The new Volvo EX30 Cross Country – it’s an experience, not just a car

Volvo EX30 2025

VOLVO CAR CANADA - 

Sweden is our home. Deep lakes, endless forests, great mountain ranges, some of the harshest winters on the planet – and some of the best and most enjoyable cars ever made. So today we unveil not only the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country, but a whole new experience to go with it. Revealed as part of a literal fireside chat including outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven at a secluded winter cabin in the north of Sweden, the EX30 Cross Country is designed for people who want big experiences from their small, fully electric SUV. It takes the successful recipe of the EX30 and adds rugged ingredients, making it perfect for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond their crowded cities – come rain, come shine, or when everything is covered in snow and ice. We think that ‘Cross Country’ should be an experience, not just a car, so alongside the EX30 Cross Country we’re also launching a new experience package for customers who buy the car, with access to accessories, gear and information aimed at giving you the full potential to explore the great outdoors.   “We launched our first Cross Country car over 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.” From city to trail As a small SUV, the EX30 Cross Country is perfect for the city. It is fully electric, with zero tailpipe emissions, and can be charged from 10-80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes. But it also has several extra features that enable a seamless switch from one natural EX30 habitat to another. For example, we’ve raised the car higher off the ground compared with the standard EX30, to help you navigate rough terrain more easily and make those regular countryside outings even easier. Naturally, the EX30 Cross Country also comes with all-wheel drive, making it more than capable of handling the tough and slippery conditions that are part and parcel of life outside the city. A style to match ability The first model in our Cross Country range was introduced in 1997. Designed to cope with the demanding Scandinavian climate, our Cross Country cars perform in a wide variety of road conditions – from muddy tracks and ankle-deep snow to highway driving – with the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect.   While its real-world capabilities come first, the EX30 Cross Country is also designed to excel in more diverse conditions – and to look good while doing so. The front shield of the car and the trunk get a special dark colour, with the front featuring a unique piece of artwork showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden – an inspiration for many of our designers. Chunky front and rear skidplates as well as wheelarch extensions complete the more rugged look and underline that this car is ready to get out into the wild. Functional and as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car   Inside, the EX30 Cross Country is highly functional and contains all the clever tech, storage and design that made the original EX30 such a hit from the moment we revealed it. The doors contain large storage compartments, because we removed the speakers and incorporated them into the soundbar on the dashboard.  A versatile central storage tunnel between driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder for your morning coffee or your travel mug, or back if you need to store more things. There’s also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the center console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger. Rear passengers get a neat storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel. This box is also removable and washable, so can double up as a waste bin. At the rear, on the liftgate, we included a handy ‘Will it fit?’ guide, so you know exactly how much of your gear you can get in. Like every new Volvo car, the EX30 Cross Country has Google built-in. That means you get a variety of Google products as standard – including Google Maps, one of the best mapping systems in the world. Finding your way to the most remote nature locations was never easier. To make sure you can get straight into a nice warm car, the Volvo EX30 app allows you to precondition your car while you’re still exploring nature. And naturally, the EX30 Cross Country is as safe as you’d expect a Volvo car to be. We have applied our high standards of protective safety should you need it, but aim to help prevent you getting into a collision in the first place with some clever tech. Braking and steering support will help you avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while a driver monitoring sensor will give you a nudge if it seems like you are distracted or tired. Embrace the experience To further bring the Cross Country concept to life, we’re also launching a Cross Country Experience, to create concrete, tangible benefits that will help you to embrace your inner explorer even more. This means that EX30 Cross Country owners will benefit from an array of bespoke offers. Think of a dedicated, discounted ‘Cross Country Experience’ package of accessories for your car, which includes a load carrier, a roof basket, and mudflaps*. We aim to announce further offers in due course.  “We know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to the nature,” says Jim Rowan. “This is why with our new Cross Country Experience, we aim to create an entire ecosystem around those models, supporting our customers as they embrace adventure.”   In short, the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country is an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country will be available in Canada later this year.     Official EPA range will be released at a later date. Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition. *Subject to local availability – offer may differ between individual markets.

Bronco Raptor's New Black Appearance Package Debuts, Overshadows a Total Solar Eclipse

FORD CANADA - Under dramatically darkened skies, and in front of owners at the Bronco Off-Roadeo Texas, Ford introduced the 2024 Bronco Raptor Black Appearance Package. A mix of Shadow and Matte black exterior features, the new option package gives the Bronco Raptor’s go-over-any-terrain capability a sinister new look.

