Volvo EX30 Cross Country due here before year end

A properly rugged variant of Volvo’s smallest car is the first SUV or EV to take on the Cross Country badge. Previewed earlier this year it rides 19mm higher than regular EX30s, features 720mm all-terrain tyres, and front and rear skidplates. 

Mudflaps, a stowable towbar, a rack for a kayak and a roof-mounted tent are cost options. The EX30’s five-link rear suspension is slightly softer in the CC. That’s for coping with more demanding off-road terrain, muddy tracks, and snow and highways.

However, it is not a properly serious off-roader but more for “weekend explorers”, according to Volvo.

“Cross Country is about helping you access nature on nature’s terms – not conquering it,” they say.

The CC has a more determined appearance than the cooking EX30s. There’s a black front grille, black wheel arches, a black bootlid and fancier front and rear bumpers.

Nineteen-inch alloy wheels are an option, although these can only be fitted with road tyres. 

Inside is precisely the same as other EX30s.

Initially it is available only as a four-wheel drive variant. However, a single-motor CC model could be an addition in the future.

The 4WD powertrain draws energy from a 69kWh battery. There’s a total of 315kW/543 for a stated nought to 100 time of 3.6sec. Claimed range per charge is 422km.

Volvo said it had created the EX30 Cross Country because “we know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to nature”.

Given it is the range topper for the EX30 it will cost more than the current Twin-Motor Ultra variant at $69,990. Expect the sticker price to be in the mid-$70k region, given it costs £2000 more than the top model in the UK. 

Volvo NZ says the EX30 CC will arrive later on this year.