Volvo V40 Cross Country
Verdict on newly revamped rugged estate
WHILE the standard Volvo V40 competes in a tough class, taking on rivals like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, this Cross Country version – driven here for the first time in the UK – is much more niche. The DS 4 Crossback is close on price, but it’s difficult to pin down a direct rival for Volvo’s jacked-up hatchback.
Like the car on which it’s based, the V40 Cross Country has been facelifted to match more expensive models in the range, such as the S90 saloon and XC90 SUV. It’s still got the outgoing model’s raised suspension, though, plus front and side scuff plates and more rugged-looking bumpers. Volvo has added extra standard kit including roof rails, 16-inch alloys and LED headlights, as well as DAB radio and auto city braking.
So it’s loaded with toys, but even after a recent facelift, the interior of the V40 is looking very dated. The dashboard is cluttered with buttons, and while it feels well built, it’s nowhere near as modern as the layout you’ll find in a Mercedes GLA.
The materials are mostly soft to touch, plus there’s a metal section on the centre console that prevents the whole cabin being covered in dark grey plastic, but it still feels dark inside the V40. That makes it seem less spacious in the front as well, although there is actually plenty of room on offer.
The seats are comfortable, with a well judged driving position and plenty of support from the backrest. That’s matched by the suspension set-up, which is still comfortable, despite being raised up. While it’s not perfect over rough roads, the car does ride nicely on the motorway.
There’s not too much body roll in corners, either, and combined with the well weighted steering, that means the Cross Country is almost as good to drive as the standard V40. Grip is decent, but you might expect a car like this to at least offer the option of fourwheel drive. That’s only available on top-spec T5 petrol models, which are not only expensive to buy, but pricier to run, too.
As a result, the taller suspension isn’t likely to help with any serious off-roading. You might find driving through a muddy field more bearable, or navigating a gravel track easier, but the V40 Cross Country isn’t an off-roader.
The manual box has a satisfying shift, which makes changing gear enjoyable. That’s lucky,
“Volvo has plenty of punch; on motorways, you can just add more throttle without changing gear”
because the 2.0-litre D2 engine delivers its maximum torque of 280Nm at just 1,500rpm, so you need to change up quickly to make the most of it.
It does feel powerful, despite only having 118bhp. The 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds seems a bit on the slow side, but on the road, the Volvo has plenty of punch. On the motorway, you can just add some more throttle without changing gear, as the engine works hard from such low revs.
Plus, since it claims 76.3mpg and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, this engine will be the top choice for most buyers. It’s not the most refined diesel at idle, with a harsh sound as you get up to speed, but it’s quiet enough when cruising. Wind and road noise are a slight issue at 70mph, although it’s no worse than the standard car. The petrol-powered GLA 200 costs about the same as this V40, but Mercedes claims only 48.7mpg – and that car’s CO2 emissions of 134g/km are much higher.
So while the GLA has more of an SUV look to it, the Volvo is much more economical. However, the standard V40 with the same D2 engine claims 83.1mpg and 94g/km of CO2 – that’s quite significant when you consider that the Cross Country commands an £1,800 premium, although you do get more kit as standard.
Towing capacity will be a consideration for many V40 Cross Country buyers, and a figure of 1,500kg (braked) is decent for a car of this size. The strong torque means it won’t feel too strained while pulling, either.
There’s a decent amount of space in the back for passengers, although legroom is tight behind a taller driver. It’s no more spacious than a standard Volvo V40, with the 324-litre boot small for a car in this class. If that’s a priority, a mid-size SUV like the Nissan Qashqai might be a better shout.