The Black Appearance Package comes with a striking Shadow Black painted roof complemented by matching mirror caps, a painted roll bar, and fender flares, all in the same shade, to create striking contrasts with the Raptor’s bold paint catalog. Bronco Raptor also comes with a Matte Black steel bumper, skid plate, and tow hooks. 

 

The Shadow Black painted roll bar is reminiscent of the contrasting roll bar on the sixth-generation concept Bronco SUVs and the painted skid plate comes in response to current Bronco Raptor customers who have painted the skid plates themselves.

 

Unique Raptor body-side and hood decals round out the package’s C$6,995 MSRP, which customers can order at a dealer soon. 

 

“Customers choose Bronco Raptor for two reasons: its high-performance off-road capability and its distinctive appearance,” said Bronco Brand Manager Jason Hyde. “The Black Appearance gives them a look that stands out on any trail and under any sky, even a total solar eclipse.” 

 

Bronco owners will get the first look at the Bronco Raptor Black Appearance Package during an owner-exclusive event at Bronco off-Roadeo in Austin, Texas, at an appropriately dark time: under the backdrop of the April 8 total solar eclipse.

 

The Black Appearance Package follows the vibrant Code Orange package introduced in 2023. 

Polestar 4 electric SUV coupe makes North American public debut at the 2024 New York International Auto Show

POLESTAR - Polestar celebrates the North American public debut of Polestar 4, the all-new electric performance SUV coupe, at the 2024 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Polestar 4 has a starting MSRP of $64,900^[1] CAD for the Long range Single motor and $74,900^[1] CAD for the Long Range Dual motor with standard Pilot Pack. Polestar 4 will be available to order in North America beginning in late April 2024 with customer deliveries planned for the fourth quarter of 2024.

“Debuting Polestar 4 to the North American market on a stage such as the New York International Auto Show is a significant milestone for our brand,” said Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America. “Polestar 4’s innovative SUV coupe design offers the best of both worlds for those seeking the ultimate driving performance without sacrificing occupant comfort and a captivating exterior design. Together with Polestar 3, we transition from a one-car to a three-car company, with two luxury SUVs arriving this year.” These two SUVs are the result of what Polestar has set as its goal: combining performance and luxury in a new way, creating a new standard in the electric age.

 

Positioned between Polestar 2 and Polestar 3 in terms of size and price, Polestar 4 is the second SUV in the brand’s dynamic lineup as it rolls out its model offensive and grows from a one-car to a three-car company this year. The new addition transforms the aerodynamics of a coupe and the space of an SUV into a new breed of SUV coupe.

 

Polestar 4 features a plethora of standard content including 20-inch 5 V-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels, panoramic glass roof, adaptive cruise control, 360 parking camera with 3D view, energy saving heat pump, front illuminated Polestar logo, e-latch doors, power operated tailgate with soft close, Polestar digital key, wireless phone charging, and 8-way electrical driver seat and 6-way electrical passenger seat.

 

Pilot Pack, which is standard on the Long range Dual motor variant, features Pilot Assist and Lane Change Assist. Pro Pack brings 21-inch Pro wheel with black seat belts with a Swedish gold stripe and Swedish gold valve stem caps.

 

Plus Pack provides customers with a graphical head-up display, automatically dimmed exterior mirrors, 12-way electrical seats with manual leg extension, electronic reclinable rear seats, MicroTech upholstery, 3-zone climate control, rear control and entertainment screen, heated steering wheel and rear seats, 11 kW AC charging, and Harman Kardon premium audio system.

 

Performance Pack is available on Long range Dual motor only and features 22-inch Performance forged wheels, Brembo brake calipers in Swedish gold, summer performance tires, Polestar engineered brake discs, Polestar engineered performance chassis, Swedish gold seat belts and valve stem caps.

 

Polestar 4’s innovative design maximizes aerodynamic efficiency with a low nose, retractable door handles, flush glazing with frameless windows, rear aero blades and airflow optimization around the rear light bar. The rear glass has been eliminated and replaced by a high-definition screen that shows a real-time feed from a roof-mounted rear camera, enabling a far wider field of view compared to what is found in most modern vehicles.

 

The fastest production car the brand has ever developed to date, Polestar 4 can accomplish a 0-100 kph sprint in 3.7 seconds^[2] and has a maximum power output of 544 hp. In line with the Polestar brand, driving dynamics and performance are a priority, with sharp steering and handling responses that result in a thrilling and nimble experience for all occupants.

