MOM'S TAXI TEST: Volvo Cross Country D3 Geartronic Excel
Now if I were in the US military, and serving my country on an overseas tour, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Volvo, for various reasons. One: the Swedish carmaker has been running a military sales programme to American troops since the 1950s and offers all sorts of special deals. Two: there would be no US import duty payable. Three: Volvo offers five years' free shipping from Europe to the US, and four, the carmaker offers a choice of custom-build options specially to the military, many of which aren't available in the US domestic market.
However, I'm not GI Jane, and certainly not eligible for any of the above. So back home on the ranch, would I still get one? Most definitely, especially after cruising around in the nimble, sure-footed and lovely-to-drive Volvo V40 Cross Country.
In case you didn't know, Volvo is Latin for “I roll”.
Strange, but true. And roll along merrily I did in this driveable, luxurious, and as ever with Volvo, beautifully finished V40 D3 hatch.
Apart from that, it's fantastically sporty and gorgeous to look at.
Like the rest of the cars from this stable, the D3 provides a refined, powerful yet economical driving experience. Its smooth-running 110kw two-litre turbodiesel is remarkably torquey (think 350Nm), providing impressive acceleration. At the same time, a range of technical modifications makes this engine one of the most efficient in its class. An average cycle should give you a consumption of about 5.2 litres per 100km - and a weeny 4.3, out on a country cruise.
Standard kit includes idle stop and all-wheel-drive
That makes the Cross Country ideal not only for city driving, but also on dirt and the rougher stuff (with the added advantage of being 40mm higher than its siblings).
On the tar, it's magnificent, gripping the road like nobody's business. Cornering is magnificent, braking like running into wet cement.
No Volvo lacks for safety features, and the Cross Country is no different. Put it this way: you and your family will be as safe as houses in this car - yet there's a pleasantly surprising spirit of adventure in the Cross Country.
Clever and functional interior design and loads of storage space, as well as a choice of interior “mood lighting” settings, add to the driving pleasure, and if you're thinking that space might be a problem, worry not: there's plenty of room for legs, heads, and anything else.
BOTTOM LINE
Volvos are becoming the vehicles of choice for customers with a sense of adventure who want to drive a car that stands apart from the rest. For R361 000 (for the Cross Country D3 Geartronic Excel), what's not to like? - Star Motoring