidance system is standard while the Blind Spot Information System Package adds cross traffic alert, a lane change merge aid and front and rear park assist. Total cost as seen here is $43,575.Debuting on this 2015.5 model is Volvo On Call...a new 3G-based telematics system that works in conjunction with Sensus Connect. With both you get cloud-based apps, an Internet browser and a Wi-Fi hotspot. But my favorite feature is the On Call smartphone app that allows me to remotely start the car, check my Volvos location and the outside temperature near the vehicle.A 6 month complimentary subscription is standard. Volvo takes a different approach to interacting with all of these connected features using either a knob on the waterfall console or while driving, by using an intuitive scroll wheel and button on the right side of the steering wheel. Though a faster 4G connection would have been the way to go, the system overall works nicely but albeit a little slow and looks just as good. Configuring the theme of the electronics from elegance, to eco to sport gives the cabin tailored look. I've really enjoyed my week with the V60. Volvo has come a long way in recent years reinvigorating themselves in the premium segment. This wagon variant of the S60 delivers the same excitable performance as its 4-door counterpart in a package with added versatility. The turbo and 8-speed are a refined and powerful combination, the ride quality is Volvo sumptuous and the new tech looks great. It's pricey but this is a car I could see myself owning and being very happy with.A 0-to-60mph time of 6.1-seconds gives you a very quick little wagon that’s engaging to drive yet perfectly Volvo compliant. Even without the optional sport chassis and the turbo’s overboost power hitting the front wheels, the V60 is a car you want to drive.I wish Volvo could spice up the dowdy front fascia to match the attractiveness of the rest of the body and this interior, awash in off-black surfaces sullies an otherwise smart cabin. But the V60 will change your opinion of what a station wagon can be.

The rugged XC70 now has a similar-minded stablemate. Meet the all-new 2015.5 V60 Cross Country; an all-road, all-weather capable take on the recently released V60 small wagon. Just when it seemed like Volvo’s hallmark bodystyle was about to be abandoned by the Swedish automaker, the V60 arrived to give new life to the winsome wagon. No longer square, the V60 is out to prove that wagon life can be stylish as well as practical. And now for a more adventuresome take, there’s this Cross Country…a name that’s appeared on the larger V70 since the late 90s. Here it translates into a V60 with a Jeep-like, nearly 8” of ground clearance, a standard Haldex all-wheel drive system called Instant Traction and hill decent control that lets the driver focus on steering while the car modulates vehicle speed – helpful in steep, off-road conditions. When a tire loses grip, power is reduced to that wheel and is transferred to those with better traction while torque vectoring – the process of varying the engine’s power not only from the front to rear axle but also from side to side –facilitates sharper dry-road cornering. All Cross Country models ride on these attractive, dark finish 18” wheels with Continental CrossContact SUV tires. They perform admirably in both of their expected duties, providing added wheel protection off-road and a quiet, stable ride on-road. All of this while elevating the V60’s chic wagon persona.Compared to the tarmac-friendly version, the Cross Country has had its ground clearance increased by over 2 ½”, there are skid plates front and rear, side scuff plates and fender extenders. It’s a design that works to effuse the active lifestyle image and it drew admiration all week, looking sharp in this extra-charge Crystal White pearl Paint. Unlike the V60, the Cross Country comes with only one powertrain – a 250-horsepower, 266 pound-feet of torque 5-cylinder turbo working through Volvo’s 6-speed Geartronic automatic with sport mode. Just when I thought this 5-cylinder turbo didn't have much left to offer, Volvo puts it in the Cross Country and it's a perfect fit. Test drive one and I promise that you'll be surprised with its instantaneous turbo punch, refined power delivery and exciting dynamic range. Mix in these sumptuous Volvo seats and just right proportions and you've got a recipe for driving fun.With the general dilution of brand-specific driving personality, it’s refreshing to experience a car like this V60 that expresses Volvo’s individualism. You will not find a more comfortable driver’s seat, the mechanicals are smooth yet stimulating and the chassis expertly blends comfort and handling like few others; all unmistakably Volvo. A 0-to-60mph time of 7-seconds poorly communicates just how quick and nimble this wagon feels. Gas mileage on regular – not premium like its Audi competition - is 20mpg city/28mpg highway. It can also tow 3,500 pounds. As for its wagon-ness, Volvo reaches beyond a hatch and a box by also providing a cargo cover, usable cargo net solutions with multiple positions, 40/20/40 split fold seats that rest flat, a grocery bag holder and easy underfloor access. Its slopping roofline inhibits total volume and as such loses the cargo carrying battle to its closest competitor, the Audi allroad. As an option, young parents can specify integrated booster seats and for everyone else, the rear seats provide theater-style comfort with heated outboard positions. The minimalist Scandinavian design isn’t for everyone, but don’t let it fool you into equating it with being sparse. This top-trim Cross Country Platinum quietly integrates dozens of luxury-level features not the least of which are Volvo’s IntelliSafe suite – a variety of high-tech safety solutions including Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Brake, City Safety that prevents or mitigates slow speed collisions with other vehicles and other camera and radar-based goodies like Road Sign Information and Adaptive Cruise Control. And then there’s the Sensus system with the subscription-based Volvo On Call to handle all of the car’s infotainment including a 3G internet connection with a number of embedded apps. It doesn’t look all too fancy but it works pretty well, though slower than it should be. My car also adds the Climate Package with a heated windshield among other items, the Blind Spot Information package, Urbane Wood Inlays and Speed Sensitive steering for an as-tested price of $49,350. That’s almost identical to the allroad I tested this past winter and both cars are very well done. But the V60 Cross Country also appeals to me in a number of intangible ways that give it the winning formula.