CROSS PURPOSES (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 63

We have a whole lot of time for Volvo's MK2 V60 estate and getting it in the Cross Country crossover-style form that was sold between 2019 and 2023 further broadened this car's appeal. Buyers get a choice of mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, with eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive as standard, plus an off-road driving mode. It's not cheap, though.

Modelsword count: 3

5dr SUV (PHEV)

Historyword count: 175

Be honest with yourself. Do you really need an SUV? Chances are you don't. You might just be buying one because you like sitting up high, or you think you're going to come off better in a crash or maybe just because you think you ought to have one. Now, you're clearly within your rights to choose exactly whatever you've earned the money to afford, but buying an SUV comes with a whole bunch of downsides that their manufacturers don't want you to know about. The laws of physics being what they are, nothing comes for free. Added size is added weight, extra fuel thirst, compromised handling and less effective braking. If only there was a smarter way to get that rugged, go-anywhere look without all of the lard. Volvo delivered just that in 2019 in the shape of this second generation V60 Cross Country model, arguably a smarter solution than the average mid-sized premium-branded SUV. It sold in petrol and diesel forms until late 2021, with just the petrol version continuing until late 2023.

What You Getword count: 206

The base MK2 V60 was always a handsome car, but the Cross Country version amped up the attitude a good few degrees with the addition of robust bodywork protection elements. Finished in charcoal grey, these include wheel arch extensions, lower sill mouldings and a rear bumper embossed with the Cross Country logo. With the lower grille adopting the same finish, extra visual ruggedness was added right around the lower part of the car, referencing its ability to tackle more challenging conditions. It also got five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, which were specific to the Cross Country. Inside, there was much borrowed from the brand's V90 and XC60 models, the interior boasting Volvo's paired back interior design language with a 9.3-inch portrait orientated touchscreen infotainment system. Plus there was a digital instrument panel, with virtual dials separated by a customisable central space that could display a navigational map, trip computer info or your chosen phone or media settings. Out back, boot space came in at 529-litres with the rear seats in place, outstripping rivals in this segment from this period like the Audi A4 allroad, BMW 3 Series Touring xDrive and the Mercedes C-Class Estate 4MATIC. The rear bench splits 40/20/40 and drops down flat to the floor.

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