Volvo V40 Cross Country Diesel D2 (A) Review
26 Mar 2014|35,986 views
The crowded compact hatchback segment has traditionally been a struggle for Volvo. But the situation changed with the launch of the V40 - the brand's first premium five-door hatchback - when the car sailed in to our shores last year, starting with the V40 Cross Country (CC).
Whereas cars like the XC60 or XC90, for instance, will likely be able to drag themselves out of sticky situations, the V40 CC is a vehicle designed to tackle little more than a dirt path or the corridor of vegetation off the tarmac.
Up close and Personal
The V40 has always been one of the very best-looking hatches and the V40 CC takes that smooth, well-resolved shape but gives it a little more presence and attitude.
V40 CC customers will get silver roof rails, a contrasting front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille and upright daytime running lights, contrasting sills as well as a contrasting rear bumper with an integrated skid plate.
Inside, it is the same premium look and feel of the regular V40, except for the embossed 'Cross Country' badging, brown contrast stitching and a copper-coloured centre stack inlay that all serve to further differentiate the model.
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Sitting in the V40 CC prior to turning anything on, it's clear that Volvo has exercised appropriate discipline where ergonomic interior design is concerned.
The car features the company's signature 'floating centre fascia' that has been around for about a decade now. All the fussy buttons are located together in a unit that looks attractive and is relatively easy to use and understand if you're familiar with Volvo switchgear operation.
On the downside, light and airy the cabin may be, it's not that roomy in the back. Nonetheless, the criticisms are easy to forgive because the cabin is neatly put together and pleasingly trimmed.
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The Drive
Taking it slow and steady, the 1.6-litre turbodiesel powerplant mates well with the six-speed autobox to offer a sufficient if not exactly surging mid-range.
The lump may be a little out of breath when pushed hard but it never feels out of its depth.
More importantly, potential running cost savings are appealing. Claimed fuel consumption is 24.4km/L and although we only achieved 19.7km/L, there will definitely be more visits to the petrol station for a car wash rather than a refill.
While some subdued clatter is evident at standstill, it is otherwise hard to pick out at other times, showcasing the excellent refinement that Volvo cars command.
The extra 40mm of suspension height over the regular V40 does makes a difference, helping the V40 CC D2 float over small imperfections and round off bigger bumps and ruts.
On the go, it clings on well in corners, although a sharper and more talkative steering wheel would have been more welcoming.
Conclusion
The V40 CC D2 remains a pleasant-looking car, with a uniquely inviting interior.
Of course, there are also other reasons to consider this car - good fuel economy and Volvo's high level of standard safety equipment.
Just like its other brethrens, the V40 CC D2 is a confident car, and while keener drivers may not find it particularly rewarding, most will enjoy how easy it is to drive.
The crowded compact hatchback segment has traditionally been a struggle for Volvo. But the situation changed with the launch of the V40 - the brand's first premium five-door hatchback - when the car sailed in to our shores last year, starting with the V40 Cross Country (CC).
Whereas cars like the XC60 or XC90, for instance, will likely be able to drag themselves out of sticky situations, the V40 CC is a vehicle designed to tackle little more than a dirt path or the corridor of vegetation off the tarmac.
Up close and Personal
The V40 has always been one of the very best-looking hatches and the V40 CC takes that smooth, well-resolved shape but gives it a little more presence and attitude.
V40 CC customers will get silver roof rails, a contrasting front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille and upright daytime running lights, contrasting sills as well as a contrasting rear bumper with an integrated skid plate.
Inside, it is the same premium look and feel of the regular V40, except for the embossed 'Cross Country' badging, brown contrast stitching and a copper-coloured centre stack inlay that all serve to further differentiate the model.
Sitting in the V40 CC prior to turning anything on, it's clear that Volvo has exercised appropriate discipline where ergonomic interior design is concerned.
The car features the company's signature 'floating centre fascia' that has been around for about a decade now. All the fussy buttons are located together in a unit that looks attractive and is relatively easy to use and understand if you're familiar with Volvo switchgear operation.
On the downside, light and airy the cabin may be, it's not that roomy in the back. Nonetheless, the criticisms are easy to forgive because the cabin is neatly put together and pleasingly trimmed.
The Drive
Taking it slow and steady, the 1.6-litre turbodiesel powerplant mates well with the six-speed autobox to offer a sufficient if not exactly surging mid-range.
The lump may be a little out of breath when pushed hard but it never feels out of its depth.
More importantly, potential running cost savings are appealing. Claimed fuel consumption is 24.4km/L and although we only achieved 19.7km/L, there will definitely be more visits to the petrol station for a car wash rather than a refill.
While some subdued clatter is evident at standstill, it is otherwise hard to pick out at other times, showcasing the excellent refinement that Volvo cars command.
The extra 40mm of suspension height over the regular V40 does makes a difference, helping the V40 CC D2 float over small imperfections and round off bigger bumps and ruts.
Taking it slow and steady, the 1.6-litre turbodiesel powerplant mates well with the six-speed autobox to offer a sufficient if not exactly surging mid-range.
The lump may be a little out of breath when pushed hard but it never feels out of its depth.
More importantly, potential running cost savings are appealing. Claimed fuel consumption is 24.4km/L and although we only achieved 19.7km/L, there will definitely be more visits to the petrol station for a car wash rather than a refill.
While some subdued clatter is evident at standstill, it is otherwise hard to pick out at other times, showcasing the excellent refinement that Volvo cars command.
The extra 40mm of suspension height over the regular V40 does makes a difference, helping the V40 CC D2 float over small imperfections and round off bigger bumps and ruts.
On the go, it clings on well in corners, although a sharper and more talkative steering wheel would have been more welcoming.
Conclusion
The V40 CC D2 remains a pleasant-looking car, with a uniquely inviting interior.
Of course, there are also other reasons to consider this car - good fuel economy and Volvo's high level of standard safety equipment.
Just like its other brethrens, the V40 CC D2 is a confident car, and while keener drivers may not find it particularly rewarding, most will enjoy how easy it is to drive.
Photos by Regan Ong
Car Information
Volvo V40 Cross Country Diesel D2 (A)
CAT A|Diesel|24.4km/L
Horsepower
86kW (115 bhp)
Torque
270 Nm
Acceleration
12.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo V40 Cross Country Diesel
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