In-depth Reviews

Volvo V40 Cross Country hatchback owner reviews

Name: Volvo V40 Cross Country hatchback
Brand: Volvo

"The Volvo V40 Cross Country is expensive, but its rugged off-roader looks and car-like driving experience ensure that it’s not without appeal"

by Carbuyer team

18 Apr 2018

Carbuyer Rating

3.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.4 out of 5

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86%of people would recommend this car to a friend.

Owner Rating

15reviews
3reviews
2reviews
1reviews

Common Problems

Other (1 cases)
Electrics (2 cases)
Engine, Suspension, Other (1 cases)

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

D4 LUX NAV

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I bought the Volvo to replace my BMW 320d. The car has had two issues to date. The first one was simply water entering the high intensity fog light. The second became more noticeable as the miles built up. At around 1500 revs the gear leaver would buzz. I was able to demonstrate this to the Volvo Technician. He asked for the car to be booked in and he would order in some parts. The gear selector was changed and on collecting the car I now notice the gear change has more resistance especially for the first few miles. The light lens was replaced at the first service and is fine. I have driven the car much harder since the repairs and can say with total confidence this car pulls very well. The buzz is gone throughout the rev range and the acceleration from 1400 revs upwards is instant and strong. To increase visibility I fold the rear headrests forward and this makes a big difference. The performance compared to my previous 2012 BMW 320d is outstanding, also the D4 engine is much smoother. I would recommend anyone trying a Volvo V40 D4 before buying a similar car from another manufacturer. I tried a BMW 118d MSport, VW Golf 150 and a Merc 220d Sport. They all came a very poor second.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

D2 Lux (1.6)

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Well let me start this review by saying I've had the car two months and it's the best car I've owned. Better than my previous Audis and VWs by far. Let me also mention the 1 star review that said the 1.6 diesel was so slow it made joining a motorway dangerous - utter rubbish. I've never (touchwood) had that problem and I've owned cars far slower than this. The car is very comfortable. The ride is somewhat springy compared to the standard V40, so on really undulating roads it's like being on a jelly, but otherwise it rides bumps and holes with no issues. The seats are clearly designed for comfort. The quality of the interior is outstanding and very modern, all the switches and dials have clearly had their locations thought out. The one exception to this is the light switch, it's in a rather stupid place so I'd advise you to leave your lights on auto. The boot is not as big as the golf/A3, but I've never struggled to fit anything in, especially with the forward folding passenger seat. The car looks fantastic and I've had people make nice comments about it after parking it up. The economy is great for a car that's only done 2500 miles and is improving all the time. It's also very safe - after only two weeks of ownership someone decided to run into the back of me when I was at a junction and no whiplash or any major damage either. The engine is not the fastest, but it has plenty of torque and I've never found myself wanting for more power. It's clearly a motorway cruiser rather than a drag racing car. If you want the latter I advise a D4 R design. Having driven all the other major hatchbacks before making my decision (leon, golf, A3, 1 series, A class, astra, etc) I know I made the right one. The car is well equipped for the price and stands out from the crowd. Not to mention 5 years servicing for £200 and free roadside assistance for a year each time Volvo service the car. I was skeptical at purchase, but I'm a proper Volvo convert now.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 diesel

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Lovely car to drive, really comfortable, extremely good on fuel. For the size of engine it has ample power and is very quiet. Excellent service and treatment from Volvo dealership. I would recommend this car to anyone. In my opinion the Carbuyer UK rating is a load of rubbish.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

2.0, 5 cylinders, AWD, T5, 213 psi.

