Safety Package, Stand Equipment levels
Pricing is on the high side
The Volvo V40 Cross Country is the first car to use the “Cross Country” name since the V70 back in 1997. Volvo’s strategy is to name all rugged wagons and hatchbacks as “cross country” and keep XC for the SUV’s only.
The Volvo V40 Cross Country is based on the Volvo V40 Luxury model and comes with a choice of either an all wheel drive petrol or front wheel drive diesel engine.
“Volvo is undergoing a rapid change in its model line-up and the V40 Cross Country is the latest addition,” says Matt Braid, Managing Director Volvo Car Australia.
?“Where the Volvo XC models happily flex their muscles, the V40 Cross Country boasts a sleek ruggedness with unique features integrated into the stylish Scandinavian design. When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country offers an attractive mix of sportiness and comfort.
?“Put simply, it brings a distinctive blend of luxury and ruggedness to the premium small car sector.”
All-Wheel drive and Hill Descent Control is available on the T5 petrol turbo engine, the Haldex AWD is the same system as found in the XC60. The 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine produces 187kW and 360Nm matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. It goes from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is 8.4litres per 100km using the combined cycle measurement.
If you are only after the ride height and not AWD then the Volvo V40 Cross Country is also available in a 2.0-litre D4 turbo diesel. Delivering 130kW and 400Nm, 0-100km/h is only 8.3 seconds. The diesel offers great fuel economy with only 5.3litres per 100km.
From the outside you will notice that the Volvo V40 Cross Country sits 40mm higher than the standard V40 on which it is based. The exterior also gains a black plastic bodykit front and rear, a honeycomb mesh grille, upright daytime running lights, scuff plates, additional black high-gloss frame around the windows and wing mirrors, integrated roof rails, and a stunning set of 18” MEFITIS mate black alloy wheels.
Inside the Volvo V40 Cross Country the premium modern interior isn’t too dissimilar to the standard V40 luxury. Buyers still get great ergonomics, standard leather, safety features and driver aids to keep you out of trouble.
The large TFT instrument cluster is can be set to three options Eco, Elegance or Sport, each option presenting the driver with different dial views.
The boot is cable of carrying 335 liters of luggage with the 60/40 rear seats in place, laying them flat this jumps to 1,032 liters.
The only additional items that tell you that you’re in a Cross Country model are the floor mats, the compass in the review mirror and the pressed “Cross Country” logo on the glove box.
The Volvo V40 Cross Country is as sure footed on the road as its standard V40 sibling. The ride is smooth and either engine offers a rewarding drive. With extra 40mm ride height there is no noticeable change in body roll and mid corner balance is still excellent. The Driver Support Pack ($5000) is a great pack and is well worth it. Buying each individual option would set you back $9000
Safety is a feature on any Volvo and the V40 Cross Country safety can be broken down in to three areas Support, Prevent and Protect.
Support level is designed to prevent the driver getting in to trouble. It includes such features as cross traffic Alert – using radar sensors at the rear of the car to assist the driver when reversing out of car parks or driveways and Park Assist – automatic parallel parking.
Support here is where the Volvo V40 Cross Country starts to take over and actively try to negate you getting in to an accident. The use of City Safe braking, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure warning all try to keep you from having an accident.
Protect – even with all the best safety aids in the world sometime things still go wrong here is where the Volvo will do its best to keep damage to a minimum. It has safety aids like: Pedestrian Airbag, Whiplash Protection, and Side Impact Protection
Volvo V40 Cross Country D4 Luxury $47,990
Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 Luxury AWD $52,990
