Volvo V60 Cross Country boot space, practicality and safety

• Same amount of interior space as regular V60
• Exterior has some rugged-looking additions…
• Would you want to scratch them, though?

Given that the V60 Cross Country’s bodywork is identical in size to the regular V60, it’s no surprise to learn that space for passengers and luggage is identical.

What this means in real terms is very comfortable and generously proportioned front seats, while those on the outer positions of the rear bench will have little to complain about either. It’s only the person relegated to middle-rear seat that will have anything to complain about as their lower legs will be straddling the generous transmission tunnel that houses the mechanicals that send power to the rear wheels.

Boot space is generous with the seats up, but as per the core V60 range, other comparable wagons such as the Audi A4 Allroad, are roomier on those occasions when you need to fold them over. There are useful features such as a pop-up boot divider and lashing points, but considering the Cross Country might be used for a spot of light off-roading, there’s no standard provision for dumping muddy boots or kit in the back without soiling the carpet. Still, there’s an electric tailgate for shutting all of that away without clarting the boot handle up with filth.

Cross Country package detracts from practicality

It’s not all good news, though. As part of its off-roading makeover, the Cross Country rides 60mm higher than regular V60s, meaning that the boot height is also elevated by the same amount. It might not sound much when you’re loading up a few grocery bags, but it could prove to be an unnecessary peeve if you’re trying to slide in a heavy wardrobe.

There’s a similar story with the Volvo’s rugged wardrobe: yes, there are bare, charcoal-coloured plastic wheelarch, lower bumper and side-sill extensions (far less than Cross Country models of yore, it has to be noted), which suggests they will be less prone to nudges in car parks or against rocky outcrops. But in reality, this is a car that costs north of £40,000 – are you really going to want the bodywork’s extremities to look tatty? After all, they’ll still cost money to put right or replace by the time you come to sell it, so they can hardly be classed as sacrificial.

Safely does it

• Deeply impressive safety kit roster
• Super Euro NCAP crash test result
• Few safety-related optional extras

Volvo is synonymous with safety, with the Swedish firm being a technological trailblazer in this field for decades, so it’s no surprise that when the regular V60 was crash-tested by Euro NCAP it was noted as being one of the safest its yet tested. As the Cross Country is unlikely to be subjected to a separate test, you can watch the V60 being tested below.

As standard are all manner of electronic advances to help prevent you from being involved in an accident in the first place, such as autonomous emergency braking that recognises pedestrians, cyclists and numerous large animals even at night, as well as Oncoming Lane Mitigation to reduce the severity of head-on accidents.

Cross Country models also come with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and, as a nod to its SUV pretentions, hill-descent control making it easier to negotiate tricky declines.

Additionally, as part of Volvo’s Vision 2020 programme, with the aim of eliminating deaths or serious injuries to its drivers, all models sold from 2020 onwards will have an electronically capped top speed of 112mph.

Watch: Volvo V60 Estate Euro NCAP crash-test