ROAD TEST: Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 Momentum
By: Brendan Seery
Johannesburg - Scandinavians, and in particular the Swedes, are known for a few things, including design and the fact that, because of their climate, they can have some of the toughest motoring conditions on the planet.
So, the new Volvo V60 Cross Country uses both of those themes to paint a portrait of itself as a no-nonsense, tough, yet minimalistically elegant, car for all roads and all seasons.
It’s based (as are most SUVs and crossover vehicles) on its V60 station wagon siblings, but with all the Cape Union Mart extras you’d expect for tackling the wilds, including a raised ride height (up 65mm to a almost 200mm), bash plates underneath and bits of plastic cladding to deflect the slings and arrows of outrageous off-road misfortune.
Just the sort of thing you need to impress the neighbours: it sends a message that you are connected to the environment but can hold forth on brush techniques at the Museum of Modern Art.
Many of these vehicles will be bought for just these reasons – as are most urban 4x4s – but that’s a pity because this Volvo, with its all-wheel-drive system, could take you pretty far off the beaten track once that track gets well and truly beaten.
The all-wheel drive system is a part-time one, like most of those in the category (unlike Subarus or Land Rovers, which have full-time AWD – there is a difference), so it can cope with rough gravel and some soft sand. Its clever electronics also help postpone the inevitable moment when it bogs down (while full-time systems are less prone).
FIVE-CYLINDER GROWL
Our test unit was powered by Volvo’s five-cylinder turbopetrol, which puts out a substantial 187kW and bags of torque. It has a characterful growl but I couldn’t help but wonder about this engine’s somewhat chequered history.
Co-developed and manufactured with Ford a few years ago, the 2.5-litre engines, in applications such as Ford’s ST hot hatch, proved prone to overheating in African conditions.
It is interesting that Ford no longer uses this engine. Volvo, however, doesn’t have the deep pockets to replace it.
Having said that, the V60 Cross Country is also available with a lusty turbodiesel that’s good for 140kW, more torque than the 2.5-litre petrol and will return better economy figures too. That would be my choice of engine because, even if you’re not concerned with the R544 000 purchase price tag of the V60 Cross Country in petrol guise, you should be a bit worried about urban fuel consumption which is very difficult to bring below 13 litres per 100km.
Standing next to the car, about to get in, and then plopping down into the excellent leather seats in an airy, designer-executed cabin, any concerns fly out of the window. The strong nature of the powerplant – which will push the car to 100km/h in little more than seven seconds, even at the highveld – plus its sharp handling (for a crossover), means the driving experience is well above average.
And, all the time that you are behind the wheel, the strongest statement you are making is: I am not like the rest of you.
For many Volvo buyers, that is enough of a reason to sign on the dotted line. - Saturday Star
FACTS
Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 Momentum
Engine: 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder turbopetrol
Gearbox: Six-speed automatic
Power: 187kW @ 5400rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1800-4200rpm
0-100km/h (claimed): 7.1 seconds
Top speed (claimed): 210km/h
Consumption (claimed): 8.5 litres per 100km
Price: R544 000
Warranty: Five-year/100 000km
Maintenance plan: Five-year/100 000km