2012 Volvo XC60 FULL ROAD TEST

Volvo XC60 D5 R-Design Lux Geartronic

Do you find the BMW X3 a little too common or the Audi Q3 too pretentious? If so then this Scandinavian beauty could be worth a look. Its Volvo’s second and probably best looking SUV yet; the XC60. But is it any good?

Gone are the boxy, dull lines of Volvos from over a decade ago replaced by well resolved curves and swooshes whilst still maintaining the now familiar pronounced shoulders and high-mounted taillights. In top spec R-Design Lux trim its striking design is further improved with massive 20” wheels, body skirts and plenty of matt aluminium-effect highlights. Ice white is also probably the best colour on offer to guarantee plenty of attention from passers-by.

A quick shifty inside the XC60 confirms that Volvo still make some of the best interiors in the business. Everything is not only designed to operate with simplicity but with its floating centre console and intelligent use of quality materials that look appealing and feel truly premium it really is a fantastic place to spend time. The dials are a particular joy to use with their etched aluminium effect digits lit from above with stylish blue inserts. The seats are also every bit as comfortable and supportive as they look. Cabin space all round is generous and the boot –accessed by the electrically operated tailgate - is the perfect size for several sets of golf clubs or a double buggy.

Kit levels are more than generous including alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and four electric windows, plus climate and cruise control, Bluetooth, full leather upholstery and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. R-Design trim is the sporty choice, including a beefy body kit and a sports chassis. The example I tested also came fitted with the Nav pack, which adds voice-activated sat-nav and an upgraded stereo. The safety kit on-board is what is truly staggering; Volvo really is the industry leader in this area. The Driver support pack included a blind spot warning system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning all of which ensure all occupants are kept as safe as possible at all times.

Nestled under the bonnet is a rather gutsy 2.4 litre 5-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 6-speed geartronic automatic gearbox. With 215 bhp and 440 Nm of torque accessible from 1500-3000 rpm acceleration is more than adequate reaching 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. There is also the option of changing gears manually with a quick nudge of the translucent shifter. Sport mode is also worth a try quickening changes and holding onto the ratios for a little longer for speedier progress. Overall the unit is a dream to pilot, it’s beautifully refined, has bags of low-end grunt and accelerates effortlessly through all 6 gears very smoothly. Whilst with me it also proved to be brilliantly economical returning around 40mpg during mixed driving.

Volvos-of-old have always been safe cars to drive but ultimately forgettable without any driver enjoyment to be had. I am pleased to report that the XC60 couldn't be more different, thanks in part to its Mondeo-derived chassis. The steering is feelsome and perfectly weighted, the brakes are strong and progressive and grip levels are limpet-like. Much to my surprise body control is also much better than expected resisting excessive lean until really pushed making enthusiastic drives along twisty roads an absolute joy. On top of this the ride quality on offer is befitting of any luxury limousine despite those large wheels and sportier chassis settings. I also found the XC60 a refined cruiser completely encapsulating occupants from the outside world.

At £46,090 the car I am testing isn’t cheap but without the massive list of additional extras it can be yours for £38,645 which is much more appealing.  Running costs are pretty reasonable especially for a car of this size falling in to car tax band I which equates to £325 for the first year and £315 thereafter. Fuel economy is also very good with a claimed extra urban figure of 50.4 mpg that I think is achievable.

Words and Photos by Rob McSorley

Price as tested: £46,090

Engine: 2.4 20v 215bhp - 0-62mph: 7.8 secs - Maximum Speed: 127 mph –

Economy: 31.7mpg (urban) –50.4 mpg (extra-urban), 41.5mpg (combined) - Emissions: 179g/km (Band I) - VED (12 months): £325

Dimensions: Length: 4627mm - Width: 2120mm - Height: 1713mm - Wheelbase: 2774mm

*data from Volvo UK

The Verdict

 If you are looking for a medium-sized SUV with genuine driver appeal then the XC60 is definitely worth a look. Not only is it safer and better looking than the competition but it also represents better value for money and thanks to the Volvo badge on the bonnet is sure to be utterly reliable. Whilst with me I was also impressed with the performance, economy and driver thrills from the superb D5 engine. I also found the interior a sumptuous place to spend time with executive levels of refinement. What probably amazed me the most however was the safety systems on offer, all-of-which are genuinely usable and are sure to save lives. Overall I couldn't recommend the XC60 more.

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