What's the news?
When Volvo penned its first V70 Cross Country in 1997 the world wondered what the boxy estate maker was up to, then spent the following years clamouring to catch up and fill the same niche. With the popularity of these quasi off-roaders given a helping hand by the world's obsession with economy and efficiency it's no surprise that the V40 has come in for the plastic cladding treatment as well.
Exterior
Unlike the XC Volvo variants (XC60 and XC90) the V40 Cross Country hasn't been designed as a standalone 4x4 model. Think of it as a premium hatchback with 40mm raised ride height and rugged detailing, along with a 100 per cent V40 shape and you'll hit the nail on the head. There's some dark plastic on the newly chunky bumpers as well as some metallic skid plate protection and black mirror housings, window trim and roof rails. Wheel sizes are matched to the V70 and include a 19-inch option.
Interior
There's not much changed inside, so you'll find the V40 Cross Country retains the distinctive multifunction instrument panel, mood lighting, five very comfortable seats and plenty of handy load compartments.
Mechanicals
Sometimes appearances can be deceptive - and that's certainly the case with the V40 Cross Country. The car's available with the full range of engines found across the rest of the range, but only the T5 petrol turbos come with all-wheel drive, which includes Hill Descent Control. Not offering the extra traction with the efficient and pleasant diesel models seems like an oversight to us though. Still, if you're in it more for the image than the ability, the D2 with its promise of 99g/km CO2 emissions and near 75mpg economy is hard to ignore.
Anything else?
We were tickled when we read that the front door pockets have a drainage hole, which is perfect for removing any water accumulated after using an ice scraper - ideal for the V40 Cross Country-owning winter adventurers!
Graeme Lambert - 19 Sep 2012
