The V40 is Volvo's answer to the increasingly dominant hatchback segment in Europe. Taking over the roles of the S40 (Volvo's entry sedan) and V50 estate, there is no doubt that the V40 has big shoes to fill.
And this Cross Country (let's call this CC for convenience's sake) variant, if you consider bluntly, is the standard hatchback on stilts. With all but the range topping variant driven via the two front wheels, it is very clear that the CC is not meant for off road. And more often than not, cars like these were never bought with the unbeaten tracks in mind.
And of course, being Volvo, safety is of second nature. Amidst a slew of driver aids and safety gadgetries, the V40 also marks the debut of the World's first external airbag - to aid in pedestrian protection.
Exterior
Having preceded a number of crossover wagons, it wasn't hard for the Swede automaker to replicate its proven recipe. Having taken on a couple of skid plates on each sides and granted 40mm of extra ride height, the CC is blessed with an outgoing personality - one which we reckon strums the right notes to younger audiences.
Yet, the CC's nipped and tuck dimensions are less cumbersome than its full sized SUV cousins, making it easier to live with - like how ice cream and chocolates were made bite size for chew on the go.
Sporting 19-inch 'Alecto' alloys - a $9,000 optional extra on the test car - the CC looks stylish enough to stand out in the urban jungle. Arguably, the gloss black rims aren't those that anyone would want to get muddy with.
Like its more recent stablemates, the CC is not devoid of curves - especially on the rump where it is most prominently expressed. And we will go as far as saying that the V40 CC is one of the most appealing, if not the best looking in the Swede's current stable.
Interior
Like the S60 D2 we have sampled earlier, the CC's interior is littered with quality bits. While the layout remains largely similar, Volvo has worked inquisitively on the detailing. The most eye catching has got to be the digital instrument cluster, which comes with three different dial designs.
The V40 CC also receives a full length panoramic sunroof. It gives the interior a greater sense of space, at the same time accentuating a livelier ambience.
Like the S60 D2 we have sampled earlier, the CC's interior is littered with quality bits. While the layout remains largely similar, Volvo has worked inquisitively on the detailing. The most eye catching has got to be the digital instrument cluster, which comes with three different dial designs.
The V40 CC also receives a full length panoramic sunroof. It gives the interior a greater sense of space, at the same time accentuating a livelier ambience.
The rear bench is suitably sized for two adults, but lacks the shoulder room for three abreast. That is not to say that the CC is, by any standard, catastrophic. The contoured seats are a pleasure to be in, though the thick bolstering will also make the quarters more cuddly than spacious.
In line with its 'adventurous' nature, the CC comes with a versatile rear boot design. On top of the 40/60 folding rear seats, an extra floor allows better space utilisation. Alternatively, the floor can be stowed for a maximum of 335 litres of boot space.
In line with its 'adventurous' nature, the CC comes with a versatile rear boot design. On top of the 40/60 folding rear seats, an extra floor allows better space utilisation. Alternatively, the floor can be stowed for a maximum of 335 litres of boot space.
The Drive
Locally, the V40 will only appear in Cross Country guise, with the 180bhp T4 engine as its heart. The turbocharged four-pot packs strong performance, dealing the 0-100km/h in a timely 8.5 seconds - applaudable when you consider that the heart is merely a 1.6-litre, and the car tips the scales at over 1.4 tonnes.
And to make things a little sweeter, power is distributed via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While not the creamiest in the market, the cog swops are almost unperceivable. The 'Powershift' gearbox also has a 'Sport' function, which when engaged will hold onto the current gear for sportier accelerations.
The slew of mood setting accessories and the large glass roof adds to the sense of occasion during travelling. However, the CC's ride feels a little jittery over our pocketed roads, but is never unbearable. This can be traced to the firmer suspension, coupled with the plus sized rims.
Locally, the V40 will only appear in Cross Country guise, with the 180bhp T4 engine as its heart. The turbocharged four-pot packs strong performance, dealing the 0-100km/h in a timely 8.5 seconds - applaudable when you consider that the heart is merely a 1.6-litre, and the car tips the scales at over 1.4 tonnes.
And to make things a little sweeter, power is distributed via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While not the creamiest in the market, the cog swops are almost unperceivable. The 'Powershift' gearbox also has a 'Sport' function, which when engaged will hold onto the current gear for sportier accelerations.
The slew of mood setting accessories and the large glass roof adds to the sense of occasion during travelling. However, the CC's ride feels a little jittery over our pocketed roads, but is never unbearable. This can be traced to the firmer suspension, coupled with the plus sized rims.
On the plus side, Volvo has given the CC a nicely weighted steering which adds to the joy of driving. Steering feedback however, could have been made better at higher speeds.
Dubbed the 'smartest' Volvo in recent times, the CC is heavily dosed with the firm's safety technologies. Amidst the lineup is the segment's first Pedestrian Detection system, which will notify the driver if a human steps into the path of the vehicle.
Conclusion
There should be no doubt that safety will remain as top priority for Volvo, as it has once proven its strength again with the series of active and passive systems.
While there is greater harmony to be had in terms of ride quality, the CC charms with its impressive performance. Meanwhile, it serves as proof that the marque still knows how to make desirable cars.
Dubbed the 'smartest' Volvo in recent times, the CC is heavily dosed with the firm's safety technologies. Amidst the lineup is the segment's first Pedestrian Detection system, which will notify the driver if a human steps into the path of the vehicle.
Conclusion
There should be no doubt that safety will remain as top priority for Volvo, as it has once proven its strength again with the series of active and passive systems.
While there is greater harmony to be had in terms of ride quality, the CC charms with its impressive performance. Meanwhile, it serves as proof that the marque still knows how to make desirable cars.
