Just after 6 a.m. on a warmer-than-average February morning, the ice is melting quickly on the Tahoe-Truckee airport runway as the sun comes up. Ordinarily, this natural problem-solver would be heralded, but on the occasion of testing the 2015 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country on the ice, we can sense the clock ticking.

We traveled to the environs of northern California's Lake Tahoe for the pleasure of spending an hour or two with Volvo's trained drivers on an ice course, and several more testing the wagon in its natural environment in the habitat around the lake.

Read on to see what we thought of the successor to the Volvo wagon that carries the weight of an icon and the pressure of a growing crossover market.

Click here to learn more about ice driving.

What is it?

The V60 T5 AWD Cross Country (henceforth V60 Cross Country) is the latest addition to the Volvo wagon quiver. While it seems the natural successor to the XC70—"cross country"—wagon, the V60 Cross Country joins the lineup alongside the larger wagon for the time being. Essentially the V60 T5 AWD with 7.9 inches of ground clearance, the V60 Cross Country is a welcome addition to a dwindling wagon segment. But don't call it XC60—that would be its taller, older sibling. More on that, later.

How does it drive?

Competently, and to a fault. There isn't really anything we would change about the V60 Cross Country's driving experience, from the way it accelerates and brakes to the way its suspension eats up most bumps in the road.

Under the hood is the 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder engine from the rest of the -60 lineup, which produces 250 horsepower. The potent and economical Drive-E turbocharged four-cylinder engine is not available with all-wheel drive, thus explaining its absence in the Cross Country. The five-cylinder is more than capable of hearty acceleration and comfortable cruising, and is quieter at highway speed than some of the V60 Cross Country's competitors' engines.

Braking is linear, predictable, and manageable, and steering is sublime. We couldn't figure out how to change the weight setting on our speed-sensitive steering-equipped model, but turn-in was exceptionally precise.

On the specially prepared ice driving course, the V60 Cross Country demonstrated exceptional balance, allowing for superb throttle steer into a controlled drift. (Kids, don't try this in the Stop & Shop parking lot.)

What's its specialty?

While our drive highlighted the V60 Cross Country's capability on icy surfaces, the most attractive everyday element about the V60 Cross Country is that it differs only slightly from the standard V60. Although the Cross Country trim includes features like downhill assist and slightly higher ride height, it detracts little from the V60's fun-to-drive quotient.

How's the competition?

Strong, but limited. Volvo has its primary target set on the Audi Allroad, which is competitive in size, power, and price. While the V60 Cross Country is a brand-new offering for Volvo in the U.S.—and the Allroad is aging—it lacks the Allroad's distinctive cladding and distinct styling characteristics. Notably, all Subaru models were entirely left out of the competitive set.

By introducing the V60 Cross Country in a market saturated with small SUVs and crossovers, including Volvo's own XC60, the V60 Cross Country will have to make a strong case for itself. Brand manager Stefan Sallqvist believes that the buyer profiles will be unique to each vehicle, and that the V60 Cross Country will cater to wagon enthusiasts.

The V60 Cross Country will eventually supplant the XC70 wagon—the last remaining Volvo wagon—that, oddly enough, is available as a front-wheel-drive model with the aforementioned Drive-E engine.

Overall

Boldly going where Volvo has always been: in the thick of the wagon segment.

Highs

Strong engine/transmission combination, responsive steering, smooth on-road ride, smart styling, , among the best seats in the business.

Lows

Unimpressive fuel economy, some tricky ergonomics, still not quite enough cargo room behind the rear seats for a family vacation.

The ideal setup:

Select the Platinum trim—for an additional $3650—and benefit from adaptive cruise control, advanced collision warning technology, road sign information, and an upgraded sound system. Make sure to also add the Climate package, which incorporates heated front and rear seats as well as a heated steering wheel, and the BLIS package with blind-spot monitoring. Even with these options, the V60 Cross Country still rings in at a hair less than 50 grand.

By the numbers: 2015 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country 

MSRP: $41,940 (includes $940 destination charge)

Power / drive wheels: 2.5-liter, turbocharged 250-hp five-cylinder engine / all-wheel drive

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission

EPA fuel economy: 20 city / 28 highway mpg

In showrooms: Now

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