Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD Launch Review
2013 VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY REVIEW
What’s Hot: Willing engine, nice style, excellent brakes
What’s Not: Thirstier than rivals, no manual option
X-FACTOR: Like those earlier Cross Country wagons, the versatile new V40 is happy on tarmac or gravel.
Vehicle Style: Small hatch
Price: $52,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 187kW/360Nm; 5cyl petrol | 6spd auto
Fuel Economy (listed): 8.4 l/100km; (on test): 9.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The Cross Country nameplate has returned to Australia for Volvo, in the form of the all new V40 Cross Country.
There are two models on offer, both in 'Luxury' spec and each with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The first is the D4 turbo diesel producing 130kW and 400Nm from its five-cylinder 2.0 litre engine and available in front-wheel-drive only.
The second is the T5 turbo petrol, which makes a healthy 187kW and 360Nm from its five-cylinder 2.5 litre engine and comes equipped with all-wheel-drive.
While each looks suspiciously like a compact wagon (as was the original Cross Country), Volvo is positioning them as "hatches" here - maybe "wagon" is now just too passe.
We put the T5 on both tarmac and gravel roads to see how it stacks up against its rivals.
THE INTERIOR
Volvo’s ‘floating console’ takes centre stage, controlling the audio system and climate control. A good touch is the numeric keypad.
The copper finish is also a nice touch to the console, adding some character. Leather trim is standard, and there are seven settings for the interior mood lighting.