 

The Long range Single motor variant features a rear-wheel-drive powertrain capable of delivering 272 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque with a preliminary range target of over 483 km EPA^[2]. A 102 kWh battery is fitted to both long range versions, with up to 200 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging included.

 

Polestar 4's infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive OS, and the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform now utilizes a 15.4-inch landscape-oriented screen.

Thanks to Google built-in, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, Polestar continues to offer a leading connected in-car experience. As with all other Polestar cars, regular over-the-air (OTA) updates allow for new features and improvements to be sent remotely to all vehicles.

 

Polestar recently announced the expansion of its manufacturing footprint into South Korea, through an agreement between Polestar, Geely Holding and Renault Korea Motors (RKM). Expected to begin in 2025, the agreement will bring contract manufacturing of Polestar 4 vehicles for the North American and domestic South Korean markets to RKM’s Busan, South Korea plant.

 

Polestar 4 premiered globally at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023 and went on sale in Europe and Australia in January 2024. The vehicle joins the Polestar 2 fastback and Polestar 3 SUV in the brand’s electric lineup as it transitions from a one-car to a three-car company in 2024.

 

For more information on the Polestar 4 electric performance SUV coupe, please visit www.Polestar.com

 

Polestar 4 (prices in CAD)

Variant	Drivetrain	Battery capacity	Max charging speed, DC	Estimated Combined EPA range[2]	Power	Torque	0-100 kph	Price [1]
Long range Single motor	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$64,900
Long range Single motor w/ Pilot Pack	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$66,800
Long range Single motor w/ Pro Pack	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$67,400
Long range Single motor w/ Plus Pack	RWD	102 kWh	200 kW	483 km	272 hp	253 lb-ft	6.9s	$71,900
Long range Dual motor w/ standard Pilot Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$74,900
Long range Dual motor w/ Pilot and Pro Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$77,400
Long range Dual motor w/ Pilot and Plus Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$81,700
Long range Dual motor w/ Plus and Performance Pack	AWD	102 kWh	200 kW	435 km	544 hp	506 lb-ft	3.7s	$87,500

 

1. Price does not include destination fee of $2,700 CAD.

2. Preliminary data. Final data to be confirmed at a later date.
3. Preliminary data. Certified range and energy consumption data to be confirmed at a later date.

The fully electric Volvo EX30 named 2024 World Urban Car

VOLVO CANADA - Small and mighty indeed – we are celebrating today, because our fully electric Volvo EX30 has landed a big accolade at the prestigious World Car Awards!

Beating out a competitive field of nominees, the EX30 was awarded the title of 2024 World Urban Car in a presentation held at the New York International Auto Show. Our smallest ever SUV was also named as one of the top three cars in the world out of a list of 38 nominees.

 

“Winning this award with the EX30 is incredibly gratifying and a firm validation of our ambitious electrification strategy,” says Jim Rowan, our chief executive. “Customer response to the EX30 has exceeded our expectations, and it has proven to be a perfect car for today’s marketplace as a growing number of car buyers switch to fully electric cars. I’m convinced the EX30 will strongly contribute to our growth this year and beyond.”

 

The EX30 was revealed last summer to almost universal acclaim and has already won several major awards, including The Sun Car of the Year, the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year award from the Sunday Times, and the Eco Warrior of the Year award from Top Gear magazine.

 

As such the EX30 is a strong addition to our product portfolio, which also contains several very attractive plug-in and mild hybrid models in multiple segments. Those cars are an important bridge towards on the way to Volvo Cars’ ambition to only sell electric cars by 2030.

 

Since its reveal, the EX30 has rapidly proven to be a very popular car with customers – based on our orderbook, we expect it to be one of our best-selling models this year.

 

It is the smallest SUV we’ve ever launched and it’s built on a purpose-designed electric car platform. In addition to producing zero tailpipe emissions, it has been developed with a focus on keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum across the car’s complete lifecycle.

 

EX30 buyers have a choice of three electric powertrains: a Single Motor version with 200kW (272hp) and a 51kWh battery; a Single Motor Extended Range with battery capacity increased to 69kWh; and a Twin Motor Performance model with 315kW (428hp) and a 69kWh battery. The EX30 offers a driving range of up to 476km and its battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in a little over 25 minutes.

 

·        Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.

·        Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary.

·        Features and services may not be available in all markets and will not be standard in all markets or for all models.

