While the Toyota C-HR headlined the automaker’s display at the Geneva Motor Show, it also showed off with less fanfare the RAV4 Sapphire Hybrid.

It’s not billed as a production vehicle, but Toyota has stated that it showcases some changes that may soon be available on the production RAV4. The differences appear to be an effort to make the RAV4 look more upscale. In Europe, a vehicle of this class is much larger than the typical vehicle and is considered to be more upmarket than it would be in the US.

The first thing to catch the eye is a new dark blue color that extends all the way to the side sills. It’s a departure from current RAV4 vehicles, which have a wisp of black plastic cladding hugging the wheelbase. There’s an added sliver of chrome trim, which boasts a Hybrid badge.

The grille, too, receives some chrome trim, while 20-inch black alloys complete the exterior. The theme continues on the interior, which boasts new piano black trim and bright “hybrid blue” vents. The attractive, diamond-quilted leather upholstery is already available on European RAV4 models.

Toyota says that the RAV4 Sapphire Hybrid has been put out there to gauge customer reaction, though a full-body color RAV4 is already in the works. There was no word about whether these options would come to the US.

Hyundai has made a couple of powertrain modifications to the Euro-spec Tucson.

Buyers on the other side of the pond will soon be able to order the soft-roader with a new 1.7-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that generates 141 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 250 lb-ft. of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. Called CRDi in Hyundai-speak, the oil-burner sends the Tucson from zero to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 114 mph.

The only transmission offered is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that can be shifted manually using the gear lever, and front-wheel drive is the only configuration available; buyers who want all-wheel drive need to step up to the bigger 2.0-liter oil-burner. Fuel economy checks in at 43 mpg in the city and 48 mpg in a mixed European cycle thanks in part to a standard start/stop system.

Pricing information hasn’t been published yet. The new oil-burner will likely trickle down to other members of Hyundai’s European lineup in the coming months, but at the time of writing the South Korean firm isn’t planning on selling a Tucson with a 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine on our shores.

Volkswagen has introduced a new version of the 2016 Golf SportWagen called Limited Edition.

Positioned between the S and the SE trims, the Limited Edition comes with an array of electronic driving aids including adaptive cruise control, a blind spot monitoring system, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. The list of standard features includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, chrome trim around the windows, and discreet edition-specific “Limited” emblems on the front fenders. Inside, Limited Edition cars ship with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a push-button ignition, and Volkswagen’s new MIB II infotainment system.

The only engine offered is a 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder that’s both turbocharged and direct-injected. Bolted exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission, it generates 170 horsepower at 4,500 rpm and 199 lb-ft. of torque at just 1,600 rpm. Fuel economy checks in at 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen Limited Edition is on sale now for $24,995, and deliveries are scheduled to kick off later this month. Volkswagen hasn’t announced how many examples it plans on building, or if the Limited Edition model will simply join the SportWagen lineup as a regular trim level.

Ferrari chairman and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief Sergio Marchionne has flatly rejected the thought of an all-electric sports car adorned with a Prancing Horse.

The outspoken executive dismissed the prospect, calling it “almost an obscene concept,” according to Geneva Motor Show quotes published by Motor Authority.

“You’ll have to shoot me first,” he added, mirroring a statement made about a potential Ferrari SUV.

Fully electric vehicles do not fit with Ferrari’s branding, which considers engine noise to be a vital component of the driving experience.

The company’s flagship LaFerrari takes advantage of two electric motors, but only as a performance-boosting complement to the 789-horsepower 6.3-liter V12. The system produces a combined output of 949 ponies, good for a sub-three-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 218 mph.

Former chairman Luca di Montezemolo in 2013 promised to expand Ferrari’s hybrid offerings. “I don’t believe in the electric cars, but I strongly believe in hybrids,” he said at the time.

Chief executive Amedeo Felisa previously claimed every Ferrari could eventually take advantage of hybrid technology. The LaFerrari’s electrification system was made to be compatible with all future platform architectures.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into reports of brake failures with the Ford F-150.

The agency has received 33 reports alleging master-cylinder failures, resulting in complete loss of brake effectiveness. All submissions involve the 2013-2014 F-150 equipped with a 3.5-liter engine.

“Thirty-one (31) of the reports were received in the last 12 months, including 20 in the last 7 months,” the NHTSA notes. “Four complaints allege that the alleged defect resulted in collisions.”

One complainant claims the brake pedal went completely to the floor as the vehicle was backing out of a driveway.

“While attempting to pump the brake and use the parking brake, my vehicle crossed the street, went up the curb, and struck my neighbor’s landscape wall, damaging it severely,” the filing adds. “Upon inspection by myself and later my insurance investigator, the brake fluid reservoir was empty, but there were no obvious signs of leakage.”

After the master cylinder was replaced, the owner claims the problems returned and the vehicle was sent back to the dealer. The second issue is said to have been related to brake-booster failure due fluid ingestion from the leaking master cylinder.

