Volvo has released a handful of teaser images of its refreshed V40 Cross Country ahead of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.->ke228 The updated V40, slotted for the 2017 model year, gets a new face, several interior improvements, upgraded in-dash technology,->ke1701 and new wheel and color options.

Introduced for the 2013 model year along side the standard V40,->ke4155 the current V40 Cross Country adds a higher level of versatility to Volvo’s five-passenger hatchback->ke304 thanks to more ground clearance, dark body cladding, and of course, Volvo’->ke188s AWD system. Designed as a “softroader,” the V40 Cross Country is best suited for foul weather situations that include ice and snow, rather than rocks and deep mud. Still, the car can tackle dirt or gravel roads with more authority than the standard V40 hatch.

“The V40 is the best-selling Volvo model in Europe and the second-most popular Volvo model globally, making it a very important car for the company,” said Björn Annwall, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service at Volvo. “With the updates for model year 2017 we make this already very successful model even more attractive to customers in the segment.”

Sadly Volvo has yet to confirm the suspicions of the V40 platform coming to the U.S. in 2017, though it’s still a possibility. We may learn more when Volvo hosts the V40’s official debut at Geneva. Offering the model in the State would give Volvo a chance to compete against the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and the Audi Q3. The luxury compact crossover->ke288 segment is certainly growing, so the market viability is definitely there.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Volvo V40 Cross Country.

Exterior

Much of the updates can be seen on the outside. The grille now sports a new look, with an updated center mesh behind a revised Volvo logo. Volvo has also added its trademark “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight accent that helps identify the car, tying it in with other Volvo models. Down low, the V40 Cross Country carries the same faux front skid plate on the lower valance. The satin chrome trim now extends wider than it used to, making up for the missing satin chrome rocker panel trim below the doors.

The V40’s rolling stock is new as well, with Volvo giving the car eight new wheel choices across the entire V40 lineup, which itself includes the V40, R-Design, and Cross Country. Five new colors also join the palette for 2017. They include Amazon Blue and Denim Blue, both of which are new for Volvo, along with Bursting Blue, Mussel Blue and Luminous Sand, which are colors offered on other Volvo vehicles.

Interior

The interior of the 2017 V40 Cross Country also receives some love. Volvo says inspiration came from its Volvo Concept Estate project, including the City Weave upholstery and Charcoal/Blond steering wheel color option. The automaker is furthering customer-specified options by adding several new interior panel trim options, including Milled Aluminum, Black Grid Aluminum., and Stealth Aluminum. Furthermore, the accent trim colors within the door inserts now come with contrasting stitching. A black headliner is now optional as well. Lastly, the V40’s key fob with the new Volvo logo.

Beyond those changes, the V40 Cross Country’s interior is expected to carry over mostly unchanged. That’s not a bad thing, as the V40 is generally considered a comfortable place to ride, as long as the passenger count is limited to four adults. Cargo room is also good, typical for modern hatchbacks.

One detail the automaker hasn’t been shy from sharing info about is the Volvo On Call smartphone app. Basically, it allows users to remotely access and control a ton of in-car features. The updates expand on the current Volvo On Call system, adding access for the Microsoft Band 2 along side the already-enabled Apple Watch and Android Wear devices.

The system furthers the user experience by adapting a calendar integration function that connects personal electronic calendars to the mobile app, allowing the user to send calendar appointment destination to the car’s navigation system.

For those with allergies, Volvo’s new CleanZone technology will be of interest. The HVAC system of the car filters outside air coming into the cabin, removing both allergens and smells.

Drivetrain

The current V40 Cross Country is offered with several engine choices, two of which are from Volvo’s Drive-E engine family. Those include the T5 gasoline engine and the D4 turbodiesel. The T5 engine is a 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 245 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. For diesel lovers, the V40 can be had with Volvo’s D4 engine. The four-cylinder turbodiesel makes a respectable 190 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while having some of the lowest emissions ratings in the industry.

Also offered in areas around the globe is the T4 gasoline engine. The 1.6-liter GTDi four-cylinder engine offers up 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Like the T5, the T4 is offered with either the automatic or manual gearbox. Adding to the confusion, some markets offer the V40 with a 2.0-liter five-cylinder gasoline engine that’s also called the T4. It makes 180 horses and 221 pound-feet of torque.

In case you’re wondering that all this T and D mess means, here’s Volvo’s reasoning. The T stands for gasoline engines while the D more appropriately stands for the diesels. The number behind the T and D indicates the engine’s power level in relation to Volvo’s other engines. The ratings currently start at one and go to eight. Volvo doesn’t make a big fuss on engine displacement, but rather on its T and D ranking.

For customers in crowded city environments outside of the U.S., the V40 can be had with a D3 and D2 level diesel powerplant – both of which are extra tight on emissions and fuel economy. If Volvo does bring the V40 Cross Country to the U.S., expect the T5 to be the sole powertrain choice.

Safety

Volvo hasn’t mentioned any changes or advancements in the V40 Cross Country’s safety features, but we suspect most of the passive systems will remain in place. That means the airbag count, the car’s crumble zones, and cabin rigidity will remain the same. Volvo is likely to up the ante with added active safety systems, however. We’ll bring you the full news once the 2017 model debuts at Geneva.

Prices

There’s no word on what Volvo will charge for the updated 2017 V40 Cross Country. Once the automaker makes the announcement – likely to happen before the car goes on sale towards the end of 2016, we’ll bring you the information.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz GLA

The GLA is a funky little car that tries to pass as a crossover, but is really a high-riding hatchback. Then again, that’s all the V40 is as well. The GLA, at least when not fitted with the raucous powertrain from AMG, is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 208 horspower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual clutch that sends power to the front wheels, or all four wheels with the optional AWD.

The GLA250 carries a starting price of $34,225 with prices rising into the mid $45,000 range with options.

Read our full review on the Mercedes GLA here.

Audi Q3

The Q3 is Audi’s stab at the min-‘ute market. This high-riding hatchback is similar to the Mercedes GLA, even down to the engine type and size. The Audi utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, though Audi’s is down eight horses at 200 horsepower and quite a few pound-feet at 207. Regardless, the Q3 is a strong contender, especially considering it lists the Audi’s quattro AWD system as an option.

Prices for the Q3 start at $33,700 for a FWD model and $35,800 for the quattro version.

Read our full review on the Audi Q3 here.

Conclusion

While some expected Volvo to debut a completely revised version of the V40 Cross Country, the refreshing is just that – making the car look more upscale while keeping the brand fresh. The changes might not be extensive, but they seem appropriate for a mild mid-cycle update.

Once Volvo pulls the covers off the V40 Cross Country at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, further details and specs should become available. Until then, we’ve just got the handful of photos in the gallery above and the press release below.

As for our most pressing question, let’s hope Volvo see the value of bringing the V40 – and all its various trims – to the United States. Both Mercedes and Audi have posted respectable sales from their respective cute-‘utes, so it’d be a safe bet Volvo could expect the same.

Stay tuned for more once the Geneva Motor Show gets under way March 1 and 2.