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Volvo V40 Cross Country: Test Drive Review
Date: 28 May 2013 | Author:
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This isn't Volvo's attempt at a small off-roader. In fact, it's a jacked-up V40 with slightly increased ride height that sits closely alongside the core regular hatchback as a more butch alternative to the premium lower medium norm.
Only the top-spec and 194g/km-emitting T5 254hp petrol version actually gets all-wheel drive at present. The others - the Cross Country is available with the full engine range apart from the entry petrol T3 - are all front-wheel propelled.
For £1000 over an equivalent
V40 hatchback, the Cross Country adds a ride height raised by 40mm, new colour-contrasting bumpers, upright daytime running lights, honeycomb mesh grille and a restyled rear end.
The Cross Country certainly feels taller. That's a positive as far as the driving position is concerned, but there is a degree more body roll due to the higher centre of gravity. However, that's only noticeable when the weight transfers, such as when negotiating roundabouts, so it's not a problem, although it makes the car feel a touch more like an SUV than a hatchback. Efficiency is slightly impacted by the modifications, but this D2 model is still impressively under 100g/km, although 5g/km and 4.2mpg behind the D2 hatchback.
Volvo thinks the Cross Country models will account for 1000 of the V40 line-up's 14,000 registrations in 2013, with the car's fleet case helped by RVs of 40.5% for the D2 SE driven here that's expected to be the most popular iteration.
The Cross Country is distinctive in the V40 range, and has a £2 or £5 per month impact on BIK, which rises to £6 or £12 with April's tax changes. The residuals are also 0.7% lower than the regular hatchback, which means a whole-life cost that's 2.8p per mile higher. But for those wanting the extra style and distinction offered by the Cross Country alternative, it's still efficient, clean and cost-effective.
| Volvo V40 Cross Country 1.6 D2 115 SE | |
| P11D price | £22,540 |
| Model price range | £21,775-£33,360 |
| Residual value | 40.5% |
| Depreciation | £13,415 |
| Fuel | £5132 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2574 |
| Vehicle Excise Duty | £0 |
| National Insurance | £1306 |
| Cost per mile | 47.0p |
| Fuel consumption | 74.3mpg |
| CO2 (tax) | 99g/km (13%) |
| BIK 20/40% per month | £49/£98 |
| Service interval | 12,500 miles |
| Insurance (1-50) | group 16 |
| Warranty | 3yrs/60,000 mls |
| Boot space min/max | 335/1032 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1560cc/115hp |
| Top speed/0-62mph | 115mph/11.2secs |
VerdictThe Cross Country is attractive and unique in the sector. |
8/10 |
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