The Volvo S60 Cross Country really doesn’t make any sense, but it’s strangely appealing the more you look at it. I suspect that’s a key part of the marketing strategy for this car.
Forget for a minute that the S60 Cross Country is an answer to a question few have asked since Subaru discontinued the Outback sedan in 2007. Forget that the additional 2.5-inches of ride height don’t do the stylish S60 any favors in terms of looks. It’s just a funny car that has no equals, but is still the comfortable Volvo sedan that looks like it could take a punch or last forever.
The S60 Cross Country brings back some of that rugged and durable appearance Volvo lost when it decided it didn’t want to build boxy things anymore, and I welcome it. It’s the kind of car that’s probably perfect for those who live where roads are forever covered in potholes or people who never have a clean car. The Cross Country will never look completely right if it’s spotless.
Volvo may have a hard time justifying this against the V60 Cross Country, which will also go on sale this summer and probably appeal to people who actually have an active lifestyle thanks to its greater flexibility. But remember, there are still plenty of Americans who refuse to drive a wagon, no matter how cladded and jacked-up it is.
Think of it this way: the V60 Cross Country is for people who really do go on weekend bike rides, camping trips, surf all of the time or are on a mountain most of ski season. The S60 Cross Country, however, is for those of us who want to have that lifestyle, but have to confess our New Year’s resolution of regularly exercising was broken on the second week of January.
Photos: Zac Estrada / Carscoops.com
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