Volvo V60 Cross Country review

Standard Volvo in here, and we’ve no problem with that whatsoever. The centre console is dominated by a portrait touchscreen, which is slick to operate and looks ace.

The UI is broadly good, though some features are hidden behind several more screen-jabs than they really ought to be. And we’d still much rather the climate controls were physical items, rather than integrated into the screen. But that would spoil the look, which is cool as they come. All of its competitors’ interiors feel dull and unimaginative after the Volvo’s - its ergonomic shortcomings are a small price to pay for something that looks this cool.

That said, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both available, and their integration into the OEM system is among the best we’ve seen. A second screen replaces conventional dials. It’s not as configurable as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit or the Mercedes equivalent, but that actually helps it because you don’t get a bafflingly large number of display options/styles. A small map lies between clear dials, and you can scroll through trip info using buttons on the steering wheel.

The front seats are hugely comfortable, and because you can pull the steering wheel right the way back into your chest, finding a comfortable driving position is very straightforward. Space in the back is predictably generous, for legs, heads and belongings. Meanwhile the boot is as well stocked with hooks, lashing points and storage cubbies for smaller items as you’d expect. This is a deeply practical car, no doubt, even by the standard of this very competitive class.