Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 (A) Facelift Review
02 Dec 2016|13,807 views
The V40 is Volvo's version of the hatchback. Though not as common or posh as the Volkswagen Golf, the V40 is intended for buyers who want to stand out from the Golf crowd but don't want the flashiness of an Audi A3, a BMW 1 Series or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The car you see here, however, is the V40 Cross Country - a hatch on stilts that go head on with the Infiniti Q30 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. This foxy-looking car stands out from your run-of-the-mill family car without looking ostentatious. It also has a strong name behind it, one that is known for its capability and unbeatable safety.
Built-in plastic skid plates and sill extensions give the Cross Country a more rugged look
What does the 'Cross Country' mean?
When you see a Volvo with the 'Cross Country' suffix, it denotes that this particular variant has Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) characteristics, like a raised chassis and rugged body trimmings.
Compared to its non-Cross Country counterpart, the one you see here has been raised by 40mm, sports an aerodynamic roof spoiler, aero-fins and winglets, and features a stylised rear bumper skid plate that you won't see on a regular V40. The Cross Country also gets 18-inch (versus its predecessor's 16-inch) aluminium diamond-cut rims and glossy black mirror caps.
Apart from these subtle tweaks, this car retains the same attractive glass tailgate, elevated tail light clusters and dual exhausts.
A larger badge and a new 'waterfall' grille design give the V40 Cross Country a strong visual identity
A new signature
Taking cues from more expensive Volvo models, the V40 has been restyled with distinctive 'Thor's Hammer' head lights that first appeared on the XC90 SUV. The brand's first luxury saloon, the S90, followed suit.
With a larger Volvo badge and new vertical grille, the V40 now has a far stronger visual identity.
'V' for 'versatility'
The Volvo V40 is offered with a broad choice of engines. There's the 122bhp and 220Nm T2 variant with six-speed transmission, the 190bhp and 300Nm Cross Country T4 you see here, and the top-of-the-range 245bhp and 350Nm Cross Country T5 with optional eight-speed transmission.
The car you see here, however, is the V40 Cross Country - a hatch on stilts that go head on with the Infiniti Q30 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. This foxy-looking car stands out from your run-of-the-mill family car without looking ostentatious. It also has a strong name behind it, one that is known for its capability and unbeatable safety.
What does the 'Cross Country' mean?
When you see a Volvo with the 'Cross Country' suffix, it denotes that this particular variant has Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) characteristics, like a raised chassis and rugged body trimmings.
Compared to its non-Cross Country counterpart, the one you see here has been raised by 40mm, sports an aerodynamic roof spoiler, aero-fins and winglets, and features a stylised rear bumper skid plate that you won't see on a regular V40. The Cross Country also gets 18-inch (versus its predecessor's 16-inch) aluminium diamond-cut rims and glossy black mirror caps.
Apart from these subtle tweaks, this car retains the same attractive glass tailgate, elevated tail light clusters and dual exhausts.
A new signature
Taking cues from more expensive Volvo models, the V40 has been restyled with distinctive 'Thor's Hammer' head lights that first appeared on the XC90 SUV. The brand's first luxury saloon, the S90, followed suit.
With a larger Volvo badge and new vertical grille, the V40 now has a far stronger visual identity.
'V' for 'versatility'
The Volvo V40 is offered with a broad choice of engines. There's the 122bhp and 220Nm T2 variant with six-speed transmission, the 190bhp and 300Nm Cross Country T4 you see here, and the top-of-the-range 245bhp and 350Nm Cross Country T5 with optional eight-speed transmission.
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How does a Cross Country drive?
Back in 2013 when the V40 Cross Country T4 was first launched here, it was powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 180bhp and 240Nm of torque, giving it a century sprint of 8.5 seconds.
That's 1.4 seconds slower compared to the 7.1 seconds it can do now, thanks to its new 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant.
On normal roads, and the Cross Country T4 is quick off the line. Mash the pedals and you send 300Nm of peak torque straight to its front wheels. Put this Volvo through a corner and the steering feels accurate and nicely weighted. Thanks to its raised chassis, traversing inner city speed bumps is effortless.
Cross Country creature comforts
The facelifted Volvo V40 Cross Country comes with an impressive list of features including a panoramic sunroof and 8.0-inch adaptive digital display.
There are also active and passive safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keeping, driver alert control and road sign information.
The Cross Country suffix adds an off-road flavour to what is probably one of the safest and best-looking hatches in the market.
Who does the V40 Cross Country appeal to?
All V40 models make smooth and quiet highway cruisers and there's a fair degree of luxury in here, too. The seats are comfortable, offering great support, and there's a reasonable amount of room for passengers in the second row.
With jacked-up off-roader looks and a hot hatch-like driving experience, the Cross Country will appeal to most. But you might be in the wrong territory if you want a genuine off-roader.
The V40 is Volvo's version of the hatchback. Though not as common or posh as the Volkswagen Golf, the V40 is intended for buyers who want to stand out from the Golf crowd but don't want the flashiness of an Audi A3, a BMW 1 Series or the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
The car you see here, however, is the V40 Cross Country - a hatch on stilts that go head on with the Infiniti Q30 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. This foxy-looking car stands out from your run-of-the-mill family car without looking ostentatious. It also has a strong name behind it, one that is known for its capability and unbeatable safety.
What does the 'Cross Country' mean?
When you see a Volvo with the 'Cross Country' suffix, it denotes that this particular variant has Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) characteristics, like a raised chassis and rugged body trimmings.
