Volvo V60 Cross Country T5
WE SAY: ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE JACKED-UP ESTATES. FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE THE IDEA OF AN SUV, BUT DON’T WANT ONE
The Volvo V60 Cross Country follows the standard formula – there’s 60mm more ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive running through an eight-speed auto gearbox, hill-descent control activated by an off-road mode in the computer and big black plastic wheel-arch extensions.
It actually works off-road, too. As much is obvious from the image above. And happily, the suspension tweaks that let it do that haven’t really affected its on-road performance. Well, we say ‘performance’ – this isn’t an exciting car to drive. Just quietly competent, and satisfyingly fuss-free.
We’re driving the T5 petrol (you can also have a D4 diesel). Quiet enough at low revs, although not especially smooth when the revs rise. Fast enough, certainly, but that’s not really relevant, because this is one of those cars where you immediately and unconsiously adapt a very laid-back driving style. One where you never use more than half throttle because it isn’t necessary.
The easy steering and exceptionally comfortable seats help maintain that aura of calmness. Even the gearbox behaves itself most of the time, which is good because the last time we had a go in a V60 it felt a bit dim-witted.
The ride’s good too. We drove the V60CC in northern Sweden, on icy, snowy roads with temperatures hovering around -27ºC. Our car was fitted with studded winter tyres, making it tricky to assess the intricacies of its ride and handling. That said, in the UK the V60 ought to feel soft. Out here, it handles bigger bumps and undulating road surfaces OK, but patters a bit over washboards and broken surfaces.
Like the regular V60, this is a compelling car – safe as houses, with a tremendous interior and laid-back drive. If you don't strictly need the extra capability, you could save your money and stick with the normal car. But if you're after sporty R-Design or posh Inscription trim, prices for the CC aren't that different.