“I am surprised that there [has] been no action on this issue yet – the complete failure of the most important safety system of a 2.5+ ton vehicle – as there are numerous nearly identical failure modes with this model and year,” the owner concluded.

If the investigation leads to a recall, the campaign could affect approximately 420,000 units sold in the US market.

Cadillac global sales appear to have lost momentum, dropping by 2.5 percent in February.

After years of lackluster performance and under new leadership, General Motors’ luxury division achieved 7.5 percent global growth in 2015. The rise appeared to slow in January, and the brand is now flat for the first two months of the year.

Breaking the numbers down by market, February deliveries were up slightly in the US but down by more than 16 percent in China and nearly five percent in the Middle East. A 44.5-percent jump in Canada and a 29.5-percent gain in Mexico did not offset declines in the world’s largest auto market.

The trouble in China has been downplayed as a consequence of the SRX’s phaseout ahead of the new XT5′s arrival. GM suggests Cadillac was the fastest-growing luxury brand in China last year.

“The latest available data shows Cadillac with the highest average transaction prices in the U.S. market among mainstream luxury brands,” said chief executive Johan de Nysschen. “With rising brand prestige, the stage is set for the launch of two all-new models – the CT6 prestige sedan and XT5 luxury crossover.”

The company will begin delivering the CT6 flagship sedan in March, followed by the XT5 crossover.

Federal safety regulators have outlined a proposal that aims to bolster development of hydrogen fuel-cell and mild hybrid vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wants to update its rules regarding electrical safety requirements for such technology, aligning US laws with internationally-accepted regulations and voluntary industry standards.

Notably, the proposal includes a provision to protect high-voltage sources via “physical barriers,” to prevent electrical shock and injuries to occupants or first responders in an accident. EVs are currently designed with an electrical disconnect system that breaks the conductive link to the battery in an accident.

Toyota and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers submitted a petition arguing that the regulations should not require a mechanical disconnect system to activate in low-speed accidents, as vehicles can be effectively disabled due to minor ‘fender benders.’ The Alliance further claimed that the NHTSA’s high-voltage definition, which starts at 30 volts, serves as a development barrier to modern 48-volt electrical systems that are needed to run electric compressors and other innovative technologies.

“Since these systems are grounded to the vehicle chassis, they cannot meet FMVSS No. 305′s existing electrical isolation option,” the automakers said. “While it is feasible to design a 48 volt mild hybrid system that is isolated from the chassis and meets FMVSS No. 305′s electrical isolation requirements, such designs involve more complexity, higher consumer costs, and higher mass resulting in reduced fuel economy and increased emissions.”

The NHTSA believes its relaxed rules will allow mild hybrid technology and hydrogen fuel cells to be used in a wider range of vehicles, simplifying development work and aligning US laws with global standards.

“A key component of the Department’s safety mission is ensuring that our regulations are up-to-date and provide the highest level of safety possible,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Today’s proposal not only boosts our efforts to increase fuel efficiency and energy security; it also builds on our efforts to encourage technology innovation.”

Although the concept isn’t new, lifted wagons that bridge the miniscule gap between cars and crossovers represent a hot segment. Americans have essentially given up on wagons, but we’re more than interested once they are gussied up with all-wheel drive and some butch styling.

Enter Volvo’s V60 Cross Country, the Swedish brand’s latest foray into this niche within a niche, albeit one that has had some serious staying power over the last couple of decades.

If it’s Volvo solidity and style you’re after, but you need (or at least want to look like you need) to venture into the woods, the V60 Cross Country is your default choice.

What is it?
Conceptually, the V60 Cross Country is pretty simple: Take one rather stylish wagon, add all-wheel-drive, jack up the suspension, and slap on some rubber fender flares. The idea turned Subaru around in the 1990s, so why shouldn’t Volvo get in on the game?

Volvo has been here before. Almost 20 years ago, the automaker debuted its first V70 Cross Country, a moderately more rugged-looking version of its standard all-wheel-drive wagon. Today, Volvo currently has four off road-ish offerings: The XC60 and XC90, both of which are clearly classified as crossovers, and the XC70 and V60 Cross Country, which are more readily identifiable as lifted wagons. Notably, the XC70 will ride into the sunset after the 2016 model year, leaving the V60 Cross Country to carry the torch.

The V60 Cross Country technically arrived halfway through the 2015 model year as a 2015.5, and it returns with only a handful of detail changes for 2016. Just one powertrain is on offer: A 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel-drive. The five-banger is an old unit that lacks the sophistication – and the fuel economy – of the brand’s newer Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinders.

Our particular tester came loaded up with the extra-cost Platinum package, including a number of collision avoidance features, as well as rather less-than-rugged 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in tires suited more for the school run than a jog into the Rockies.

What’s it up against?
Naturally, the V60 Cross Country squares off against the model that really defined this segment: Subaru’s Outback. The Volvo may cost more, but the Subaru isn’t really lacking anything on paper.

Pop over to the Audi dealer and they’ll show you the A4-based allroad. As slick as the Audi is, it’s actually rather old – its basic design debuted in the fall of 2007. A new allroad is on the horizon.

