Volvo V40 Cross Country: The Ultimate Viking Transporter
VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY D3
Words: Marco Rallo
Photography: Ron Morgenstein
I always appreciated Volvo for the simple reason that it has never followed temporary fashions – it has instead dictated its own, especially in terms of safety and technology to serve the driver. Often mistreated and relegated to second or even third choice, the Swedish brand, however, has distinguished itself over the years presenting lines that have never traced those of others. Do you remember the 480? I loved it, and when a few years ago, the C30 has been released, I almost had a leap back in the past. In more recent times, the trend of hatchbacks mixing with SUVs, thus giving birth to the so-called crossovers brought here the V40 Cross Country as a worthy ambassador.
Under the look of a common five-door mid-sized car, it conceals the nature of a sparkling all-rounder able to cope with rough terrains, thanks to a better ground clearance and to the possibility of having it with the four-wheel drive. The specimen under test, powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder and 150 horsepower has only front-wheel drive, but it is enough to allow us to drive on snowy roads in perfect safety. Coupled to this small but consistent engine, an automatic 6-speed gearbox, governable also manually using the paddle behind the steering wheel, generous in size and finished with a soft rubber. The V40 CC traces what we saw for the standard version, but the fact of sitting a few inches more above the ground makes maneuvers simpler and allows a better view of what surrounds us. There are parking sensors and parking cameras that allow you to take advantage of this Volvo also in the confusion of the great urban centers. Its versatility knows no bounds and in fact behaves very well both on the motorway that on secondary roads, showing a good dynamism and good figures in terms of fuel consumption. The gearbox itself is accurate and does not miss a beat, the same goes for the satellite navigation system which, although a bit ‘cumbersome at first, once you have found confidence with the multimedia system, will be able to take you to your destination on time. The dashboard is a last generation touch, with digital instruments behind the steering wheel, which comes complete and attractive, providing the driver with all the necessary information. At the center, the tunnel is one of the key points of the design of the Swedish company, with a brushed panel with various buttons to control audio system and climate control – in this case, certain buttons seem a bit ‘outdated compared to the rest, but it is an entirely negligible detail.
As said, on snow behavior has been great, just like on cleaner roads, ensuring a constant sense of security thanks to the many driving aids that intervene promptly if you turn away your eyes from the road for more than a few seconds. The V40 CC is very spacious for both occupants or luggages, but that does not make it awkward or cumbersome, indeed making it an excellent alternative to cars of bigger dimensions. I know, I turned a bit to much descriptive, but just like Volvo, I tried to go straight to the point, no frills, without mincing words that should color a far simpler matter. Is the V40 Cross Country is good car? Yes. Is it suitable for families? Yes. Would I buy it? Probably my sporting instinct would tell me to avoid buying a small 4-cylinder diesel engine, but since the real world is not made of fast laps on track, I think my preferences for my everyday life may fall on Volvo again, dreaming about my beloved 480.
VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY D3 (2016-)
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.969cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 6-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 150 hp @ 3.750 rpm
320 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Weight – 1.407 kg
Acceleration – 8,5 sec.
Top Speed – 210 kph
Price – from € 29.550