15 years after the last ‘go-anywhere’ V70, Volvo announce an all-new, smaller, rugged off-roading bit of elegance in the new V40 Cross Country.

In a bid to persuade potential customers, Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Corporation had this to say about the new V40 Cross Country.

"It is designed for those who want a sense of adventure in their everyday life. And when you want a break from the city, it is capable enough to take you and your gear to your favourite adventure and back. However, you still need to climb the mountain yourself,"

Quite a bold statement for what looks like a rather tiny car. But then this is Volvo. And we can’t remember the last time the conservative Swedes had claimed anything they couldn’t live up to.

We’ve personally been quite excited by the V40. Having driven and loved the larger V60 T5, the prospect of a bite-sized all-rounder bit of kit is mouth-watering.