Volvo's cute all-roader is a real charmer

Based on Volvo's eye-catching V40 hatch, the Cross Country is made up of a generous dash of station-wagon and a splash of SUV and it is distinguished from them all with a smart crossover styling kit.

The V40CC, as it is commonly referred to, is pitched against strong contenders such as the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi ASX, Mercedes-Benz GLA, MINI Countryman, Audi A4 Allroad, VW Polo Maxx, Renault Sandero and Citroën DS4, but just on looks alone, the stylish Swedish tyke spins dirt on most of their windscreens.

Well-behaved on gravel and tar

There are six V40CC's to choose from, the latest versions priced between R336,500 and R428,600 but only one of them has a manual transmission which indicates its preferred hunting grounds to be Constantia, Sandton and Kloof rather than the Richtersveld. Having said that, the V40CC is quite a capable high-riding allroader, as well-behaved on moderate gravel and sand tracks as on the tar.

The two entry-level models (one manual and one auto) are powered by the same 1.5l 132kW/240Nm petrol engine. The next step up is a 2.0l auto diesel that produces 110kW and 350Nm which is linked to a six-speed auto transmission.

Third from the top is the model I recently spent a week in, the D4 Excel version pushed along by a four cylinder 2.0l motor which kicks out a muscular 140Kw and 400Nm and is linked to an eight-speed auto box.

The top two models are branded T5 with the top-of-the-range being all-wheel-drive, no doubt the most capable off-roader, but also the thirstiest. By contrast, the D4 Excel I tested is the most frugal, polar-friendly of the bunch with Volvo claiming fuel consumption of just 5.2l/100km and emissions of only 112gm.

Spirited power delivery

Initially, I was a surprised by the rather loud guttural growl of the diesel, but I was soon charmed by its looks, confident handling and comfortable ride, on par with most, and even ahead, of some of its competitors.

Considering its high-riding, Camps Bay Boulevard off-roader pose, the spirited power delivery from up front comes as a pleasant surprise. Volvo reckons it will sprint the 0-100km/h benchmark in 7.5 seconds which makes it the quickest of the range. Not only is it quick off the mark on the tar, but will also have special appeal to drivers who enjoy playing in the dirt because the full kick of its 400Nm comes to play at just 1750rpm.

To add to the CC's fun, it has a streak of added naughtiness which comes into play when you slot the transmission into S for Sport mode. This dials up a strong dollop of the spirited nature of the V40 hatch to enable the CC to trot gamely on before topping out at 210km/h.

Although by no means a hot hatch, the CC has enough grip and poise to maintain composure through the corners with little tendency to lean. The auto cog-swopping process is smooth and fairly quick and works well whether under the whip or pootling along in slow-moving stop-start traffic.

Bigger takkies

To help it in the rough, the CC's ride is 40mm higher than the standard V40. It also wears bigger takkies which go well with its contrasting sills, rear bumper with an integrated skid plate, honeycomb mesh grille and upright DRL lights.

Volvo built its reputation largely on safety and the CC has a host of protection features, including seven airbags, Hill Descent Control (on the two flagship All Wheel Drive model only) and Hill Hold. All models have start-stop and braking energy regeneration.

Nice-to-haves across the range include a number of smart storage compartments for CDs, sunglasses and other smaller items; a connector for either USB/iPod or AUX, depending on which audio system is selected, a fully adjustable driver armrest and a glove compartment with "cooler" functionality.

Our test vehicle was decked out with cruise control, rain-sensor with automatic wiper function, rear park assist, front tread plates and power adjustable front seats with memory function.

The CC is not only a comfortable, well-insulated cruiser, but also spacious enough to accommodate four biggies and their luggage on the long run from Cape Town to the Addo Elephant Park and back.

Challenge to the cross-over segment

The cabin design and lay-out is both pleasing and functional, and well-designed seating makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position to suit individual leg and girth sizes (of particular importance in households such as ours where Madame is of the sky-scraper variety whereas I am of "portly short' stock).

With its blend of designer stubble, faded jeans, charming looks and classy contents, the Volvo C40 Cross Country is rapidly establishing a new challenge to the cross-over segment with its combination of station-wagon practicality, zippy hot hatch performance, classy family saloon comfort and off-road playability in an elegant and ruggedly refined manner.

So don't be surprised to see one of these V40CC's in the near future dropping children off at the gates of a snob school on a Monday morning with a yummy-mummy at the wheel, two Labradors sitting in the back, daddy's golf clubs in the luggage hold and a good layer of gravel dust and dry mud splattered all over the CC's attractive bodywork.

The price of the Volvo V40 Cross Country Geartronic Excel D4 which we tested is R391,800 and it will soon be followed by an upgraded engine version costing R403,700. The prices of all CC's include a five-year maintenance plan.