Volvo V40 Cross Country: expensive, dynamic, compact. Off-road gadget. Test Volvo V40 Cross Country V40 cross country ground clearance
On October 25 this year, four weeks after the world premiere at the Paris Motor Show, a Russian presentation took place as part of the opening of Moscow Fashion Week. Volvo car V40 Cross country... In Gostiny Dvor those modifications of the new model were presented (and prices for them were announced), which from February next year can be purchased in dealerships by Volvo Cars.
Conceiving a car off-road market segment "C", the Swedish designers did not bother themselves with complex technical solutions. Taking the Volvo V40 hatchback as a basis, engineers simply increased it ground clearance and added rear wheel drive using the familiar Haldex couplings... The Volvo V70 Cross Country station wagon, introduced in 1997, was created in exactly the same way. A simplified one is also provided, i.e. front-wheel drive, modification of the Volvo V40 Cross Country car.
Other features of the V40 Cross Country include Hill Descent Control, which controls the speed when descending, as well as the Hill Hold function, which makes it easier to start uphill. The first technology mentioned is only offered for 4WD. Cross versions County.
The rest of the differences between the off-road vehicle and its usual counterpart, such as bumpers and body sills or vertically installed daytime running lights, are, in my opinion, more decorative than functional.
Some difficulties arise with the determination of the ground clearance of the novelty. One of the independent sources calls the value 173 mm. The manufacturer only reports that the V40 Cross Country's ground clearance is 40 mm higher than that of the road car. But in this case, it becomes unclear how the height of these cars can differ only by 13 mm, that is, be equal to 1458 and 1445 mm, respectively. The width and length for both models are the same - 4370 and 1802 mm. However, there are other inaccuracies in the factory specification, so I recommend you be careful.
While Volvo Cars' engineers did not complicate the task for themselves, the marketing specialists made sure not to overshadow life with the difficulties of choice for Russian buyers. In our market, there are only two modifications of the Volvo V40 Cross Country - front-wheel drive, with a T4 gasoline engine, and a version with all-wheel drive and a T5 gasoline engine, albeit in three trim levels - Kinetic, Momentum and Summum. What is hidden behind these names is not yet clear. It is only known that the price of the front-wheel drive version starts from 1,189,000 rubles, and the T5 AWD modification starts from 1,279,000 rubles.
1984cc T4 4-cylinder gasoline engine Direct injection and turbocharging develops 132 kW (180 hp) at 5000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque over a wide range from 2700 to 5000 rpm.
The listed engine characteristics in combination with the Geartronic 6-speed automatic transmission allow the car with a curb weight of 1452 kg to reach a speed of 100 km / h in 8.7 seconds. The value of the maximum speed Volvo in accordance with corporate rules does not name.
The Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 is very economical. It consumes 10.4 liters of fuel per 100 km - in the city, 5.8 liters - on the highway and 7.5 liters - in the combined cycle. The CO2 emissions are 174 g / km.
But the modification of the Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD is much faster. Up to 100 km per hour a car equipped with a 5-cylinder petrol engine with a volume of 2497 cc. cm, with direct fuel injection and turbocharging, as well as automatic transmission Geartronic and driven by four wheels, has time to accelerate in 6.4 seconds.
Of course powerful motor, an all-wheel drive transmission and an increased weight of the machine by 60 kg lead to an increased appetite. 11.6 liters (in the city), 6.4 liters (on the highway) and 8.3 liters (combined cycle) - these are the fuel consumption values of the T5 AWD modification.
In addition to what I said earlier, the Cross Country differs from the road version of the Volvo V40 by the original mesh radiator grill, anodized black frames that frame all the windows of the car, black exterior mirror housings and roof rails. In addition, the vehicle will be available in a glass version. panoramic roof and heated windshield.
Especially for the Volvo V40 Cross Country model, the designers of the Scandinavian company have developed GEMINUS (16-inch), LARENTA (17-inch), MEFITIS (18-inch) aluminum alloy wheels. All of them are offered in two color options - silver and gray. Black discs are available as an accessory.
New exterior colors are also available for the off-road vehicle: Raw Cooper metallic, Biarritz Blue metallic, Amazon Blue metallic, Misty Blue metallic, Nightshade Gray metallic. And for the seat upholstery, you can choose from seven leather options, among which Volvo marketers highlight the brown Espresso Brown. However, there is also a two-tone interior trim.
Otherwise, the V40 Cross Country is no different from the road version of the Volvo V40.
The V40 Cross Country, in particular, features Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSCT), which includes a number of technologies that improve both driving safety and driving quality. First, with the help of the body roll angle sensor, the system detects the tendency to skid of the car at the moment of its first signs. Thanks to this, the position of the machine is corrected more precisely. Secondly, Corner Traction Control gives the Volvo V40 Cross Country fast, confident cornering.
