Volvo’s newly launched V40 Cross Country promises to blend capable ruggedness and expressive elegance.
Creating a practical, go everywhere car that is reliable and comfortable enough for everyday use, while being desirable and safe at the same time sounds almost impossible. But it isn't, Volvo seems to have done it with its new V40 Cross Country. Designed for those who have a sense of adventure, it is capable enough to take you and your gear to and from your favourite adventure. With advanced technology, it can not only outrun several SUVs in the mud, but take on its sportiest competitors. All this, while at the same time, ensuring comfort is not compromised.
The interior is lavished with leather seats, a Panoramic Glass Roof and an optional two-tone upholstery. The Raw Copper exterior launch colour is echoed in the contrasting stitching. Further emphasis of the colour can be made by choosing the Copper Dawn centre stack inlay.
The fixed panoramic glass roof fits neatly against the top edge of the windscreen, giving the illusion of one large glass panel. This creates a sporty coupe style look that also gives the interior a light, spacious feel. Tint on the panel ensures the interior maintains a comfortable temperature even on the sunniest days.
Lots of innovate safety features ensures the car is safe during normal usage. To prevent a crash from occurring in the first place, The Volvo Sensus infotainment system, a fully graphic interactive and active TFT (Thin Film Transistor) crystal display displays the most important information in any given situation right in front of the driver, making it easy for the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. The functions can be operated from the steering wheel or via controls located directly below the colour screen.
The car’s exterior has been enhanced with a dark, contrasting front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille, upright Daytime Running Lights, sculpted and contrasting sills, a contrasting rear bumper with integrated skid plate, along with refined off-road inspired details such as the anodized, black high-gloss frame around the greenhouse, the black rear-view mirror housings and the sleek rails floating over the roof helps match the stylish interior.
Power comes from a 1.6-litre T4 GTDi engine with 180 bhp and 270 Nm of torque excellent lugging ability throughout the speed range. Mated to the 1.6 L powerplant is The T4 comes with an automatic six-speed Powershift transmission. To keep fuel consumption down, the car is fitted with start-stop and braking energy regeneration. All this adds naught to 100km/h sprint time of 8.5 seconds while still delivering a fuel consumption figure of 6.1 L/100 km. An optional Polestar Power Optimisation package, which offers 200bhp and 260 Nm of torque, can be ordered.
Like I mentioned earlier, this is one desirable car. The car blends good looks with the ablity to perform. I do think some work needs to be done to the rear end of the car, but other than that, this is one serious head turner.