Year of registration

2013

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

Dream car, sporty, sticks to the road like a GoKart, you dot need to take off your foot from the accelerator in curves, it rectifies all errors by itself. You need to slow down after passing all cars so they can read that it is a Volvo and go buy one the next day.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

T3 Pro

Year of registration

2018

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Leased through Motability Scheme as I am arthritic. If you suffer with a similar condition this car is not for you. Reasons being the seats. They're made very well, full leather of a high quality BUT due to the shape after 20 minutes of driving you sink into the seat which acts like a vice and crushes your joints. So badly to the point that I have paid a cancellation fee on the lease after 700 miles in January got the car in Oct 2018 and found another car, a VW Tiguan. Other than that, it's very well made. The car has striking looks in silver complemented by good performance with the T3 petrol engine, autobox is smooth and responsive too. I had heated seats and screen added which I'd highly recommend as leather seats can be a bit chilly on the cold mornings. Not the most economical around town but enjoyable to drive. If it was not for my condition would be happy with the car. Gutted as I lost a nice car and quite a bit of money. Mpg based on city driving.

Reliability

No problems

Performance

Nice.

Running Cost

Depends how you drive !

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 D2 Luxury 5dr

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Very strong, safety and economic car

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 diesel manual

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Having downsized from previous large Volvos I still cannot get to grips with its limited space, especially the small boot. I'm an average size guy but hit my head on the door frame every time I get in the car. Now the positives:- Superb fuel consumption (can get 70mpg on one of my regular 40 mile runs), free road tax, very comfortable, good road handling, well appointed.

Reliability

5 out of 5

No problems so far.

Performance

Good for a 1.6 diesel.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

Excellent having previously driven large Volvos

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Review

Volvo dealer offered a V40CC SE at a similar price as a V40 R-design. The CC is so much more practical. Easier to enter and exit, sit higher on the road, has rubber bumpers, smoother ride over imperfection in the roads - manholes, road repairs. Just perfect for everyday use. This is my 4th Volvo, previously owned S80

Reliability

This is my 4th Volvo.

Performance

very satisfactory

Running Cost

Cannot complain about excessive maintenance costs. have my cars served regularly

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Wonderfully quiet and comfortable car, just right for long-distance cruising.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 deisel lux

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

2015 model, had it since September and it's a dream. The leather seats are so soft and comfortable, plenty of extras. It has a pleasing ride and fits the driver like a glove in a way that the old Saabs used to do. I've got the smaller of the engines and auto gearbox, it has plenty of power but not the fastest 0-60. Forget the badge and I would bet a test drive would put Volvo pretty well up there.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

T5 AWD auto

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

Superb car in traffic, on the motorway and on country roads. Comfortable, economical to run, smooth, corners like it's on rails. In Australia fully optioned. Great Volvo service and customer care.

Reliability

5 out of 5

After 9,000km/six months, no issues at all.

Performance

5 out of 5

Will quietly and easily queue in traffic until you want to turn on the power. On the highway power just flows and flows. Stopping is smooth and controlled. Cornering with Volvo's new front-wheel control is easy and controlled.

Running Cost

4 out of 5

On the motorway 40mpg. Thirsty on city running, though, getting 28mpg.

Version

D2 Lux

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Review

I really wanted to like this car, I’ve only had it a month and I just cannot stand it. The ride quality is shocking, it’s all over the place on B roads and even a roads and motorways it feels unsettled if the surface isn’t smooth. Also, I just cannot get the right seating position, I like my left leg to extend pretty much straight when depressing the clutch, but then my right foot feels too far away from the throttle pedal. Get myself in the right place for the throttle and I feel like I’m almost sitting on the dashboard and my arms are too bent for the steering wheel, which is as back as far as it will go. Then there’s the seat, it slopes back too much so get the base right for my back and there’s not enough support at the top, get it right at the top but then I’m pushed forward and sitting far too upright. I know this all sounds very fussy but our other car is a nondescript 2015 Renault Megane, which I can just get in and drive (after pushing the seat back a bit of my wife has been at the wheel) without having to think about all these things, and you shouldn’t have to! I dislike it so much that after just one month I’m also considering getting a Megane, a new shape one which I’ve test driven and again, feels just right. It also seems to have just recently developed an issue with the ABS, which I don’t know if it’s real or just a faulty sensor. I had a Volvo 440 years ago, that was rubbish and I said I wouldn’t have a Volvo again, I don’t think I will get another after this terrible experience.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