Of course, the Volvo V40 Cross Country has been designed with the IntelliSafe philosophy and is therefore packed with the latest in safety and driver support. The list of new technologies includes, for example, a driver's knee airbag and a pedestrian airbag, as well as parking assist plus traffic sign recognition. In addition, the Volvo V40 Cross Country is equipped with advanced pedestrian detection technology with full automatic braking and an updated City Safety system, which is now able to prevent collisions at speeds up to 50 km / h. These innovations make the Volvo V40 the most intelligent safety model in the history of the Swedish company.
It should be recalled that the designers have replaced the traditional instrument panel on the Volvo V40 with a liquid crystal display. Now the driver, in accordance with his preferences, can choose one of three options for displaying information. Such dashboard It is also convenient in that only the information necessary in a given situation is displayed on the screen. The experts who developed the new information system Volvo Sensus. In the named system, all information is displayed on a color monitor located in the upper part of the instrument panel. All Volvo Sensus functions can be operated using either the buttons on the steering wheel or directly under the monitor. In addition, there is also a remote control. A mobile app allows the driver to maintain contact with his vehicle via remote access.
As with the road-going version of the Volvo V40, the V40 Cross Country's designers have not forgotten about the mundane but no less important task of conveniently stowing cargo in the trunk. Numerous hooks, a box for storing small items, an additional floor, one of two options for a hanging net (soft or steel), as well as a "Luggage Compartment Optimization System", which includes two floor rails, a partition for separating luggage and a strap for securing it.
As you can see, the differences between the regular and all-terrain versions of the Volvo V40 are minimal. Therefore, Volvo Cars' decision to supply only the V40 Cross Country model to Russia is not at all surprising. Taking into account specific road conditions it makes no sense to offer with us front wheel drive car with limited ground clearance, when there is a version with increased ground clearance and an all-wheel drive transmission.
By and large, the Volvo V40 Cross Country is not even a crossover, and such a car can hardly be called an SUV. So what is it? It seems to me, due to its compact size, high power engine and improved cross-country ability, the V40 Cross Country is well suited for year-round operation in a metropolis, taking into account regular trips outside of it. It's just a pity that the versions with diesel engines will have to wait. However, in any case, I would call this model a little differently - Volvo V40 Cross City.
Photo by Volvo
1969 cm 3
1450
6.4 l / 100 km
1 804 000
The off-road component of the Swedish model is not as strong as that of its closest competitors - MINI Countryman and Subaru XV. Yes, the list of options for the Volvo V40 Cross Country includes an all-wheel drive transmission, downhill assist, solid-diameter wheels and a protective body kit. But the ground clearance is only 145 mm, and the body overhangs are too big by the standards of crossovers (908 and 816 mm). However, the driver's potential is obvious: the chassis is tuned with an eye to asphalt, the Drive-E family motors are equally productive and economical, and in terms of the number of electronic assistants and proprietary security systems, the car even claims to be the leader in the segment. As for the exterior, it is designed in a win-win Scandinavian style: minimalism, bright design moves and expensive finishing materials.
SMALL YACHT
High sill line, coupe-shaped roof, muscle wheel arches, roof rails and exhaust pipes spaced around the edges of the bumper ...
The V40 Cross Country is like a hot hatchback - the designers have shown forward-thinking, targeting a younger audience. And the recent restyling added solidity to the Swede: 2017 cars model year sport a honeycomb grille, a larger Volvo logo and new Thor's Hammer headlamps - just like those of the 90 series.
The interior design is in the style of the S60 and XC60. The electronic instrument cluster offers great graphics and advanced functionality. And if desired, the driver can easily customize the "tidy" for himself. You can't find fault with the quality of finishing materials. This is, without exaggeration, a premium level and sophisticated solutions. You can choose as restrained, "Scandinavian" and brighter colors.
The interior of the V40 Cross Country is cozy, but not without ergonomic miscalculations. The main complaint is the tightness, and in both rows. The branded "floating" center console conceals the space around the knees of the front riders. At the back, tall passengers will not only squeeze the backs of the first row of seats with their knees, but also run the risk of propping up the ceiling with their heads. Meanwhile, it's nice that the rear sofa can be equipped with heating for a surcharge.
The volume of the trunk also does not break records: only 324 liters, and the opening of the fifth door is narrow, and the threshold is high. These are the cons. If we talk about the pros, then the backs rear seats fold in a ratio of 40:60, due to the additional raised floor panel (option), a flat area for luggage is obtained, various devices for attaching bags are provided.