Box fresh: All-new 2025 Nissan Kicks unveiled at Barclays Center in Brooklyn

NISSAN CANADA - Sporting bold shapes and undeniable style that would be as at home in a sneakerhead's collection as in their driveway, Nissan unboxed the all-new 2025 Kicks with an interactive experience in Brooklyn, at the opening rounds of the 2024 NCAA® Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center.

Designed to energize the compact crossover segment and thoughtfully enhance every drive, the all-new Kicks makes its virtual debut outside Barclays Center, where fans will spot a larger-than-life, digital 3D ‘shoebox' featuring the new model. Inside the Barclays Center game attendees can visit the Kicks Unboxing booth, see the car for the first time, and enjoy live music from Kicks Beats DJs, a Kicks Lacing Station with giveaways and much more to thrill basketball fans.

The Kicks Unboxing event is open Friday, March 22 and Sunday, March 24 during game times. Following its debut, the 2025 Nissan Kicks will be on display at the 2024 New York International Auto Show from March 27 through April 7.

"Unboxing the all-new Kicks at Barclays Center places our thrilling new model at the heart of the action as passionate sports fans pour into the arena for the exciting experience of the NCAA® Men's Basketball Tournament," said Marisstella MarinkovicOpens in a new tab., vice president and chief marketing officer, Nissan U.S. "By aligning our brand with consumer passions at pivotal touchpoints, we showcase our products to the right audiences, fostering meaningful connections in the most impactful manner.""

Nissan is an Official Partner of the 2024 March Madness tournament.

Advanced Technology & Value

The 2025 Nissan Kicks features even more available technology and capability to enhance owners' lives, all wrapped up inside an unmistakably bold new design. As Nissan reshapes expectations across vehicle segments, the all-new Kicks introduces a number of technologies which are new to the Kicks as well as a noticeable increase in interior space for passengers and cargo. Outperforms most of the competitors in its segment with higher standard ground clearance and bigger standard cargo space.

The addition of available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive1, a first for Kicks, gives customers more confidence on the road in clear or inclement weather. Kicks also features a new 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers more power and more torque, plus a more responsive Xtronic transmission.

Expressive Style

Like the boldly shaped and brightly colored sneakers seen on the court at Barclays Center, Kicks is designed to stand out. It boasts a strong, wide stance and abundant thoughtful details.

Kicks has an equally modern look inside, highlighted by available dual 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2025 Kicks is larger on the outside and roomier inside, with generous cargo space2. And a new available power panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of sunlight, enhancing the spacious interior feel.

Confident Driving

Every Kicks includes standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360Opens in a new tab.3 for added driver reassurance. To keep things connected, it features the convenience of standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, up to 4 USB Type-C ports and available wireless charging4.

Available ProPILOT AssistOpens in a new tab5 combines steering assistance with Intelligent Cruise Control to help drivers stay centered within their lane. Did someone say road trip?

It adds up to a compelling package that's set to make an impression at Nissan dealers late this summer.

"The all-new Kicks invigorates the small crossover segment with its expressive design, confident driving experience and enhanced technology offering," said Ponz PandikuthiraOpens in a new tab., senior vice president and chief planning officer for Nissan Americas. "With stand-out product changes and class-leading capabilities, Kicks demonstrates how Nissan brings thrill to all vehicle segments in a way that makes every drive better."

Full specifications, features and options can be found in the 2025 Nissan Kicks press kit. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan.caOpens in a new tab.. You can also follow us on FacebookOpens in a new tab., InstagramOpens in a new tab., XOpens in a new tab. (Formerly Twitter) and LinkedInOpens in a new tab. and see all our latest videos on YouTubeOpens in a new tab..

1. Intelligent All-Wheel Drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.
2. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure cargo. Heavy loading of the vehicle with cargo, especially on the roof, will affect the handling and stability of the vehicle.
3. Nissan Safety Shield technologies can't prevent all collisions or warn in all situations.  See Owner's Manual for important safety information.
4. Available on properly equipped vehicles. Use only when safe and legal. Subject to third party service availability. For more information see www.nissanusa.com/connect/legal.
5. ProPILOT Assist cannot prevent collisions. It is the driver's responsibility to be in control of the vehicle at all times. Always monitor traffic conditions and keep both hands on the steering wheel. System operates only when lane markings are detected. Does not function in all weather, traffic and road conditions. System has limited control capability and the driver may need to steer, brake or accelerate at any time to maintain safety. See Owner's Manual for safety information.