Test drive Volvo S60 D4 AWD Cross Country: individuality
Driving one of the latest fully classic Volvo models
Volvo became one of the pioneers of SUVs in the mid-90s. The idea of a family station wagon with increased ground clearance, extra body protection and dual drive is undoubtedly brilliant from a practical point of view and in fact brings just as many benefits (and often more) as a significantly more expensive and heavier SUV. As one of the iconic Swedish models, the V70 Cross Country, the XC70 also received the company in the form of the smaller HS40. But as market trends are relentless, interest has gradually shifted to the super successful HS90 SUV, which is now in its second stage of development, as well as the smaller HS60.
However, this does not mean that Volvo has abandoned the tradition of producing all-terrain wagons. The Cross Country V60 version is one of the youngest additions to the brand's portfolio and, to the surprise of many, has been joined by an S60-based sedan variant. Yes, that's right - at the moment this is the only such model in the European market with a sedan body. What is actually a great addition to the individual character of the car, which is already one of the traditional main arguments in favor of buying it.
Offroad sedan? Why not?
Externally, the car is made in a style very close to other versions of the Cross Country - the lines of the base model are very recognizable, but they have added larger wheels, increased ground clearance, as well as special protective elements in the areas of thresholds, fenders and bumpers. . In fact, especially in profile, the Volvo S60 Cross Country looks quite unusual, because we are used to seeing such solutions in combination with a station wagon, and not with a sedan. However, this does not mean that the car does not look good - its appearance is simply unusual, and this objectively makes it even more interesting.
Inside, we find style typical of the brand's classic models - the number of buttons is still many times greater than the new wave of Volvo products that started with the second version of the XC90, the atmosphere is cool and simple, and the quality of materials and workmanship is at a high level. Comfort, especially in the front seats, is excellent and the space is within the normal class.
One of the last options to own a new five-cylinder Volvo
It is now well known that, in the name of environmental concerns, Volvo will gradually switch to full two-liter four-cylinder engines, both petrol and diesel engines. Undoubtedly, from the point of view of efficiency, there is logic in this decision, but the emotional side of the issue is completely different. The Volvo S4 Cross Country D60 version is equipped with a machine that true fans of the brand will undoubtedly not notice. The five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has a character that sets it apart from all competitors on the market - uneven running of an odd number of combustion chambers - a sound that connoisseurs of classic Volvo values will not forget for a long time. To our delight, this special character is not yet a thing of the past - the S60 D4 AWD Cross Country behaves like a real Volvo in every way, including the bike. Not only powerful traction and ease of acceleration leave a great impression, but also the harmonious interaction of the 2,4-liter unit with 190 hp. with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The standard twin transmission does its job efficiently and discreetly, providing excellent traction even on slippery surfaces. Having an assistant when starting off on a slope is helpful, especially when driving on the beaten track.
Typical of the brand is the variety of driver assistance systems that make a significant contribution to active safety. However, the behavior of some of them is somewhat hypersensitive - for example, the collision warning is activated arbitrarily and for no reason, for example, when the system is fooled by cars parked in a corner.
The brand is characterized by driving performance of the car - the emphasis is more on safety and peace of mind on the road than on dynamics. Just like a real Volvo.
CONCLUSION
Safety, comfort and individual design - the main advantages of the Volvo S60 Cross Country are typical of Volvo. To this we must add the remarkable five-cylinder diesel engine, which still stands out from its four-cylinder rivals with its strong character. For connoisseurs of the classic values of the Scandinavian brand, this model can be a really good investment.
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Melania Iosifova
