A RUGGED Cross Country model is being added to the Volvo EX30 line up with the Swedish car maker giving its compact SUV some off-road presence.

Fully electric and with a range of up to 266 miles it can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 26 minutes.

"We launched our first Cross Country car more than 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand," said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars' chief executive.

"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."

The four-wheel drive EX30 Cross Country has all the technology, storage and design of the original EX30.

The doors contain large storage compartments with the speakers now incorporated into the soundbar on the dashboard and a central storage tunnel between the driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder.

There's also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the centre console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.

Rear passengers get a 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 boot lid there is even a ‘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 which means you get a variety of Google products as standard - including Google Maps and the Volvo EX30 app allows the car to be preconditioned.

It is the first electric Cross Country and is expected to be priced from around £47,000 - £1,000 more than the regular model.

A raised ride height is another feature to aid driving in harsh territory and its 0 to 62mph acceleration time is a brisk 3.7 seconds.