Volvo V40 Cross Country 2013 review

It’s only been a few months since Volvo launched the new V40 small hatchback -- a handsome little devil if ever there was one. Now, they’ve added to the line-up and brought back the Cross Country name -- all in one package in the new V40 Cross Country. And no, it’s not an XC, that moniker is reserved for more purposeful, dirt-capable Volvo SUVs.

DESIGN

It’s a five seater with 60/40 folding rear seats for additional luggage space but you can configure it as a four seater using the centre armrest as a seat divider. It’s a V40 hatch in high heels with the ride height jacked up by about 40mm, sundry body cladding and `skid plates’ in a more rugged style. 

Other styling tweaks include a honeycomb grille, dual oval exhausts, some body hardware blackouts and LED driving lights. Inside, the Cross Country is equipped to V40 luxury standard with leather, an illuminated gearshift knob, adaptive digital display, theatre lighting and plenty more.

PRICES AND MODELS

Two models are offered each with auto stop start and regenerative brake system. The D4 front wheel drive, 2.0-litre turbo diesel five cylinder at $47,990 and the all-wheel drive T5 turbo petrol five cylinder at $52,990. Both get a six speed automatic transmission but no paddle shift. Engine outputs are impressive with the diesel achieving 130kW/400Nm using 5.3-litres/100km and capable of an 8.3 second 0-100kmh sprint.

The petrol cranks out 187kW/360Nm using 8.4-litres/100km and clocks a 0-100 sprint in 6.4 seconds. The desirable driver support pack with advanced driver assist systems costs an extra $5000.

Among other things, the support pack has adaptive cruise control with auto brake, blind spot warning including cross traffic alert for seeing both sides when reversing, park assist pilot, active high beam and roadside info that recognises signs and informs the driver. It’s all really useful stuff that arguably should be included as standard kit.

SAFETY

However, plenty of advanced safety technology is provided like city safety with auto brake at speeds up to 50kmh, pedestrian air bag, forward collision warning, lane keeping alert and pedestrian and cyclist protection using auto brake. Five star crash safety is a given in the V40 Cross Country.

DRIVING

We had a crack at both models over some searching roads out of Canberra. First up was the T5 with Driver Assist Pack. It’s firmer than expected especially over rougher roads and has a distinct sporty hatch feel that is slightly incongruous in a Cross Country vehicle.

But it goes like the clappers and has strident roll on acceleration virtually at will accompanied by a nice bark to the exhaust. Cornering is a strong point enhanced by the all-wheel drive and a torque vectoring system that applies the inside brake on a tight corner taken at speed. Both models get this feature and responsive electric power steering. We groped for a paddle shift on some tight roads but it’s not there -- which is annoying. The car has a stylish interior brimming with luxury kit that engages driver and passengers. Communication and entertainment technology is high end. Love the 18-inch alloys, 7-inch navi screen with voice control functions.

The diesel offers a similar drive feel with a little less urgency but plenty of kick at most speeds and it’s just as quiet cruising as the petrol. We reckon it has a lighter feel too, which is probably traceable to the all-wheel drive system on the T5 petrol. We’d go the diesel every time – costs less, uses less fuel, just as refined in the cabin, plenty of performance and looks the biz. Volvo could be a tad optimistic with the pricing.

VERDICT

The Cross Country is truly a 'soft roader' in that you can possibly drive it on gravel roads with better results than a standard road car.

Volvo V40 Cross Country
Price: from $47,990 (diesel)
Warranty: 3 years, unlimited km
Weight: 1561kg
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 130kW/400Nm
Transmission: 6-speed-auto, FWD
Thirst: 5.3L/100Km, 139g/km CO2