Volvo’s range has shown a lot of confidence of late, pitching in with the best. And their latest model is no exception. The XC60 drops right into the compact premium SUV sector, battling the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 – writes Ian Strachan.
And the good news is that in this, one of the most competitive sectors of the market, the XC60 doesn’t just hold its own; it offers a genuine premium alternative to the other big hitters. Its soft Scandinavian curves, classy interior and car-like handling blur the lines between a true 4×4 and a big estate. But don’t be fooled – the XC60 is the real deal when it comes to off-roading. Its high ground-clearance and host of electronic features will keep you motoring safely in all terrains. The XC90 also looks good. I tested the D5 SE Lux Nav which has smooth and sporty good looks despite its rugged capabilities.
The result is a car which is the ultimate in practicality, but which still looks smart on the road. In design terms, there’s no doubt that this is a Volvo. Solid, sturdy-looking and roomy, it’s all Volvo from front, back and side. It has a high stance, superb traction and a host of electronics to keep you safe (this is a Volvo, after all). I took the XC60 across some pretty hairy country tracks and muddy fields, with wet weather turning the tractor ruts to sludge, and it didn’t miss a beat. With its chunky tyres and good ground clearance I was impressed how good its off-road capabilities were. I test drove the 215 horsepower 2.4 litre five cylinder diesel powered version. This is a superb engine, very quiet, with smooth, unfussed power delivery. Linked to an effortless six speed manual transmission, driving it is a pleasure, particularly when you need mid range power. Its fuel consumption is respectable at 53.3 mpg in mixed driving. This is a pretty substantial vehicle so that’s not too bad at all.
Ride is comfortable, with nicely damped suspension, no sea cruise body roll on cornering, and supportive, supremely comfortable seats. The interior is nicely trimmed with leather upholstery and soft trim. The dash is uncluttered and clear with all controls falling nicely to hand. There’s plenty of leg and elbow room inside the cabin, and the load space is impressive, with spare wheel and extra stowage under the boot floor. Trim levels are high. Standard equipment on this specification includes a good satnav system, smart stand-out alloy wheels, remote controlled tailgate release and electric closing, surround-sound CD player, electronic climate control, automatic stop/start, cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear parking sensor, Xenon headlights and electrically heated folding door mirrors. My test car was also fitted with heated front seats and heated steering wheel. That may sound like an option too many, but it was appreciated on a cold morning. This XC60 in SE Lux spec comes at £38,4355 on the road, with an extra £625 for metallic paint. Volvo motoring at this level isn’t cheap, but you get a lot of car for your money.
