STARTING AND DRIVING
All Wheel Drive 6 (AWD)*
All-wheel drive, (AWD – All Wheel Drive), means
that the car is driving all four wheels at the same
time, which improves traction. All-wheel drive is
always engaged.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)8
Related information
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Hill Descent Control (HDC) (p. 289)
HDC is a low speed function with enhanced
engine braking. The function makes it possible
to increase or reduce the car's speed on steep
downhill gradients using only the accelerator
pedal, without using the foot brake.
General information on HDC
When you release the accelerator on downhill
gradients the car is normally braked by means of
the engine striving for low engine idling speeds,
so-called engine braking. But the steeper the
roadway and the more load in the car, the faster
the car coasts despite engine braking - the HDC
function compensates for this with automatic
brake intervention.
HDC makes it possible to increase or reduce
your speed on steep downhill slopes using only
the accelerator pedal. The sensitivity of the accel-
erator pedal decreases and becomes more pre-
cise by means of the full actuation of the pedal
being restricted to adjusting engine speed within
a limited range. The brake system brakes itself
and provides the car with a low and even speed,
so allowing the driver to fully focus on steering.
AWD principle7.
The power is automatically distributed between
the front and rear wheels. An electronically con-
trolled clutch system distributes the power to the
wheels that have the best grip on the current
road surface. This provides the best traction and
prevents wheel spin. Under normal driving condi-
tions, the majority of power is transmitted to the
front wheels.
HDC is particularly helpful on steep gradients
with an uneven road surface and slippery sec-
All-wheel drive improves driving safety in rain,
snow and icy conditions.
6
V40 CROSS COUNTRY
The figure is schematic - details may vary depending on market and model.
HDC is only possible on the V40 CROSS COUNTRY AWD.
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* Option/accessory. 289
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