D2 (1.6) SELux

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I bought this to replace my V50 after yet another air conditioning condenser failure! I chose the pretentiously named Cross Country due to the condition of the roads and wanting slightly higher ride height and some proper tyres (though would happily have sacrificed skid plates and roof bars). It's a very likeable car whether on local short journeys or motorway cruising. It's got more than adequate power and doesn't feel any less responsive than my previous 2.0D V50. It has all the kit I need and the (unheated) leather seats are very comfortable. I had Volvo rear parking assist fitted as seeing out of the back of the car is well nigh impossible and would say that this accessory is a necessity. I also procured a Volvo space saver spare wheel, on ebay rather than the extortionate cost asked by Volvo and even though correctly installed has exacerbated the V40's main problem - boot space! If you wish to carry anything other than a couple of suitcases, this car is not for you! Why a company with Volvo's reputation for building great load luggers did away with the V50 and replaced it with a small hatchback, I'll never know. It's a shame, but I fear it may have to go! The lack of space in favour of looks (which are good) ruins an otherwise great and under-rated car. I've indicated I would recommend this car, but think carefully of your reasons for owning it before you purchase.

Reliability

5 out of 5

One year ownership, passed MOT with no issues.

Performance

Keeps up with the traffic. Anything more is law breaking.

Running Cost

5 out of 5

More than happy with economy. Tyre wear not excessive

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1600 Diesel

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

Great Quality car and nippy for a 1600 diesel and sports chassis makes it a joy on the A9 to skiing resorts Shame the exaggerated mileage claim is way out i get just under 50 mpg driving sensibly not 72 mpg as claimed

Reliability

great

Performance

great

Running Cost

fair

Version

D2 Lux

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Review

Nice looking car but visibility was a total nightmare. I had several close calls due to lack of visibility. I got rid for this very reason

Version

1.6 SE Lux

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

Review

I bought this car as I was loyal to the Volvo brand and this is my 7th Volvo in 15 years. The others were 960 to V70s of which I was more than happy with. This V40 changed all that though. On looks alone it wins my affection, but driving it is another matter. I had the 1.6 engine and it was economical but severely underpowered, so much so that I could not join motorway traffic safely and had to stop and wait on slip roads as I could not outrun lorries in the slow lane. It was economical though, it is possible to average 75mpg on my commute from Swindon to Gloucester. Mine had the cornering headlights which work great, they really are worth thier money. It had leather but no seat heating, which was a nightmare in the winter. The cabin also feels cramped and very claustrophobic. The rear middle seat is non-existent and headroom/legroom is for small children and reminded me of a Porsche I once had. The biggest problem with this car though, and the reason I got rid of it, is the ride quality. It rides like a child's go-kart, unless you are a svelt marathon runner or a size 6 supermodel, this car will get your flabby parts jiggling about. The ride quality is so bad it got to the stage where I started to hate to drive it, they only car I have ever driven that was this bad was a Datsun Micra in the 1980s. Once when it was in for a service, I was given an S60 - and that made the V40 seem even worse, the 60 and 70s ride very well, in the end I kept the V40 Cross Country SE Lux for 18months and did 16000 miles in it. I dont think it is a proper volvo, it may have the badge but underneath it must be a Ford Focus. And they are certainly not built for UK roads, mine shook itself to bits - the radio rattled and the back seat base came loose. Also the doors leaked when it rained and the roof rails are rubbish. I now have a Skoda Superb, who would have ever though a Skoda would be better than a Volvo! Dont by a V40 - you will regret it, unless you plan on not driving anywhere, in which case go for it.

Reliability

Remaining miles is crap - I ran out of fuel with 20 miles to go.

Performance

Terrible - underpowered and slow.

