ON THE ROAD: VOLVO describe the V40 Cross Country as "featuring a unique blend of ruggedness and expressive elegance".
While the word 'unique' is oft overused, there is no doubt the Swedish hatch has a certain something about it.
Whereas some cars of this ilk have little pedigree when it comes to tackling the worst of the what the winter has to offer, at least you can be assured that the V40 has been constructed with Scandinavian climes in mind. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that only the top of the range T5 gets all-wheel drive.
Our diesel powered car had 150bhp on tap and was mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It will do nought to 60mph in 7.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 118mph.
The engine is a little gruff under acceleration, but hushes as speed levels out. Ride quality is acceptable, but not as good as some of its rivals.
The steering felt a little heavy around town, but it had more life when the roads opened up.
ON THE INSIDE: VOLVO loves to talk about ergonomics and the interior of the V40 certainly feels like it's been designed around its occupants. It looks upmarket, but Volvo's claim it also has 'true Scandinavian flavour' would appear a little far-fetched as there was no hint of Pine as far as I could tell. There are plenty of buttons to navigate You sit quite low down, but the seats are comfortable and there's room to stretch out.
WHAT DO YOU GET: EVERY V40 Cross Country comes with standard equipment that includes a 5ins colour display screen, City Safety features, including fully automatic emergency braking up to 31mph, LED headlights, two-zone climate control, speed-limiter, hill-start assist, digital radio, Bluetooth, 16ins alloys, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, unique front grille, lower front bumper and rear diffuser, front skidplate, side scuff plates, glossy black door mirrors and silver roof rails.
HOW PRACTICAL IS IT: WHILE I didn't have any complaints up front, rear space is a little tighter. My little-legged offspring fared ok, but I fear taller passengers might find legroom a little compromised. The boot has 324 litres of load room.
RUNNING COSTS: VOLVO say it is possible to get a return of more than 70mpg from our test car. CO2 emissions come in at 105g/km for the auto.
VERDICT: GOOD looking inside and out, but driving characteristics can't much some others
ALTERNATIVES: MINI Countryman
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