Thinking of getting a Volvo V40 Cross Country?
The style of the car
The Volvo V40 Cross Country is a version of the standard V40 that adds a slightly raised ride height and some SUV-style trim for a more outdoorsy look. All versions have useful roof rails. It’s a safe and stylish family car, although it’s not as spacious as some rivals.
How it drives
Soft suspension and supportive seats mean the V40 Cross Country is very comfortable, particularly on long journeys. It’s easy to drive and park and it’s more agile on twisty roads than many rival SUVs. Standard parking sensors and compact dimensions make negotiating busy traffic and tight spaces in town stress-free. The four-wheel-drive models give extra reassurance on slippery surfaces and make good tow cars for small caravans or trailers.
The interior
The five-door, five-seat V40 Cross Country is about the same size as a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf and has similar interior space. The hatchback boot lid has a wide opening, and the 335-litre boot can hold a couple of medium-sized suitcases and a pushchair. You can keep valuables hidden away in a storage space beneath the boot floor and the back seats fold flat when you want to load longer items. There are just two trims for the V40 Cross Country and both are well equipped. Entry-level Cross Country trim comes with Bluetooth, DAB radio and climate control while the Pro version adds leather trim and sat-nav.
Running costs and reliability
The V40 Cross Country is competitively priced and has more standardequipment than many rivals. It’s fuel-efficient with even the most powerful petrol four-wheel-drive version capable of more than 40mpg, according to official figures. Some diesel models have an official average of more than 70mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km of CO2, which means you’ll pay nothing in road tax on older versions. Volvo has a solid reputation for reliability and was named best premium manufacturer in the J.D. Power 2019 UK Vehicle Dependability Study. Volvo is famed for its advanced safety features, which helped the V40 to secure a maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
How it compares with similar cars
The V40 Cross Country sits between conventional hatchbacks such as the Ford Focus and compact SUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan in size and shape. It’s Volvo’s answer to ‘crossovers’ such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q2. It’s not as much fun to drive as those rivals but it’s very comfortable and is likely to cost less to buy and run.
