Volvo V40 heads bush

Volvo Car Australia has announced a $47,000 starting price for the new V40 Cross Country, which goes on sale exclusively in high-spec petrol and diesel form today.

The cheapest Cross Country costs $2000 more than the V40 D4 Luxury hatchback upon which it’s based, while the V40 Cross Country T5 AWD flagship is priced at $52,990 plus on-road costs -- $3000 more than the top-shelf V40 hatch.

As per the hatch, the front-wheel drive D4 is powered by a 2.0-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 130kW of power and a healthy 400Nm of torque between 1750 and 2750rpm, resulting in 0-100km/h acceleration 8.3 seconds and average fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km – 0.4L/100km more than its lower-riding sibling.

Fitted with a fifth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system, the V40 T5 AWD Cross Country comes with a 187kW/360Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It can hit 100km/h in a claimed 6.4 seconds and consumes 8.4L/100km – 0.3L/100km more than the front-drive V40 T5 R-Design hatch.

Both V40 crossovers come standard with Volvo’s six-speed adaptive Geartronic automatic transmission and both models feature fuel-saving idle-stop and brake energy regeneration systems. Both models feature a hill-hold function, while the T5 AWD adds hill descent control.

Positioned as the entry-level crossover in Volvo’s range, which also includes the XC60, XC70 and XC90, the five-door five-seat V40 Cross Country rides 40mm higher than the standard V40, from which it is also differentiated by durable black body cladding at both ends, a honeycomb mesh grille, upright daytime running lights, side scuff plates, a rear skid plate, anodized gloss-black window frames and side mirrors, integrated roof rails and 18-inch MEFITIS matt-black alloy wheels.

As per their ‘Luxury’ designation, both variants come highly specified, with standard equipment including an eight-speaker sound system and seven-inch colour infotainment display, USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth phone with audio streaming, voice-controlled satellite-navigation, reversing camera and sensors, cruise control, trip computer, auto wipers, leather trim, powered front seats, climate control, remote central lock and power windows/mirrors.

There’s also a host of safety features, including Volvo’s City Safety sub-50km/h autonomous braking system, eight airbags including twin front, front-side, side curtain, driver’s knee and world-first pedestrian airbags, electronic stability/traction control and anti-lock brakes.

However, there are also a plethora of optional safety extras, including a $5000 Driver Support Pack containing blind-spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, active high-beam, forward collision warning with full auto brake and pedestrian/cyclist warning, road sign information and automatic parking. Metallic paint adds a further $1750.

“Volvo is undergoing a rapid change in its model line-up and the V40 Cross Country is the latest addition,” said Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Matt Braid.

“Where the Volvo XC models happily flex their muscles, the V40 Cross Country boasts a sleek ruggedness with unique features integrated into the stylish Scandinavian design. When it comes to driving dynamics, the V40 Cross Country offers an attractive mix of sportiness and comfort.

“Put simply, it brings a distinctive blend of luxury and ruggedness to the premium small car sector.”

Volvo plans to build just 17,000 examples of the V40 Cross Country annually at its Ghent plant in Belgium.

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