I must say that after the reystaling, the interior of the crossover did not look ultra-modern. The architecture of the center console with a battery of buttons and toggle switches is like a greeting from the past. The five-inch multimedia screen is too small by today's standards. Want a seven-inch display? Order multimedia system more expensive - with a rear view camera, navigation and better music.
In the arsenal of the Swedish crossover there are assistants informing about road signs and driver fatigue, adaptive cruise control, as well as the City Safety system, which can independently stop the car at speeds up to 50 km / h
Be that as it may, the light touch of retro does not detract from the richness of the electronic filling. At the bottom of the aforementioned console, there are buttons for controlling the rear-view camera, lane control systems, warnings of a dangerous approach and a car park. The Swedish crossover's arsenal includes assistants informing about road signs and driver fatigue, adaptive cruise control operating at speeds up to 200 km / h, and the City Safety system, which can independently stop the car at speeds up to 50 km / h and recognize pedestrians. Finally, the proprietary application for Volvo On Call smartphones, after restyling, supports Apple Watch or Android Wear, as well as devices with the Windows 10 operating system.
CHOOSE TO TASTE
There is no mechanical transmission for the Swedish model in our market. The most affordable versions are front-wheel drive. If you want to save money, the buyer can choose a 1.5-liter 152-horsepower gasoline engine in combination with a 6-speed automatic or a 2-liter 120-horsepower diesel mated to a 6-speed robot. Both options are optimal not only in terms of price, but also due to a moderate appetite. power units: combined fuel consumption is only 5.6 or 3.9 l / 100 km respectively.
But, whatever one may say, the listed modifications are compromise. The Swede is fully revealed with 2-liter gasoline engines(190 and 245 l. From.). The machine with a 190-horsepower unit is offered with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both versions are very interesting in terms of dynamics. The de facto 5-cylinder engine turns the V40 Cross Country into a sports car that allows you to move very briskly and, as is traditional for the Swedish brand, without any nervousness. The six-speed automatic Aisin does not allow for jerks or delays when switching, and the steering wheel with a distinct reaction force adds confidence when maneuvering. However, everything is learned by comparison. A car with a top-end 2-liter 245-horsepower unit is a complete delight. And lightning-fast reactions to gas, and the ability to spurt from both medium and high speeds. At the same time, an all-wheel drive vehicle consumes only 8.5 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. The operation of the 8-speed automatic is also worthy of compliments. Gears shift smoothly, and in case the driver wants maximum drive, there is a sport mode.
The V40 Cross Country suspension is a double edged sword. On the one hand, the short-stroke chassis allows cornering at the highest possible speeds and a sense of connection with the machine. On the waves of asphalt, the car does not sway and is practically indifferent to rutting. To knock him off the trajectory is not an easy task. On the other hand, we are not talking about adapting the suspension to Russian realities. The chassis is frankly stiff. Chassis it works out pits of any caliber in the most detailed way, so if you go on bumpy roads, passengers, especially the second row, are unlikely to enjoy it.
IMAGE - EVERYTHING!
The off-road potential of the "Swede", as already mentioned, is modest. The increase in ground clearance (relative to the related V40 model) was achieved not by recalibrating the chassis, but by installing the wheels bigger size... Geometric cross-country ability and all-wheel drive based on the fifth generation Haldex clutch will allow you to get to the dacha, but it is better not to meddle on rain-washed dirt roads, and even more difficult off-road terrain: a small ground clearance and passenger suspension"Turn on the red light." In other words, the Volvo V40 Cross Country is a solid sports hatchback with a powerful image component. This is to call a spade a spade.
Now about prices and competitors. Lineup introduction of an entry-level front-wheel drive version with a 1.5-liter 152 hp gasoline unit allowed to keep the price tag at the level of 1,399,000 rubles. For comparison: the Subaru XV model, which is offered only in all-wheel drive, costs at least 1,599,900 (for the version with a 2-liter 150-horsepower petrol engine and CVT). And for the front-wheel drive MINI Countryman 1.6 AT (122 hp) they ask 1,541,500. As you can see, the price advantage is on the side of the "Swede".
Another argument in favor of the Volvo crossover is the rich basic equipment. Standard complete set The V40 Cross Country 1.5 T3 AT Summum features seven airbags (including a knee airbag for the driver), cruise control, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, electric drives driver's seat, mirrors and side windows, as well as High Performance "music". At the same time, branded security systems, if you buy them in a package, cost quite a reasonable price. A G
VOLVO V40 CROSS COUNTRY 2.0
Price from 1 804 000 rub.
