A Marketing Essential

Volvo's highlight of the year, the "V40 Cross Country T5 AWD," was added to the V40 lineup and released on May 7, 2013. With the addition of this functional model to the existing standard V40 T4 and sporty V40 T5 R-DESIGN, Volvo Car Japan anticipates "boosting sales with three variations."

The V40 Cross Country T5 AWD (hereafter V40 Cross Country) is powered by a 2-liter, 5-cylinder turbo engine producing 213 horsepower. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Its ground clearance is 10mm higher than the two-wheel-drive version, reportedly enhancing its off-road capability.



"Volvo traditionally offers products in standard, R-DESIGN, and Cross Country variants, and this launch follows that tradition," stated Volvo Car Japan. "Furthermore, it's a crucial model from a marketing perspective, given the demand for AWD in snowy regions like Hokkaido."

The powertrain is identical to the V40 T5 R-DESIGN, boasting impressive sporty performance, and the drive is excellent. Even on normal roads, it proves to be a thoroughly enjoyable model.

Faster Than Expected

The V40 Cross Country also incorporates fun-car elements in its aesthetics. Distinctive features include dedicated roof rails, a unique honeycomb mesh front grille, front and rear bumpers with a custom color scheme and surface design (including "CROSS COUNTRY" engraving), and chrome trim.


The chassis features the latest fifth-generation Haldex on-demand AWD system, known for its rapid response (typically front-wheel drive, with torque distributed to the rear as needed). Additionally, the front incorporates rubber mounts for the subframe, while the rear utilizes dedicated link arms and damper brackets adapted for the AWD system.

Despite the visually emphasized higher ride height, the driving experience is remarkably smooth and agile. Settling into the bright and modern interior, one can feel the turbo engaging effectively from 1,500 rpm. The acceleration is continuous, and the engine revs freely, making it faster than anticipated.

Cars Are Meant to Be Enjoyed

The handling exceeds expectations for this type of vehicle, offering both driving enjoyment and a high degree of confidence. Cornering is swift, and from the entry through the increase in lateral G-force to the exit onto acceleration, the car's behavior remains stable, creating an exhilarating sensation. Volvo's engineers clearly emphasize their belief that "cars are meant to be enjoyed."



"We develop cars to be enjoyed by the driver."

These are the words of Håkan Abrahamsson, the chief development manager, who attended the press drive event coinciding with the car's launch in Japan.


"When driving the V40 Cross Country, please try the S mode on the shift lever. It raises the shift points, improves throttle response, holds gears during cornering, and automatically blips the throttle during downshifts to match engine speed, adding to the sensory enjoyment."

While that is true, it's worth noting that the standard mode felt more than sufficient. The car's potential is evident, making it enjoyable even without engaging sportier settings.

An Exquisite Price Point

The V40 Cross Country shares its 213-horsepower 2-liter 5-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic transmission gear ratios, and 320mm front ventilated brakes with the V40 T5 R-DESIGN. Indeed, as mentioned earlier, its performance is lively.

However, when comparing the two, the T5 R-DESIGN offers a more direct feel. The Cross Country, being all-wheel drive, likely employs softer rubber bushings for ride comfort. One perceives a subtle layer, perhaps a rubbery sensation, between the ride and cornering feel, indicating a slight delay in response.



The diverse safety technologies, including Lane Change Merge Aid, which alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when merging lanes, and City Safety, an automatic braking system that helps avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions, are identical to other V40 models.

I believe this V40 T5 AWD Cross Country is a highly practical model.


Personally, I prefer the directness of the T5, but unless the all-wheel drive is actively engaged, the difference is remarkably small, in a good way.

The exterior styling might be divisive; the cosmetic additions feel somewhat incongruous. Given the base car's coupe-like profile, they don't seem to blend seamlessly.

Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD | Volvo V40 Cross Country T5 AWD
Body Dimensions | Length 4,370 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,470 mm
Wheelbase | 2,645 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,550 / 1,540 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.4 meters
Weight | 1,580 kg
Engine | 1,983 cc Inline 5-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 157 kW (213 ps) / 6,000 rpm
Maximum Torque | 300 Nm (30.6 kgm) / 2,700-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
Tires | 225/50R17
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 12.4 km/ℓ
Price | ¥3.59 million