Crossovers are often perceived as a queer specie. More often than not, cars that do not belong to the usual segmentation will fall into this group. Can't tell if it's a hatchback or SUV? It must be a crossover then.
They are also not your usual suspects - as a group of in-betweens, they often portray a more individualistic image than the staples.
Rarely do you come across someone looking specifically for a crossover. Instead, as an alternative, its charm is often too strong to negate for those looking for out-of-the-box solutions.
Exterior
The Volvo V40 Cross Country has struck a loud impression since its inception not too long ago. Next to the more dated BMW X1, its appeal is more apparent, almost harder to resist.
They are also not your usual suspects - as a group of in-betweens, they often portray a more individualistic image than the staples.
Rarely do you come across someone looking specifically for a crossover. Instead, as an alternative, its charm is often too strong to negate for those looking for out-of-the-box solutions.
Exterior
The Volvo V40 Cross Country has struck a loud impression since its inception not too long ago. Next to the more dated BMW X1, its appeal is more apparent, almost harder to resist.
Fans of the Bavarian marque, however, may argue on the fact that bimmers have always been a tad more exciting. BMW offerings have largely been remembered as striking, dynamic and, most importantly, attractive.
The X1 may be blessed with a more powering stance than the V40, with credits to its more squarish appearance and taller ride height. But in this case, we have to say the X1's boxy looks feel a tad inferior, as the V40's sweeping sidelines and curvaceous sculpture make it more tantalising to the senses.
The X1 may be blessed with a more powering stance than the V40, with credits to its more squarish appearance and taller ride height. But in this case, we have to say the X1's boxy looks feel a tad inferior, as the V40's sweeping sidelines and curvaceous sculpture make it more tantalising to the senses.
Interior
Putting them side by side, it is not hard to see that the V40's interior is a more avid mood lifter. Besides the contrasting treatment on the upholstery, the driver gets an array of intelligent-looking displays.
In place of the usual analogue meters is a digital instrument cluster with interchangeable themes. The interior lighting is also available in seven mood-setting colours, which we reckon is what it needs to attract the younger audiences.
In comparison, the X1's interior is less of a surprise. Still, one will find the design and quality hard to fault.The integrated infotainment control is still one of the best in its class when it comes to ease of operation, making it a breeze to use on the go.
Putting them side by side, it is not hard to see that the V40's interior is a more avid mood lifter. Besides the contrasting treatment on the upholstery, the driver gets an array of intelligent-looking displays.
In place of the usual analogue meters is a digital instrument cluster with interchangeable themes. The interior lighting is also available in seven mood-setting colours, which we reckon is what it needs to attract the younger audiences.
In comparison, the X1's interior is less of a surprise. Still, one will find the design and quality hard to fault.The integrated infotainment control is still one of the best in its class when it comes to ease of operation, making it a breeze to use on the go.
Sizing up on the V40, the X1 offers a more generously spaced interior. While both will take a squeeze to put up three adults at the rear, the X1 will do it with less of a struggle. The X1's rear cushions are also more supple, offering better comfort than those in the V40.
Outdoor lovers will be glad to know that both crossovers come with panoramic sunroofs, which is great in accentuating the liveliness in the cabin. The X1 however gains an edge with its sliding glass roof, granting a 'wind-in-your-hair experience', while the V40's is fixed.
Outdoor lovers will be glad to know that both crossovers come with panoramic sunroofs, which is great in accentuating the liveliness in the cabin. The X1 however gains an edge with its sliding glass roof, granting a 'wind-in-your-hair experience', while the V40's is fixed.
The Drive
In most cases, setting up a car on taller grounds will inevitably dampen its driving dynamics - in the same line that SUVs are less fun to drive than say, a coupe.
The X1, however, offers a good compromise of tall stance and driving enjoyment. Despite being the taller in this comparison, the X1 packs a better drive than the V40.
That is not to say that the V40 slumps or slouches. The firmer suspension will induce better driver confidence over the corners, with the only letdown being the less engaging steering.
The V40 also feels quicker, with a perkier power delivery - impressive when you consider that the V40 only has a 1.6-litre heart. Dispatching the power to the front wheels in a more urgent manner, the V40 will be caught grasping for grip in some instances.
On the other hand, the rear-wheel drive layout of the X1 grants it better traction. Coupled with the 184bhp and 270Nm from the 2.0-litre powerplant, the X1 will sprint off the line quicker than the V40 - only that the more linear delivery makes the acceleration smoother and its pace harder to detect.
In most cases, setting up a car on taller grounds will inevitably dampen its driving dynamics - in the same line that SUVs are less fun to drive than say, a coupe.
The X1, however, offers a good compromise of tall stance and driving enjoyment. Despite being the taller in this comparison, the X1 packs a better drive than the V40.
That is not to say that the V40 slumps or slouches. The firmer suspension will induce better driver confidence over the corners, with the only letdown being the less engaging steering.
The V40 also feels quicker, with a perkier power delivery - impressive when you consider that the V40 only has a 1.6-litre heart. Dispatching the power to the front wheels in a more urgent manner, the V40 will be caught grasping for grip in some instances.
On the other hand, the rear-wheel drive layout of the X1 grants it better traction. Coupled with the 184bhp and 270Nm from the 2.0-litre powerplant, the X1 will sprint off the line quicker than the V40 - only that the more linear delivery makes the acceleration smoother and its pace harder to detect.
On first instance, the X1's eight-speed gearbox may seem like an overkill - considering the six speeder on the V40 is more than adequate to handle the task. But when put to the test, it is the X1 which charms with more sublime gearshifts - proving that in this case, more is definitely better.
Conclusion
In terms of looks, we will go as far as saying the V40 Cross Country is one of the best looking from the Swede's stable and more charming than the Bavarian's offering in this comparison. The attention to details also makes it captivating, and gives it a more special feel than its competitor.
The X1 on the other hand, still holds the trump card when it comes to ride comfort and handling. The supple ride will without doubt earn it more votes from passengers.
Conclusion
In terms of looks, we will go as far as saying the V40 Cross Country is one of the best looking from the Swede's stable and more charming than the Bavarian's offering in this comparison. The attention to details also makes it captivating, and gives it a more special feel than its competitor.
The X1 on the other hand, still holds the trump card when it comes to ride comfort and handling. The supple ride will without doubt earn it more votes from passengers.
