Volvo V40 Cross Country Review

These days, Volvo’s tougher, off-road all-wheel-drive models are badged 'XC', with the desirable XC90 topping the range. So why is the V40 version called Cross Country rather than XC40? Because despite chunky styling and increased ride height, it’s really a regular Volvo V40 hatchback in rough-and-tumble clothes.

So is it a fraud? Well that depends what you compare it with. Cars like the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan and similar ‘crossovers’ are just as deceptive – they look like 4x4s but often are actually front-wheel drive

The reality is that most people will rarely need all-wheel drive, even if they tow caravans or cross fields. There are benefits to sticking with front-wheel drive too – like cheaper running costs and better fuel consumption.

The V40 Cross Country costs more than the equivalent standard V40 and while that doesn’t get you four-wheel drive, it does get you a rugged looking machine. The ride height has been increased by 40mm, while the bumpers and sills sport silver brush guards and black details. It’s all finished off with repositioned LED running lights and is arguably the snappiest looker in the already handsome V40 range.

That extra ride height is supposed to be cosmetic, but it actually has the knock-on effect of improving ride – there’s a little more suspension travel and so the V40 Cross Country irons out creases and potholes in the road more smoothly than its regular counterpart, although the steering response is a little duller.

Not so dull as to ruin it, though – it handles corners and tight roundabouts well, rolling just the tiniest amount. It’s a confident car, and while keener drivers might not find it particularly rewarding most will enjoy how easy it is to drive – all of the controls are seamlessly smooth.

Light and airy though the cabin is, it’s not that roomy in the back. The door apertures aren’t huge and taller passengers will struggle for head and legroom. There are some problems with the boot too – it’s pretty high up, which will make lifting heavy items in and out fairly tricky.

Those criticisms are easy to forgive though, because the cabin is so neatly put together and pleasingly trimmed, with an array of material options including something that looks and feels like a wet-suit. The majority of materials are up there with BMW or Audi, but everything is refreshingly different, thanks to flourishes like a frameless rear view mirror and a transparent gear knob.

There are also D3 and D4 models, but for most the D2 should prove more than adequate. Volvo also offers a 180PS T4 petrol and a 254PS T5 petrol – the latter does actually come with all-wheel drive, although it’s designed for keeping the car on the road, not for climbing mountains. 

All models should be capable of returning close to 50mpg in the real world.

SE Lux adds leather upholstery, xenon lights, 17-inch alloy wheels and ambient lighting.