Volvo V60 Cross Country

Volvo extends the Cross Country theme to its slick V60 estate. Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

We already have a whole lot of time for Volvo's V60 estate, but giving it the Cross Country treatment can only broaden its appeal. Buyers get a 190hp 2.0-litre D4 diesel engine with eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive as standard, plus an off-road driving mode. It's not cheap, though.

Background

Be honest with yourself. Do you really need an SUV? Chances are you don't. You might just be buying one because you like sitting up high, or you think you're going to come off better in a crash or maybe just because you think you ought to have one. Now, you're clearly within your rights to choose exactly whatever you've earned the money to afford, but buying an SUV comes with a whole bunch of downsides that their manufacturers don't want you to know about.

The laws of physics being what they are, nothing comes for free. Added size is added weight, extra fuel thirst, compromised handling and less effective braking. If only there was a smarter way to get that rugged, go-anywhere look without all of the lard. You can see where I'm going with this can't you? Yep, Volvo delivers just that in the shape of this much improved second generation V60 Cross Country model, arguably a smarter solution than the average mid-sized premium-branded SUV.

Driving Experience

Volvo offers a single choice under the bonnet of this MK2 model V60 Cross Country, the 190PS D4 diesel engine being a fine unit. It also endows the Cross Country with a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. Permanent all-wheel drive comes as standard this time round, along with 60mm more ground clearance than you'd get in an ordinary V60. Plus this second generation V60 Cross Country also gets Hill Descent Control and an Off Road Drive Mode setting. So as you can tell, it's much more suitable for rough road treatment this time round. Hill Descent Control automatically controls the car's speed down a steep slope, while the Off Road setting alters the operation of the constantly variable all-wheel-drive system and the responsiveness of the engine, gearbox and accelerator pedal to help when negotiating tricky terrain below 25mph.

The previous V60 Cross Country couldn't really match the sharp handling reactions of its premium German rivals. As usual with Volvo models, there's a standard 'Drive Mode Settings' system, one of those set-ups now familiar in this segment that can tailor throttle response, steering feel and - if you've a self-shifter fitted - auto gearshift timings to suit the way you want to drive. Plus there's the option of adding in Volvo's 'Pilot Assist' system. This is a set-up that at cruising speeds of up to 80mph can effectively drive for you.

Design and Build

The base V60 was always a handsome car, but the Cross Country amps up the attitude a good few degrees with the addition of robust bodywork protection elements. Finished in charcoal grey, these include wheel arch extensions, lower sill mouldings and a rear bumper embossed with the Cross Country logo. With the lower grille adopting the same finish, extra visual ruggedness is added right around the lower part of the car, referencing its ability to tackle more challenging conditions. It also gets five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, which are specific to the Cross Country.

Inside, there's much borrowed from the brand's V90 and XC60 models, the interior boasting Volvo's latest, paired back interior design language with a 9.3-inch portrait orientated touchscreen infotainment system. Plus there's a digital instrument panel, with virtual dials separated by a customisable central space that can display a navigational map, trip computer info or your chosen phone or media settings.

Market and Model

It's a bit of a shame that Volvo hasn't been able to slot the entry-level V60 Cross Country under the £35k barrier, which is key figure for some company car choosers. The price for this model in D4 form is just over £38,000. Front and rear parking sensors, automatic LED headlights with Active High Beam, a powered tailgate and Hill Start Assist come included. Optimum temperature and air quality is maintained by the dual-zone climate control with CleanZone system, also fitted as standard. A range of accessories - including ski, kayak and bike holders - are available for those with adventurous lifestyles.

You also get some lovely tech like the City Safety function with automatic emergency braking, which is capable of detecting and helping you avoid potential collisions with pedestrians, cyclists and large animals as well as other vehicles on the road ahead. The V60 also benefits from Oncoming Collision Mitigation, a world-first safety technology that detects vehicles travelling towards you and applies the brakes automatically to limit the severity of any potential impact. The purchase options are innovative too. In certain areas of the country, customers who want an alternative to outright purchase, leasing, contract hire or finance schemes will be offered the opportunity to acquire a V60 using the new 'Care by Volvo' scheme. Here, there's no deposit required and you'll get a two year agreement that also includes use of another Volvo model for up to two weeks a year.

Cost of Ownership

Volvo's 'Drive-E' technology means that fuel returns and CO2 emissions are well up to class standard. Using the standard 18-inch wheels, the benchmark efficiency figures are 55.4mpg combined cycle fuel economy, with CO2 emissions of 135g/km. Demand for the XC60 SUV has proved that buyers in this class like the rugged Volvo look, and the V60 Cross Country has a more cerebral appeal that ought to plump up residual values quite nicely.

Ultimately of course, we can talk about figures all day but the ultimate cleanliness and frugality of any car has as much to do with the driver as with the automotive engineer. Here, the figures quoted assume that the car is being operated in the most frugally-orientated of the available drive modes - 'Eco' - a setting that gives you a green-tinged gauge you can use to regulate throttle application. Maintenance should also be relatively affordable for a car of this kind, with intervals every year or 18,000 miles. Finally, we'll tell you that the warranty is the usual three year, 60,000 mile package.

Summary

Over twenty years of experience have culminated in this second generation V60 Cross Country model, a superior example of its genre. Yes, the price is quite high and you could get a quality premium SUV for the same amount, but if that's not what you really want, this this countrified Volvo just might be.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Volvo V60 Cross Country D4

PRICE: £38,270

INSURANCE GROUP: tba

CO2 EMISSIONS: 135g/km

PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph 7.6s / top speed 140mph [est]

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 55.4mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: DSTC-Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, ABS with EBA, twin front, side, and curtain airbags, SIPS side impact protection system

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height mm 4635/1899/1484mm