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Friday, July 20, 2018

The Swedes are back in town!


2017 Volvo XC60 T8 Twin Engine R-Design Pro 2.0 Front.jpg
BMW and Mercedes won’t be resting on their laurels much longer now that the new Volvo XC60 is here. It really is refreshingly non-German.

The standard T5 engine will suit most needs, but we reckon the T6 is the way to go. It really is a gem of an engine thanks to the supercharger attached to the turbo, acceleration is smooth and brisk while running costs aren’t illogical. The top of the range T8 plug-in hybrid has the most horsepower of the range and running costs that make it look sensible on paper, but in reality you’ll have to do tons of driving to make up for the purchase price. This is why we pick the T6 as you’ll see later, the price and standard kit makes up for the high asking price.

The XC60 doesn’t defy logic like the Porsche Macan and we certainly won’t fault Volvo for not aiming for that either. What the XC60 does offer is a comfortable driving experience that’s so refreshingly non-German that it’s hard to fault the slightly numb steering and somewhat dull on-road dynamics. You can choose the R-design if you want the sportier looks and the 4-corner air suspension which can help make the handling feel sharper in sport mode, but that air suspension doesn’t come cheap.

The infotainment system is very easy to navigate through, with all the controls and dials within easy reach of the driver’s hand. What we dislike about the touch screen infotainment system is that it can be quite distracting while on the go. The front seats offer superb comfort for both passengers while those in the second row won’t have much to complain about in terms of legroom and headroom. The boot space is quite generous considering the size of the XC60. Split folding rear seat help expand cargo holding versatility.

Our tester car was the T6 Momentum which came fitted with LED headlights, 12-inch touch screen infotainment system, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, heated front seats and steering wheel, 20-inch alloy wheels and cross traffic alert. You’ll nearly double the money on a BMW X3 with similar horsepower and all options that were ticked on our tester car. It may not be as sharp to drive as the X3 but we certainly forgive it because it really does feel like a breath of fresh air where it matters the most.

The XC60 certainly isn’t trying to be sporty, but a comfortable crossover that’s sensible and very stylish. The T6 engine is the way to go as it blends good performance with low running costs, while t hose willing to pay for the T8 Plug-in hybrid will have to do tons of driving to make up for the higher purchase price. Volvo is back and they are making it mighty hard to consider the German Norm. Ignoring this beauty means you’re certainly daft because it’s our top pick.

Likes: It’s refreshingly non-German. We love how comfortable it is to drive without being over the top like Porsche. The interior is posh and the engines are flexible with low running costs.

Dislikes: The turbo four cylinders may not appeal to everyone. We had to list something.

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