How does it look?
Sans cladding and lift, the basic V60 wagon is a shapely five-door with a low roof line and a number of distinctive cues that make its lineage obvious. Take that, jack things up, and slap on some plastic and you have the Cross Country. Most visual are the V60′s characteristic tall tail lamps, which snake from the top of the tailgate down to the bumper with a unique LED pattern.

Other highlights include a honeycomb-like grille that neatly hides one of the collision avoidance sensors, CROSS COUNTRY badging stamped into the rear bumper, and dual tail pipes that scream performance rather than off road ability.

We liked the optional 19-inch alloy wheels on our tester, at least in terms of their appearance, but we thought the LED running light strips integrated into the front bumper were a little tacky. Additionally, the V60 Cross Country’s pseudo cladding is definitely more for looks than protection; those silver rocker panel “guards” won’t protect the body panels from much more than tall grass.

And the inside?
One thing Volvo has always done well is interiors, and the V60 Cross Country is no exception. Lacking the upscale flair of the brand’s latest designs – like the XC90 – the V60 is nonetheless still a pleasant place for whittling away miles.

Its blocky dash features good ergonomics despite a plethora of buttons on the center stack. A big, high-resolution screen sits at the top for Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system. Generally user-friendly, its map display offers some 3D imaging and particularly astute voice recognition – and that’s a boon given that, well, navigating the navigation is a pain thanks to the lack of a touchscreen or a separate controller. Moving about the screen requires tapping particular radio preset buttons. From a tech standpoint, the V60 needs a hardware upgrade – stat.

On the other hand, we did like the configurable LED screens that compose the V60′s instrument cluster. Although the choice of graphics can skew toward gimmicky, the screens do a nice job of conveying lots of information in a clear manner. And, unlike Sensus, the screens are controlled by just one twist-knob and one button.

Curiously, all V60 Cross Country models include Volvo’s heavily-bolstered sports seats (wrapped in gorgeous saddle colored leather in our tester), despite the model’s complete lack of zippy pretensions. Hugely comfortable over the long haul, the front seats are the place to be. Rear seat room for adults is snug, although little ones do at least have their own perches thanks to the optional built-in child booster seats.

On the materials front, the V60 Cross Country is something of a mish-mash of nicely-grained soft-touch surfaces on the dash and doors, glossy (optional) wood trim, nothing special leather, and thin plastic adorning the center console.

But does it go?
As we said earlier, the V60 Cross Country boasts Volvo’s lame-duck five-cylinder motor, an engine the automaker now only mates to all-wheel-drive models of this platform. Opt for a front-wheel-drive S60 sedan or V60 (non Cross Country) wagon and you’ll net the brand’s new turbo fours. But you can’t buy a FWD V60 Cross Country.

Despite not being the freshest thing in Volvo’s lineup, the 2.5 does get up and go with authority, its automatic gearbox quietly slipping between all six gears. Mid-range punch is just a tap of the throttle away. Still, this little five-banger reveals its old roots by vibrating at idle and generally grumbling its way around with less refinement than Subaru’s six-cylinder or Audi’s turbocharged four, let alone Volvo’s Drive-E lineup.

The V60′s fat-rimmed steering wheel, like its bolstered thrones, hints at a sporting nature that isn’t really delivered. Steering effort is high, but an over-boosted feel to the tiller doesn’t make you want to carve corners. A variable steering setup that lets drivers choose between three steering hefts is optional, however, it wasn’t fitted to our tester.

The V60′s tall stance means it leans more in corners, something we don’t necessarily feel to the same degree in the Outback (versus the Legacy) and the allroad (versus the A4). Moreover, our tester’s stylish 19-inchers gave it a clomping ride over rough pavement, the result of lots of wheel travel combined with stiff, small sidewalls. Stick with the standard 18s, which still look good and add a much-needed degree of compliancy.

Generally, the V60 Cross Country is more at home on the highway, where it settles into a relaxed demeanor. Little wind and road noise penetrates the cabin, allowing for the Harman/Kardon audio system to truly shine.

On the fuel economy front, we measured 22 mpg in mixed driving, a hair below the 23 mpg suggested by the EPA’s test. The EPA rates the V60 Cross Country at 20/28 mpg, city/highway, which is about par with the allroad and the Outback 3.6R.

Leftlane‘s bottom line
Definitely not lacking in Volvo-ness, the V60 Cross Country represents a comfortable and stylish way to bound across a boulder-strewn path. But at nearly $50,000 as-tested, and not really offering any statistical advantages over a loaded ($37,000) Subaru Outback or ($46,000) Audi allroad, the V60 Cross Country becomes a tough justification.

We like it, but we could like it a whole lot more.

2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country base price, $41,000. As tested, $49,775.
Platinum Package, $3,650; Climate Package, $1,550; Blind Spot Package, $925; Metallic Paint, $550; Wood Inlays, $400; 19″ Wheels, $750; Destination, $940.

Photos by Andrew Ganz.