Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD 254 CV, road test (Exterior design, interior and boot)

Our star this week is still the Volvo V40 Cross Country, that is, the most rugged version of the Swedish premium compact. We have tested it with a very high-performance engine, the 254 CV T5 with all-wheel drive. Everything about the engine, performance or the good dynamic behaviour of the V40 was covered in the first part of the road test.

Now, in the second part, we need to analyse its design, both the exterior (very eye-catching) and the space it offers occupants, as well as the quality of the interior finish. We will analyse all of this in detail now, in the second part of the road test of the Volvo V40 Cross Country.

Exterior design

The compact SUV as seen by the Swedes, that is what the V40 Cross Country is like. An eye-catching car, with an exterior full of muscular lines and a front end that leaves no one indifferent. If we add the typical SUV protections, the result is a compact with a rugged soul and a relaxed look that is different from the rest.

On the pointed front the black body parts stand out to emphasise the SUV character, as do the daytime running lights, which are arranged vertically (the exact opposite of the V40, whose lights are horizontal). The lower part of the front bumper features the typical off-road protections.

From the side, the bodywork rises from the front to the rear, something that is very noticeable in the rear windows, which are small and sit high. Again at the bottom are the lower side sills (an extra costing 562 euros), and the finishing touch is the wheels, on our unit 18-inch (black to match the mirrors), costing 1,032 euros.

The rear is the most personal part of the car. Recalling the Volvo C30 advert that said you either love it or hate it, the V40 softens those lines but still opts for a tailgate split into two colours, flanked on both sides by the lights that extend from the roof. At the bottom we can read “Cross Country“, and there are two rectangular exhaust tips (592 euros) that emphasise the sporty character of this V40 Cross Country with 254 CV. As standard, the tips are round and far less striking.

Interior design, roominess and finishes

The interior is welcoming, driver-oriented, distinctive and full of design. As an option, included in a pack that adds other interior equipment (889 euros), you can have the digital instrumentation. Our unit also had a two-tone interior combination matching the exterior colour, which made it very eye-catching.

The design is simple. The (very slim) centre console brings together all the controls, specifically those for the climate control and the full sound system (with TV tuner). To make use of the space, there is a recess behind the console for storing our belongings.

The overall quality is high, in keeping with the segment, but some materials on the lower part of the dashboard (some plastic edges and the door area) feel improvable, especially when compared with similar premium models.

The driving position is comfortable, slightly elevated as is typical for an SUV, with good visibility and all controls within easy reach. If we opt for the digital instrumentation, we get all kinds of information presented clearly and concisely; it even lets us choose several themes for the instrument display, placing the rev counter or whether we are driving in eco mode in the foreground.

In the rear seats there is enough room for two adults; three will be a tight squeeze, and the centre seat is narrow, firm and has a high transmission tunnel. Footroom is generous, although access to the rear seats could be better because the doors are small.

Storage and boot

In terms of storage it is well equipped: it has a decent main glovebox, a small central bin, two cup holders in the centre console, two rear cup holders (hidden in the centre seat), and the door pockets are a good size.

The boot has a capacity of 335 litres. That is not a bad figure, but for a compact that exceeds 4 metres it can fall a little short on capacity. An Audi A3 has 365 litres, and the Mercedes A-Class has 341 litres.

In the third part of the road test we will focus on the extensive equipment, including safety features, and the prices of the Volvo V40 Cross Country, as well as our verdict on the car.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira – Test team