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2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review

 

Good points

  • A practical non-SUV option for families
  • Very comfortable seats
  • More supple and refined than the regular V60

Needs work

  • Cross Country upgrade is steep
  • Five-cylinder can be laggy
  • Heavy steering at low speeds
2016 Volvo V60 Cross Country

For a while there, it was looking like having children meant being forced into an SUV. Sure, SUVs are popular for a few reasons: rugged aspirations, lots of space, and a coveted high-riding driving position. But what the marketing won’t tell you is the important stuff: SUVs usually don’t drive as well as cars, they’re hard to see out of, and they can be pretty thirsty.

A growing number of buyers are turning to a simpler solution: the station wagon. In 2015, the wagon started making its quiet comeback—they’re getting more popular at a variety of price points, from the Volkswagen Golf Wagon through to the supercar-fast Audi RS6.

In the middle is Volvo’s V60—a capable and quietly sophisticated wagon that’s been around here since 2011. Until now, Volvo haven’t offered the V60 as a Cross Country model. A Cross Country is the Swedish brand’s term for raised ride height, all-wheel-drive, and a bit of handsome cladding added to the exterior.

That changes for 2016 as the Cross Country trim arrives in showrooms. It’s a pack that not only handily boosts the V60’s versatility, but it also looks great. Revised suspension makes it more supple and quiet than the regular V60, too. And crucially, nothing has changed inside to detract from the Volvo V60’s incredibly high comfort levels—particularly the seats, which are simply the best in the industry.

More and more people are asking—do I really need to buy an SUV? Cars like this modern Volvo Cross Country have us confidently answering, ‘no’.

Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
2.4L
Cylinders
5
Induction
Twin turbochargers
Power
140kW @ 4000rpm
Torque
420Nm @ 1500-3000rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
78kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Diesel
Fuel capacity
67L
Consumption
5.8L/100km
Average Range
1155km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
6
Dimensions
Length
4637mm
Width
1866mm
Height
1545mm
Unoccupied weight
1785kg
Cargo space seats up
430L
Cargo seats down
1241L

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The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
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Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

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