Volvo V40 Cross Country – Unique Premium Hatchback

There are few better places in the world to connect with a car’s senses, experience its safety systems and explore the limits of its dynamic balance like driving on snow and ice. We drift Volvo’s latest V40 Cross Country around Sweden’s icy lakes to get a better appreciation for its impressive underpinnings

It may mean enduring two days, four flights and the most cramped economy class seat one can buy to arrive in the wintery confines of Scandinavia. But once you look down at the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes of central Sweden, any jet lag you may have endured over the last 30 hours melts, because it’s only here in Volvo’s homeland that you find the most natural place to undertake a winter driving test. The journey would mark our first experience of Volvo’s forthcoming V40 Cross Country, the third iteration in the V40 range, alongside the standard hatchback and attractive R-Design. Volvo draws a clear distinction between its XC and Cross Country models - although in the V40’s case only a Cross Country model will be offered locally.

Volvo draws a clear distinction between its XC and Cross Country models although in the V40’s case only a Cross Country model will be offered locally.

The XC models have a unique crossover character and body style, whereas the Cross Country models are all-road versions of the company’s wagons and hatchbacks. Riding 40mm higher than the standard V40 at a ground clearance of 145mm, the Cross Country’s front is distinguished by a dark, contrasting bumper, honeycomb mesh grille and Volvo’s upright DRL lights. Contrasting sills characterize its flanks while an integrated skid plate dominates the rear view.

With the compact crossover and mini SUV/SAV segment set to explode with a variety of options in the coming year, Volvo’s Cross Country offering retains the agile dynamics, driver involvement and visual character of a hatchback but adds greater off-road clearance, practicality and safety, all aspects likely to appeal to the domestic lifestyle buyer or a growing, young family. It is easy to appreciate the logic behind the Cross Country’s appeal over a standard hatch in these wintery confines as the five-door’s compliant yet dynamic nature isn’t hindered by its proportions (as it is with an SUV) or generous 335- liter load space. The rear seating configuration features a 40:60 split and allows the backrests to fold flat. The load compartment can also be equipped with an additional floor that which can either be configured to secure valuables or folded flat to protect the interior and maximize the volume.

Apart from a number of storage binnacles throughout the cabin, the V40 features full USB/iPod connectivity depending on the audio system specified. A handy 12V power outlet is also integrated in the console in front of the center armrest, and the glove compartment includes space for two soft-drink cans or bottles that are kept cool with cold air from the Electronic Climate Control system. Needless to say, in these below-freezing temperatures keeping refreshments cold was not an issue...

The rear seating configuration features a 40:60 split and allows the backrests to fold flat.

Behind the wheel, the likeness be- tween how a car reacts on Sweden’s snow and ice and our own dust and dirt is far closer than one would think. Drifting a car delicately on ice, using just throttle and steering to balance and steer gracefully from turn to turn, reveals not only how a car reacts but how it responds to inputs and, ultimately, how its safety systems flatter (read save) the mistakes of the driver on loose surfaces.

Although the test units were fitted with studded snow tires for the event, the refinement and ride quality of the V4o on the asphalt country roads was excellent. While front-end response is good, steering could be slightly sharper on asphalt but we’ll hold judgment until it arrives locally. The ice highlighted the V40’s excellent front to rear balance and with its ample power and torque under foot, I could effortlessly control the drift angles and attitude of the car through both the steering and acceleration. Apart from the sense of freedom, elation and enjoyment drifting on ice evokes, the sensation is calmer, less violent and more forgiving than on tar. The efficiency of each of the V4o’s safety systems was highlighted before being deactivated, to allow us to enjoy the V4o’s handling and performance.

Built in the Volvo plant in Ghent, Belgium, the Cross Country was launched in South Africa in March with four different engine derivatives with either a six-speed manual or Geartronic transmission as well as the choice of front- or all-wheel drive. My test unit was the range-topping V40 Cross Country T5 Geartronic AWD that boasts a five-cylinder 2.5- liter T5 engine developing 187kW and 400Nm of torque (including 40Nm of over-boost delivered during acceleration). The smooth-shifting and responsive automatic transmission complements the power-plant’s thick spread of power and torque, which remains fairly linear in its delivery on acceleration with very little noticeable lag. Against the clock, Volvo claims the range-topper will accelerate from 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds and return a combined fuel consumption of 8.3ℓ/100 km.

Volvo will also offer a 1.6- liter GTDi engine with 132kW and 270Nm in the T4 unit together with a five-cylinder 2.0 liter D4 turbo diesel that delivers 130kW and a combined consumption of 5.2ℓ/100km. Completing the range is the 2.0- liter D3 turbo diesel producing 110kW and 350Nm of torque. Each derivative is offered with Volvo’s stop/start and brake energy regeneration functionality.

Against the clock, Volvo claims the range-topper will accelerate from 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds and return a combined fuel consumption of 8.3ℓ/100 km.

Before I knew it my time with the V40 and the ice had come to an end. Ice driving is a unique bucket-list experience that offers every petrol head a heightened connection to the car’s suspension, steering and safety systems through the tactile points of the car. The Cross Country impressed me immensely in its homeland and with its muscular design, strong performance and good value, should provide a tempting option for anyone looking for the added practicality, clearance and space to enjoy the outdoors … regard less of the temperature.