వోల్వో v40 క్రాస్ కంట్రీ [2016-2019]

Ok so I was in the market for a premium car and was obviously torn part between the various options. I have always had a secret crush on the Volvo line-up and ever since I saw V40 for the first time, it actually did steal my heart (talk about first crush- ha!). So my wife and I started to explore the options. Our need was clearly not a very large car since we are only a family of 4. I really liked the A180 for its visual appeal but the vehicle severely lacked in the equipment levels and performance. We even test drove the new Skoda Superb despite knowing its too big a car. While it was nice and plush it never connected with me. We ruled out the Audi since I wasnt a big fan of the A3 or even the Q3 since the roads are full of them. BMW X1 was considered but the new model's pricing was very high and that car really excels in the Msport trim which is again priced ridiculously. So off we went to Volvo Chennai and we were pleasantly greeted by the staff and we really felt at home. Took the R-Design trim for a spin and loved it instantly! I was able to connect with the car and get used to its dynamics in no time. I was able to notice that upmarket build quality and the car was put together with that impeccable finish. It was built like a tank. So in no time, we were convinced thats going to be our car and we were again pleasantly surprised to learn on a nice discount that we were offered. While I had my eyes set on the R-design trim with that smoking hot Ixion alloys,I finally settled with the Cross Country trim which gives me a better peace of mind with a slightly raised stance (higher GC) and rough body cladding to handle our rough roads better. Man those new set of 18" alloys on the Pirellis! Loved them and the design grew on me. Again I wanted the passion red but due to the mouth watering discounts I settled with the Pearl White which again has been growing in me. The ride itself is very planted and mature. The car stays with you no matter what speeds you are at. You can feel the weight when you drive - it behaves like a large car but it pulls like anything. Mind you the car weighs a whole 2 Ton! In contrast my Civic is a mere 1200 KG. This thing is like a tank. The D3 engine with the auto gear box drives really well. It puts power down power well and gives you ample when you need them. In the sports mode you can take control of the revs and use the paddle-shifters that again work really well and puts a grin on your face! There is an Eco + mode that alters the ride to make it fuel efficient. The car still pulls really well even in the Eco mode. The dual zone climate control system works like a charm and cools the cabin in no time. In fact this is one of the most powerful ACs I have seen in cars. The car is packed with safety features including blind spot warning lights on the A pillars that flash when there is a vehicle approaching or passing by from your blind spot, city safety - which auto breaks on sensing a impending collision under 50 KMPH, lane assistance that works like a charm whenever you drift away from the lane where the vehicle steers you back a bit into the lane. The car is an absolute looker from any angle especially from the back. Those Thor Hammer LEDs are gorgeous and their throw is amazing! The only con I would probably complain is the back seat space isnt the best but you can live with it if you are not very tall. Some would also complain the boot space offered but again I can live with it. If you need more space, you can opt for a roof box that can be mounted on the roof rails but I don't think one would go to that extent. In short, the V40 cross country is pretty much a standing example of Volvo'c great design and engineering! It is a large slice of what Volvo offers up the league and is a benchmark when it comes to Crossover and Hatchback segments.