Volvo V40 T5 Cross Country Lux Geartronic 5dr Car Review - May 2013

The 2.5 litre turbo charged petrol engine is a very powerful unit for this kind of car, and delivers the kind of straight line performance you'd expect, accelerating from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds, with the Geartronic automatic transmission moving swiftly and smoothly through the gears. The top speed of 146mph is also very impressive, although the poor refinement within the cabin means that those travelling on long journeys won't be too keen to push the engine too hard. On the road the suspension is comfortable and takes all the bumps out of the road, although the steering is a little lifeless and not as accurate as some rivals.

Getting comfortable is not a problem with the usual range of adjustment for the steering wheel and driver's seat, while they are also very supportive. The centre console has plenty of controls to use, but with small buttons that aren't easy to identify without concentrating, they can be a little distracting when trying to do something whilst driving.

Volvo has developed a good range of different cars that enjoy the Cross Country trim, and one distinctive aspect is the tough black plastic protection that is to be found around the bottom of the car. The angular lights flank a flared bulging bonnet which hints at the power within, while the roof bars also add to the 4x4 image. Alloy wheels are also a welcome addition, although those making full use of the 4x4 facility may expect a scuff or two.

The level of equipment that is included with the Lux trim level is very good indeed, and this flagship model gets all of the technology that Volvo has available, including Cruise Control and Climate Control to make it a civilised companion on the motorway. Satellite navigation and leather seats are also very desirable, and help to give the interior a very comfortable interior. One excellent innovative feature is the Volvo On Call system, which allows drivers to download an app to their mobile phone, which then allows them to check fuel, oil and wiper fluid levels remotely.

One of the innovative features incorporated into the boot space is a split level facility that allows you to choose whether or not to get the maximum boot space at the lowest setting or raise the boot floor so it is level with the lip of the hatchback door. Inside the car the cabin is quite spacious with a reasonable amount of space in the back for passengers, while those back seats also fold completely flat for transporting bulky items.

Volvo has incorporated several different safety systems into the vehicle in order to keep the occupants safe, including the City Safe braking system to help avoid slow speed prangs in slow moving traffic. The standard V40 achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP tests, and the Cross Country version is expected to achieve similar results when it does undergo testing. Volvo also enjoys a good reliability record, which should help the car to be a dependable companion on the road.

This version of the V40 Cross Country comes with a wide selection of different equipment, but also has the price tag of a flagship model topping the list at £33,875. For those who are looking for a car that will be efficient, this is also a model to avoid, delivering just an average 34mpg when compared with a diesel engined model that offers over 74mpg. Insurance and tax for this vehicle are also going to be quite high because of the performance and emissions produced by the car.

Residual values on the V40 are quite good, but this model may suffer because of the poor efficiency returns, and it is still important to ensure a full service history is present to get the best price. The car is also offered with a standard after sales package of a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty and roadside breakdown cover for the first year.