2016 Volvo V40 Cross Country Commercial Features Nina Simone's "Feeling Good"

I might just be one of the only two guys on the autoevolution team who like the V40 Cross Country and constantly checks to see if it's been updated. Using a Ford Focus platform, Volvo managed to make a compact hatchback that's better in every way. The Cross Country is a jacked-up version of that, which doesn't sound all that impressive.

But consider the following fact: the V40 CC preceded the Mercedes GLA and Infiniti QX30. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is also almost the same component you get on the new F48 BMW X1.

When we tested the car over two years ago, the local Volvo dealership handed us the keys to a T5 AWD model, the last hoorah of the 2.5-liter engine. A sonorous exhaust, pleasant interior, digital dash and compliant suspension all made the experience pleasurable. I was also surprised to see that the big lump only wanted about 10 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (23.5 mpg US).

Now there's an even more frugal model, as the 2016 V40 Cross Country is launching with a 2-liter turbo engine. Unfortunately, the output has dropped from 254 to 245 PS, while torque is now 350 Nm, as opposed to 360 Nm (258 to 265 lb-ft). Still, that's more than any non-AMG GLA model.

The upside is the fact that V40 Cross Country T5 AWD is basically the cleanest car in its segment. Emissions are now only 148 g/km, compared to the Audi Q3 TFSI Quattro 177 PS (179 g/km) or the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic (151 g/km).

For 2016, you can also have all-wheel drive on the T4. It also comes with a 2-liter turbo, producing 190 PS and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft), while the 152 horsepower T3 engine offers 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). While I'd go for the T5, most buyers opt for the diesel choice.

There is the D3 producing 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque while the Drive-E D2 has 120 hp and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft). The V40 D2 with a manual gearbox comes with CO2 emissions as low as 96 g/km, equivalent to fuel consumption of 3.7 l/100 km.

The driver rides 40 mm higher in the V40 Cross Country than in the standard V40, so clearing most off-road obstacles is possible. This tough impression is enhanced by a number of special Cross Country details, including wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, a front with dark, contrasting bumper, honeycomb mesh grille, and upright daytime running lights.