Volvo XC60 D4

Volvo’s mid-sized SUV rolls in for its SBT critique

It’s been some time since we had a ride in an XC60 and this time, it’s the turn of the AWD Geartronic SE Lux Nav version.

We have, however tested a number of Volvos from the current range in our recent editions and it has become clear to us that Volvo are adamant to remain at the forefront of safety and build quality. Traits, which have long since been the calling card of the Swedish manufacturer.

This XC60 is no different. Loaded with all manner of safety and security features, (some standard and some optional extras) the list reads as a checklist of just about every available piece of technology you could imagine.

The driver support pack, (at £1,900) includes collision warning with full auto braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control and distance alert, queue assist, lane departure warning, driver alert control (DAC) with active high beam, road sign information display and blind spot information system, which includes our favourite abbreviation (BLIS) with cross traffic alert! A hefty list of amazing safety features that set these cars apart from the pack.

So there are the obvious benefits of driving a Volvo in 2016; your safety is more assured than perhaps it would be in a competitor vehicle. This does, though, come at a price. A fair whack, when compared to alternative mid-sized SUVs in the market. This particular model, (fully loaded) reaches over £45K. That said, with the right amount of haggling and seeking out some of the deals that are currently available, the XC60 becomes a real contender in its class.

It has to be said, that the Volvo XC60 is an extremely stylish SUV that’s aimed squarely at rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Range Rover Evoque. We first saw it in 2008 and the facelifted version later in 2014, quickly becoming Volvo’s best-selling car along the way.

The interior of the XC60 is a real stand out. Soft touch features are everywhere suggesting the notorious design and build quality that many would expect from the brand. As with all Volvo models the seats are supremely comfortable. The XC60 doesn’t fall short of expectations and offers plenty of room for the average family or for the business user who needs plenty of adaptable space to play with. The configuration of the inside is very flexible, giving many and various options for you to utilise the substantial boot space, depending on how many passengers you may have at any given time. It’s fair to suggest that, with the rear seats fully flat, you basically have space akin to a small van available.

The limited engine choices and a slightly less than engaging driving experience are the downsides of the current model, when compared to some of the smaller, sportier models in the range, but considering everything, the XC60 is a comfortable high mileage cruiser and perfect for business travel, (especially with that room in the back).

As with its upmarket rivals, this Volvo is available with a choice of either two or four-wheel drive, also there is the option of the all-new eight-speed auto box in place of the standard six-speed manual option.

Currently, there’s a limited line up of four, and five cylinder diesel engines, and petrol models are no longer available at all. The pick of the bunch for us though, is the 2.0-litre D4 powering the entry model, which delivers 179bhp yet emits just 117g/km of CO2.