Volvo XC60 Review
Published: 1st April 2009
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 test car housed the D5 engine, which is just about to be updated for 2009. The D5 unit has the same 2,400cc as the alternative, 2.4D unit but that has more to offer in terms of power; 185PS at 4,000rpm and a massive, 400Nm of torque between 2,000 and 2,750rpm. With the arrival of the new, twin-turbo, D5, this will rise to 205PS and 420Nm with a reduction in emissions from 199- to 185g/km, for the manual version. The new 2.4D will also see improvements in these areas and, for petrol lovers, there is a 6-cylinder, T6 engine.
The test car had the 6-speed Geartronic (automatic and sequential) transmission, which adds a further £1,400 to the £26,750 list price. It doesn't detract from the power and even in 'D'. A firm push on the accelerator is rewarded by a surprising amount of go, thanks to all that torque. There is a slight dwell period beforehand but when the Volvo XC60 picks up its skirts, it is impressive and definitely illustrates the emphasis towards 'sporty' road use. It takes 9.9 seconds to get from 0-62mph and the top speed is 124 mph.
All-Wheel-Drive is standard throughout the Volvo XC60 range, at least for the present. A new Front-Wheel-Drive version is due, shortly, complete with the new, Euro 5-compliant 2.4-litre diesel engine, producing 175PS, 420Nm of torque and CO2 emissions of less than 170 g/km.
Fun and fairly frugal fuel consumption figures for the test car are posted as: 25.9mpg for the urban cycle, 41.5mpg for the extra-urban and the combined works out as 34.0mpg
The Volvo XC60 is fairly capable off-road and has reasonable ground clearance for the odd foray into the unknown but it is not a 'workhorse' type of car and too nice to get muddy. Besides, it is far easier to enjoy the solid feel, excellent dynamics and smooth ride of the car, on country lanes and eating up miles of motorway.
The Volvo XC60 has a smart design, with a heavy front end dominated by a very upright, snub-nosed bonnet. Unfortunately, it is impossible to see where the bonnet ends from the front seats, no matter how high the position, but you are treated to your own personal waterfall. When it rains, the water drips off of the high, leading edge of the bonnet like a garden water feature.
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