Review: Volvo V60 Cross Country (2015-18)

Overview

Commencing production in May 2015, the Volvo Mk.2 V60 Cross Country was an all-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Ghent, Belgium, the Volvo V60 Cross Country was initially powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. From April 2016, however, the V60 Cross Country T5 was available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Compared to the related Volvo Mk.2 V60 , the V60 Cross Country could be identified by its increased ground clearance, front and rear skid plates, side scuff plates and flared guards.

V60 Cross Country: D5244T and B4204T11 engines

The V60 Cross Country D4 was powered by Volvo’s D5244T4 five-cylinder diesel engine which had an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, twin turbochargers, common-rail direct injection via piezo-electric injectors (operating at 1800 bar), cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 16.5:1.

The V60 Cross Country T5 was powered by the B4204T11 four-cylinder petrol engine which had an aluminium cylinder block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a single turbocharger, conventional port injection and a compression ratio of 9.5:1.

Both engines had an ‘idle stop’ function which enabled them to shut down when the vehicle was stationary to reduce fuel consumption. Furthermore, regenerative braking – which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting – was also fitted as standard.

All-wheel drive system

The Volvo V60 Cross Country had a fifth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system which consisted an electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch coupling (located in front of the rear axle differential at the end of the prop shaft). Under low loads or when coasting, the rear axle was decoupled to reduce fuel consumption. If, however, there was a loss of front wheel traction or such a loss was anticipated by on-board sensors, then an electrohydraulic oil pump would apply pressure to the clutch plates to transfer up to 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels (for a 50:50 front:rear torque split).

Dimensions

Compared to the Volvo Mk.2 V60 , the Volvo V60 Cross Country was 3 mm longer (at 4638 mm), 33 mm wider (1899 mm), 61 mm taller (1545 mm) and had a 2 mm shorter wheelbase (2774 mm). Furthermore, ground clearance was increased by 65 mm to 201 mm.

The Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 and D4 had kerb weights of 1747 kg and 1785 kg, respectively.

Suspension and steering

The Volvo V60 Cross Country had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

The Volvo V60 Cross Country had rack-and-pinion steering; while the V60 Cross Country D4 had electro-hydraulic power assistance, the V60 Cross Country T5 had electric power assistance. For both vehicles, the steering wheel required 2.7 turns from lock to lock, while the turning circle was 11.4 metres.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volvo V60 Cross Country included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The V60 Cross Country was also fitted with Volvo’s ‘City Safety’ system, which would automatically apply the brakes at speeds under 50 km/h if a windscreen-mounted laser detected anticipated a collision. The ‘Pedestrian Detection’ system – fitted as standard – also applied automatic braking if a pedestrian was detected to cross in front of the car.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the related Volvo V60 D3 received a five star safety rating with a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating – this rating was applied to all V60 models with five-cylinder turbo-diesel engines. In the frontal impact test, there was a slight risk of serious leg injury for the front occupants. In the side impact and pole tests, the V60 received maximum points though rib compression readings in the latter indicated marginal protection of the chest.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in an adult occupant protection score of 36.34 out of 37.

Brakes

The Volvo V60 Cross Country had 316 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs and 302 mm by 11 mm solid rear discs.

Features: V60 Cross Country

Standard features for the Volvo V60 Cross Country included 18 x 7.5J alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 tyres, an eight speaker sound system with CD/DVD player, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm, USB, iPod), satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Internet connectivity via a paired device, power adjustable front seats (with driver’s seat memory settings), leather seat trim, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, a rear view camera, 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel gear shift paddles, remote central locking with proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power adjustable and heated mirrors with folding function, power windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, push-button start, ambient lighting, a cargo cover, floor mats, trip computer, roof rails, an alarm and immobiliser.

Paint finishes

The Volvo V60 Cross Country was available in Ice White, Crystal White Pearl, Black Stone, Onyx Black metallic, Rich Java metallic, Twilight Bronze metallic, Bright Silver metallic, Electric Silver metallic, Savile Grey metallic and Osmium Grey metallic paint finishes.

Specifications

• Specifications: Volvo V60 Cross Country (October 2016)

Brochure

• Brochure: Volvo V60 Cross Country (September 2015)

Related links

• Volvo Australia: Volvo V60 Cross Country
• Wikipedia.org: Volvo Mk.2 S60/V60