Volvo introduces engine and drivetrain upgrade for V40 Cross Country

The successful Drive-E turbocharged T5 engine that was made available earlier this year for the V40 - and also available in, among others, the XC60 here - will now be introduced by the Swedish marque for the V40 Cross Country, with the added capability of all-wheel drive.

With 245bhp and 350Nm of torque, the V40 Cross Country delivers with the added refinement and fuel efficient driveability of the eight-speed automatic gearbox with optional paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear shifting. Since they were introduced last year, Volvo's groundbreaking four-cylinder Drive-E engines have been widely hailed for their unique ability to combine power and efficiency with a small footprint.

Compared to the V40 Cross Country's previous T5 engine, the new powertrain reduces emissions to 149g/km ­- a level Volvo claims is unmatched by the Audi Q3 TFSI Quattro (179g/km), the BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine auto (170g/km) or the Mercedes-Benz B-class 220 Sport 4MATIC DCT (156 g/km).

This powertrain upgrade continues the series of enhancements that have been made to the V40 Cross Country this year. Other new additions have been a 19-inch Damara alloy wheel with grey diamond-cut rims, which is touted to deliver less noise and added rim protection. In addition, a new exterior colour, Power Blue, as well as an updated on-board infotainment and navigation system, Sensus Connect, provide customers with a fully connected V40 Cross Country.