AWD upgrade for Volvo V40 Cross Country

Volvo Cars is continuing to evolve the V40 Cross Country with a powertrain upgrade that reduces emissions and improves fuel economy, writes Trish Whelan.

The Drive-E powertrain with a 245hp petrol turbo T5 engine that was made available earlier this year for the V40 is now being introduced for the V40 Cross Country, with the added capability of AWD.

The combination of the Drive-E T5 engine with AWD will give adventurous customers the power to explore and all the control they need to be confident in all road conditions, says the company's Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Compared to the V40 Cross Country;s previous T5 engine, Volvo claims the new powertrain reduces emissions to 149g/km which they say is a level unmatched by the Audi Q3 TFSI Quattro (179g/km), the BMW X1 xDrive20i xLine auto (170g/km) or the Mercedes-Benz B-class SUV 220 Sport 4MATIC DCT (156g/km).

Adding to the refinement and fuel-efficient driveability is the 8-speed automatic gearbox with optional paddles on the steering wheel for manual gear shifting. This powertrain upgrade completes a series of enhancements for the V40 Cross Country this year. Other new additions have been a new exterior colour, Power Blue, as well as the updated onboard infotainment and navigation system, Sensus Connect, which provides customers with a fully connected car.

Irish customers can place orders from January.

Volvo V40 Cross Country

Road test: Volvo V40 Cross Country

One of my favourite test cars of 2013, this Volvo V40 Cross Country will appeal to many for its snazzy robust looks, how it drives and for the comfort it provides, writes Trish Whelan. As well as for all the gee-whiz, high-technology stuff onboard.

It will appeal to city and country folk alike who want a car that stands out from the norm.

The review car was in pale grey with black trim around the doors, decked out with chrome roof rails on a black stripe, sitting on smokey black anthracite alloy wheels, and with higher ground clearance. It also comes in other exterior colours including white with black and chrome accessories giving off a powerful but rugged look with its promise of performance and adventure. I also particularly liked the boomerang shaped LED lights inset into the front bumpers.