Volvo V40 Cross Country hatchback (2016-2019) - Interior & comfort

There are pros and cons to the V40 Cross Country's extra 40mm ride height. The downside is a little extra body lean in corners, but the payoff is more comfort in a straight line. The suspension soaks up all but the worst bumps in the road with ease and floats along effortlessly on smooth surfaces – it’s very quiet and refined, too. The supportive seats hold you in place firmly, although given the generous overall dimensions of the car, some extra legroom in the rear would have been nice.

Volvo V40 Cross Country dashboard

The V40's interior is smart, quiet and comfortable, but it's starting to look a little old fashioned compared to the dashboard design found in newer cars like the Mercedes GLA. The digital fuel economy and eco-driving displays next to the main dial are neat touches though, Volvo's ‘floating’ centre console (so-called because it’s very thin and there’s empty space behind it) remains an elegant feature. The cluster of buttons in the middle of the console are too numerous and are bunched very close together, making them a little fiddly to use on the move.

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Equipment

There are only two trim levels available with the V40 Cross Country, which keeps things simple. What’s more, you can’t get the most basic versions of the standard V40 hatchback as a Cross Country – this version’s trim levels start halfway up the range, so the entry-level model - known simply as the Cross Country - is better equipped than the basic V40 ES hatchback.

The standard trim includes automatic windscreen wipers and LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, textile/leather-effect seats, climate control, cruise control, a DAB digital radio and an autonomous emergency braking system that works at urban speeds. The Cross Country Pro adds leather seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, sat nav and various bits of upgraded interior and exterior trim.

It’s worth noting that the Cross Country is a bit more expensive than an equivalent V40, and you only get the raised ride height and chunky looks for the extra money.

Options

Volvo offers a series of option packs with the V40 Cross Country, starting with the £500 Winter Pack, which includes a headlamp cleaning system, a heated windscreen and heated front seats. There’s also a Winter Illumination Pack for £1,350, including all of the above items, plus headlights that turn with the steering wheel, more cabin lighting and a smart-looking illuminated gearknob.

The Driver Support Pack (£1,900) comprises a host of electronic driving and safety aids: a blind-spot information system, a lane-keeping aid to warn you if you’re straying out of your lane and active cruise control, which can speed up or slow down the car automatically to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

The priciest of the lot is the £2,000 Xenium Pack, which adds a heap of convenience and luxury features including parking cameras, a panoramic sunroof and electrically adjustable front seats.