- More rugged-looking Cross Country joins Kiwi Volvo EX30 lineup.
- Available exclusively in twin motor guise: 0-100km/h 3.7 seconds.
- Updates for XC40, XC90 and XC90 models.
It looks like the smallest Volvo might also now be the hero model of the local lineup. Leading a range-refresh for Volvo New Zealand is the EX30 Cross Country, a taller and more chunky looking version of the maker's compact-SUV, available exclusively in twin-motor Performance guise.
The EX30 is already the Volvo with the lowest carbon footprint in the lineup. And the fastest, with 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds for the twin-motor version.
The $69,990 Cross Country rides 19mm higher than the standard EX30, on 19-inch wheels with upsized tyres (which account for 7mm of the increase).
Off-roady themed additions include a matt black front fascia with a topography pattern of Kebnekaise Mountain Range in Arctic Sweden, front and rear skid plates, "low gloss" exterior trim elements and Cross Country branding.
The new model is also the catalyst for a realignment of the other half of the EX30 range. The 315kW/543Nm Cross Country is now the sole model offered with the twin motor powertrain, sitting above the 200kW/343Nm single-motor RWD extended range model, which now costs $63,990 - a whopping $15k less than when we tested it last year.
Other updates across the NZ Volvo lineup
After a fair bit of shuffling around with naming conventions and powertrains in recent years, Volvo NZ has rationalised its XC40 range to three; well, it's more like two... and another one.
The XC40 AWD is back in Ultra Dark B4 specification for $76,990; the XC40 AWD was Volvo's best-selling model in 2023, before it was withdrawn. A FWD model also continues, the $69,990 Plus B4. Both have a 145kW/300Nm mild-hybrid powertrain, with a transmission change from 7-speed dual-clutch to 8-speed automatic.
The pure-electric versions of the XC40 are now called EX40. There's just one model available in NZ to special order, the 300kW/670Nm Ultra twin motor at $99,900.
The XC60 is Volvo NZ's current best-seller (and Volvo's best-selling model in history). It was recently facelifted with new grille/lights, new upholsteries and wood decors, minor changes to interior architecture and a larger 11.2-inch infotainment display.
It's available in two 184kW/360Nm mild hybrid versions, the $87,990 Plus B5 and Ultra Dark B5 at $95,990, plus a flagship 335kW/709Nm T8 plug-in hybrid at $119,990. All XC60 models are AWD.
The XC90 7-seater was updated earlier this year (read our review here). There's a new entry-level model, the Plus B5, at $108,990, then it's a step up to the Ultra Bright B5 at $114,990; both make 184kW/360Nm.
The top 335kW/709Nm Ultra Dark T8 plug-in hybrid is $161,990.