Compared to its non-Cross Country counterpart, the one you see here has been raised by 40mm, sports an aerodynamic roof spoiler, aero-fins and winglets, and features a stylised rear bumper skid plate that you won't see on a regular V40. The Cross Country also gets 18-inch (versus its predecessor's 16-inch) aluminium diamond-cut rims and glossy black mirror caps.
Apart from these subtle tweaks, this car retains the same attractive glass tailgate, elevated tail light clusters and dual exhausts.
A new signature
Taking cues from more expensive Volvo models, the V40 has been restyled with distinctive 'Thor's Hammer' head lights that first appeared on the XC90 SUV. The brand's first luxury saloon, the S90, followed suit.
With a larger Volvo badge and new vertical grille, the V40 now has a far stronger visual identity.
'V' for 'versatility'
The Volvo V40 is offered with a broad choice of engines. There's the 122bhp and 220Nm T2 variant with six-speed transmission, the 190bhp and 300Nm Cross Country T4 you see here, and the top-of-the-range 245bhp and 350Nm Cross Country T5 with optional eight-speed transmission.
The car you see here, however, is the V40 Cross Country - a hatch on stilts that go head on with the Infiniti Q30 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. This foxy-looking car stands out from your run-of-the-mill family car without looking ostentatious. It also has a strong name behind it, one that is known for its capability and unbeatable safety.
What does the 'Cross Country' mean?
When you see a Volvo with the 'Cross Country' suffix, it denotes that this particular variant has Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) characteristics, like a raised chassis and rugged body trimmings.
Compared to its non-Cross Country counterpart, the one you see here has been raised by 40mm, sports an aerodynamic roof spoiler, aero-fins and winglets, and features a stylised rear bumper skid plate that you won't see on a regular V40. The Cross Country also gets 18-inch (versus its predecessor's 16-inch) aluminium diamond-cut rims and glossy black mirror caps.
Apart from these subtle tweaks, this car retains the same attractive glass tailgate, elevated tail light clusters and dual exhausts.
A new signature
Taking cues from more expensive Volvo models, the V40 has been restyled with distinctive 'Thor's Hammer' head lights that first appeared on the XC90 SUV. The brand's first luxury saloon, the S90, followed suit.
With a larger Volvo badge and new vertical grille, the V40 now has a far stronger visual identity.
'V' for 'versatility'
The Volvo V40 is offered with a broad choice of engines. There's the 122bhp and 220Nm T2 variant with six-speed transmission, the 190bhp and 300Nm Cross Country T4 you see here, and the top-of-the-range 245bhp and 350Nm Cross Country T5 with optional eight-speed transmission.
How does a Cross Country drive?
Back in 2013 when the V40 Cross Country T4 was first launched here, it was powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 180bhp and 240Nm of torque, giving it a century sprint of 8.5 seconds.
That's 1.4 seconds slower compared to the 7.1 seconds it can do now, thanks to its new 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant.
On normal roads, and the Cross Country T4 is quick off the line. Mash the pedals and you send 300Nm of peak torque straight to its front wheels. Put this Volvo through a corner and the steering feels accurate and nicely weighted. Thanks to its raised chassis, traversing inner city speed bumps is effortless.
Cross Country creature comforts
The facelifted Volvo V40 Cross Country comes with an impressive list of features including a panoramic sunroof and 8.0-inch adaptive digital display.
There are also active and passive safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keeping, driver alert control and road sign information.
The Cross Country suffix adds an off-road flavour to what is probably one of the safest and best-looking hatches in the market.
Who does the V40 Cross Country appeal to?
All V40 models make smooth and quiet highway cruisers and there's a fair degree of luxury in here, too. The seats are comfortable, offering great support, and there's a reasonable amount of room for passengers in the second row.
With jacked-up off-roader looks and a hot hatch-like driving experience, the Cross Country will appeal to most. But you might be in the wrong territory if you want a genuine off-roader.
Back in 2013 when the V40 Cross Country T4 was first launched here, it was powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 180bhp and 240Nm of torque, giving it a century sprint of 8.5 seconds.
That's 1.4 seconds slower compared to the 7.1 seconds it can do now, thanks to its new 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant.
On normal roads, and the Cross Country T4 is quick off the line. Mash the pedals and you send 300Nm of peak torque straight to its front wheels. Put this Volvo through a corner and the steering feels accurate and nicely weighted. Thanks to its raised chassis, traversing inner city speed bumps is effortless.
Cross Country creature comforts
The facelifted Volvo V40 Cross Country comes with an impressive list of features including a panoramic sunroof and 8.0-inch adaptive digital display.
There are also active and passive safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning with lane keeping, driver alert control and road sign information.
The Cross Country suffix adds an off-road flavour to what is probably one of the safest and best-looking hatches in the market.
Who does the V40 Cross Country appeal to?
All V40 models make smooth and quiet highway cruisers and there's a fair degree of luxury in here, too. The seats are comfortable, offering great support, and there's a reasonable amount of room for passengers in the second row.
With jacked-up off-roader looks and a hot hatch-like driving experience, the Cross Country will appeal to most. But you might be in the wrong territory if you want a genuine off-roader.
Also read our comparison article on:
Infiniti Q30 vs MINI Cooper S Clubman 2.0 vs Volvo V40 Cross Country
Car Information
Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.3km/L
Horsepower
134kW (180 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
8.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo V40 Cross Country
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