Volvo has added a rugged new model to its V40 hatchback with the Cross Country range. Motoring editor Andy Russell likes its standout styling.

It's a bit like waiting for a bus... you stand at the stop and suddenly three come along. No one can accuse Volvo of not maximising its new V40 compact premium hatchback's appeal with three distinct versions coming in quick succession.

It started with the 'standard' V40 which was soon joined by the sporty R-Design and rugged-looking Cross Country models.

Volvo created the original Cross Country concept with the V70 in 1997, now the XC70. Take an estate car and add rugged body kit, beefier suspension, more ground clearance and all-wheel drive for those who do not want a full-blown 4x4.

Now the V40 bears the Cross Country tag and is distinguished by new bumpers with silver scuff plates and new vertical day-running lights, a larger honeycomb grille and black moulded side sills with silver inserts.

The more eye-catching V40 Cross Country is expected to account for around 1,500 sales this year – 11pc of V40 sales.

While the styling tweaks are obvious there's much you can't see as Volvo has revised the suspension so the Cross Country, which has a ride height raised by up to 40mm, drives as well as the standard V40.

It uses a modified version of the dynamic chassis but shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars and rear sub-frame were changed and the stability and traction control and steering gear retuned.

The Cross Country range is offered with 115hp 1.6-litre D2, 150hp 2.0-litre D3 and 177hp 2.0-litre D4 turbo diesels and 180hp 1.6-litre GTDi T4 and all-wheel-drive 254hp 2.5-litre T5 turbo petrols.

I drove the stonking D4 which has bags of low-down urgency and flexible performance with surging kick-in-the-back acceleration. With all-wheel drive available only on the high-performance T5 petrol model, it's all too easy to spin the front wheels with a heavy foot.

For all that performance it's easy to get 50mpg running around with just under 60mpg on a run.

Despite the Cross Country's revised suspension feeling a tad more supple than the standard V40 the ride is still firm and over-sensitive to poor surfaces at low speed but once cruising on good roads it's much more settled.

My range-topping Lux Nav model had a great-looking two-tone cream and black finish to the seats and cabin which is soothing and classy.

The fascia is pure Volvo with big, clear dials and the 'floating' centre console packed with small buttons. The optional eco, elegance and performance themes selector for the 'virtual' digital instruments and illuminated gearknob are well worth investing in. Top-notch, soft-touch trim materials add to the clean and tasteful feel of the cabin which is further enhanced with quality alloy trim panels.

Rear legroom is good for a compact hatchback so adults won't feel the pinch but tall occupants may find headroom limited.

The hatchback boot has a narrow opening but provides a useful 335 litres of space with the rear seats in use. Rear seatbacks split 60/40 and drop flat once there is some weight on them. A decent option is the £145 two-level boot floor which can also be folded up to hold secure loads.

Available in SE and Lux trim levels, silver roof rails are standard on both but the top model includes leather seats, active bending xenon headlights, 17in alloy wheels and LED day-running lights.

I really like the V40 Cross Country – more than the standard hatchback – which has all the practicality in a more standout package that looks quite at home in a rural county.