Should you buy one?

The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a difficult car to recommend on rational grounds because it’s bookended by two very talented – and very similar – cars in Volvo’s line-up.

The standard V60 estate offers the same amount of space inside, but it’s better to drive on the road. It’s also available with a broader range of engines, including a plug-in hybrid option.

Then there’s the XC60. It’s a proper SUV rather than a lifted estate, but it handles with the same competence as the Cross Country on the road. What’s more, because its suspension a little taller, you can drive it off-road without worrying about ripping the oil sump off.

However, the V60 Cross Country is targeting a niche audience. It’s aimed at buyers who want a bit off-road ability but detest the idea of owning an off-roader – and we reckon it serves that purpose well. It’s the alternative for lifestyle buyers that promises to make you stand out from the crowd in what’s rapidly becoming a one-dimensional marketplace of SUVs.

What we like

The Volvo V60 Cross Country’s 2.0-litre engine is muscular and its four-wheel drive system is sure-footed. And while it might not ride as well as a standard V60, its extra suspension travel allows you to fling it down an undulating B-road without worrying about scraping the front bumper on ruts and dips.

We like the interior, too. The seats are comfortable, the materials feel expensive and there’s ample space for four passengers and all their luggage.

What we don’t like

Volvo’s infotainment system is a bit fiddly. We’d have liked to see more physical controls on the dashboard for items like the climate controls and safety equipment. It’s frustrating to plough through the reams of menus for something as trivial as disengaging lane assist.

The Cross Country’s engine range is rather limited, too. Its sole petrol engine is a great performer but isn’t particularly economical. A diesel would broaden its appeal to long-distance drivers while a PHEV might make it viable for company car buyers.