Running Cost

Great can make it do 75MPG.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

D4 Lux Nav

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

59.4

Review

I have found this car to be outstanding. It has been very reliable. One fault I had was the stop/start did not always work even on a warm day. This was investigated at the second service and winter check. It was eventually traced to the auxiliary battery not holding charge. Once this battery was replaced the stop/start works better than expected. We usually change our car after three years. However, we are so pleased with the Volvo that we have decided to run it another year. I find it brilliant to drive. The performance is immediate and very strong. The car came with tempra spare wheel and adjustable floor. This means the boot floor and folded seats are totally level giving a very usable load bay. Recently I replaced the two front tyres with Bridgestone Potenza tyres. I have found the ride is great when the tyres are inflated to comfort, but too harsh if they are set to economy. Handling is still excellent and the car goes where it is pointed with no fuss. Occasionally I carry five large adults with all our equipment and this has no effect on the performance. The Volvo V40 D4 is a fast, economic and comfortable car that handles superbly. I have no issues with the manual gearbox at all whether it is warm or cold. The main dealer servicing costs look dear, but you are offered a free six month check and full breakdown cover, including continental use and repatriation including your trailer. Also you are entitled to two free sat nav updates. I suggest anyone thinking of buying a second car of this size tries the Volvo D4. It has proven to be inexpensive to insure and usually travels more than sixty miles on a gallon of diesel. There is no road fund licence either on most of the second hand Volvo V40 range. In conclusion this is an outstanding car that is a pleasure to drive. I have found the local Volvo main dealer to be excellent.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

1.6 Lux Diesel

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

After test driving numerous similar models & brands, having been a fan of Audi for many years, so pleasantly surprised. Stereotype squashed. So modern, attractive, sexy, sleek, economical... so many admiring glances! Such a lovely comfortable drive, I will definitely consider renewing for the same model! It's trouble free driving. An extremely happy V40 CC owner!

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

D2 Lux

Year of registration

2014

Average annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I have been a Volvo fan for sometime and this doesn't disappoint. The D2 V40 cross country has enough power and returns brilliant fuel efficiency. The interior, in my opinion, is better than anything else I've ever driven in a comparable price category, the finish with the two tone leather is excellent and everything feels like its built to last... not a "plastic fantastic" car like so many. The paint finish outside is deep and of a good standard and trim parts also feel built to last. I have had a problem with the back door and the slave cylinder of the clutch, but the dealer was excellent and fixed it all... free of charge, despite only having the dealers own warranty. This and my previous experience of the Volvo dealer network in the UK has been nothing but positive. Its good on tyre wear, the tax on mine is free, has great fuel efficiency and the little D2 unit is amazingly smooth. I use it on long motorway journeys and the comfort is the best of any car I have driven yet, Ive never felt it underpowered. I have used it in snow in the highlands, heavy rain and dry roads and I have never felt that it was out of its comfort zone on the road. I would recommend... Ill probably buy another after this one.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

D4 Lux Nav

Year of registration

2015

Average annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

Review

I bought the Volvo to replace my BMW 320d. I tried a variety of similar cars, BMW1 Series, Merc A Class, VW Golf and Kia Ceed . They were all fine but the quality of the Volvo stood out. We tried a D2, D3 and finally the Cross Country D4. We have covered about 6000 miles in the car. I am pleased with most things especially the performance and handling. The engine is the best aspect it is more powerful than our BMW 320d and much smoother. The handling and ride are very good. The car does not lean in corners but it soaks up the bumps brilliantly. The Volvo makes a great Tug for our 1200KG caravan and still manages 40 mpg. Solo on long runs it often approaches 70 mpg. I could not get near this with the BMW. I recommend this car to anyone it really is very good. The boot is quite small due to the spare wheel jack and flexible floor. However if you remove everything the space becomes quite large and ideal for carrying tall items especially bags for Recycling.

I would recommend this car to a friend

Version

LUX D2 DIESEL

Year of registration

2013

Average annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

49.5

Review

By far the most comfortable car driven especially after driving Audis and BMWs, While no where near stated mpg it still better than the German cars.

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"The Volvo V40 Cross Country is expensive, but its rugged off-roader looks and car-like driving experience ensure that it’s not without appeal"