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height), mm 4370 × 1783 × 1458 Curb weight, kg 1450 Trunk volume, l 324 Volume fuel tank, l 57
Engine type gasoline L4 Working volume, cubic meters cm 1969 Engine power, h.p. 245 Acceleration time, 0-100 km / h, s 6,1 Maximum speed, km / h 210 Fuel consumption, l / 100 km (mixed) 6.4 l / 100 km
Objectively speaking, the Volvo V40 hatchback, which received the promising Cross Country prefix in the name, is not a premiere model. Indeed, even at the Paris Automobile Forum, held in the fall of 2012, the Swedish brand presented it in a similar body design format and with the same name.
Small crossover V40 Cross Country 2016-2017 model year received updated design exterior, an increased list of equipment and some changes in the design of the interior decoration.
It should be noted that externally, the five-door Cross Country hatchback almost completely repeats the V40 in the "standard" version. Only with hotel touches, the designers individualized the appearance of the novelty, slightly raising the car above the road and decorating the body with a plastic body kit. One more hallmark crossover will be his wheel disks size 17 inches.
Design
The expressive design of the car indicates a very specific audience, which the model is intended for in the first place. We are talking about young car enthusiasts who lead an active lifestyle.
The sloping hood with a pair of double stiffening ribs seems to flow into the volumetric grille. The headlamps have a flowing shape and stylish horizontal LED stripes that divide the headlights in half. Arched roofline and taillights in the form of boomerangs give the appearance of the car sportiness and dynamics. The inflated line of the side glazing of the body organically complements the picture.
The length of the crossover is 4,370 mm, its width is 1,783 mm, the height of the V40 Cross Country does not exceed 1,458 mm. The distance between the front and rear axles of the wheels of the new Volvo was 2 646 mm. The ground clearance of the novelty, although declared as "off-road", in practice was only 144 mm. Obviously, with such a ground clearance, you shouldn't leave asphalt roads.
What's in the salon?
The interior design of the Volvo V40 Cross Country is exactly the same as the "regular" V40 model. Modern design, noble finishing materials and impeccable build quality of the interior indicate the premium level of the car.
In addition to the stylish design, the interior is distinguished by verified ergonomics and high level comfort provided to the driver and passengers. Cozy front seats have developed lateral support, an optimal backrest profile and a good size of pillows. The dashboard design is typical of the Swedish brand. Natural leather, polished aluminum and even natural wood were used as finishing materials.
But with the presence free space there are questions on the second row of seats. Despite the successful and comfortable molding of the sofa, designed for two passengers, people above average height will not be very comfortable here.
Not the most strong point the presented model is its luggage compartment. Cargo capacity the car equals 335 liters, which can be increased to 1,032 liters by folding the rear seat backs. Under the double surface of the trunk floor, there was a place for a "dock" and a set of tools.
Having driven a new crossover from Volvo, you pay attention to the almost perfect noise insulation of the cabin - at high speeds in the cabin you can talk without raising your voice, but understand that the car engine is running on Idling, will only succeed by glancing at the tachometer.
Specifications
For Russian dealers, the Volvo V40 Cross Country versions are intended, equipped with four engine options. By default, the car is equipped with a front axle drive; for top modifications, the system is available all-wheel drive, which is based on the fifth generation Haldex coupling. In this case, if the front wheels slip, the system will automatically engage the rear axle.
The petrol engines of the Volvo V40 crossover include turbocharged units T3, T4, and T5 in their list. The basic version has a volume of 1.5 liters and produces 152 hp. maximum power. The middle version is a 2.0-liter engine with 190 hp, the top-end gasoline engine has the same volume of 2.0 liters and, thanks to the twin turbocharging, is capable of developing up to 245 hp. power.
Even the initial gasoline engine gives the car excellent "throttle response" and a tangible pickup after pressing the gas pedal while driving at medium speeds.
The least powerful engine is the diesel unit, which is equipped with V40 Cross Country D2 modifications. This four-cylinder engine develops no more than 120 hp. and does not differ in incendiary dynamics. But the diesel version of Volvo will delight you with its economy. The declared consumption of D2 per 100 km of combined mileage is only 3.9 liters.
Depending on the selected motor, a 6- or 8-range is offered in a pair automatic transmission gear.
Of the others technical features crossover can be noted the presence of an electric power steering, ventilated disc brakes on the front axle, as well as a fully independent suspension.
Outcome
With the numerous advantages of the model, critics call insufficient clearance for a crossover, an overly compact trunk and the inconvenience of the process of getting on and off the second-row seats as controversial points.
Judging by the price of compact crossover, its potential buyers should be far from poor people, because 1,399,000 rubles for a front-wheel drive V40 CC is the price of a much more practical Mazda CX-5 also for front wheel drive... However, Volvo is already a premium product, and against the background of 2 million for the starting Mercedes GLA, the price of the V40 is quite modest, so here you can safely add a plus sign to this model.
