Road Test: Volvo XC60 D4 Drive-E

We test the Volvo XC60 in South Africa 2015

Despite the 20-inch and low profile tyres, the Volvo XC60 rides with an aura of isolation that is simply unmatched in the SUV segment. That diesel beating quietly under the hood is among the smoothest too. These were my first observations behind the wheel and they never changed – the Volvo XC60 is a wonderfully relaxing oasis and it repeatedly plays to those strengths.

Handsome is another apt description; gentle evolutions that even a trained eye won’t spot. Volvo are the masters of subtle changes (it’s only the upcoming XC90 that has shattered the mould) and the XC60 just manages to circumvent its age. The usual soft lines common to other models is now offset by a dose of muscle, an acceptable amount of chrome and panels that flow and integrate neatly. The bigger wheels, as part of the Sport Package, knock it home.

The Volvo XC60 forms part of the Drive-E range; a range covering blanket of super-efficient, low capacity engines with benchmark carbon emissions. Capped at 2-litre capacity it produces 133kW and 400Nm but because of the XC60’s bulk, performance is insipid. Not hopeless but overtaking does ask you to join accelerator with carpet. Again, it’s the under-hood refinement that shines through and our test average of 8l/100km is still excellent. Gear changes from the 8-speed automatic are imperceptible at any speed.

Ride quality is excellent and suspension clearly configured by someone who must have sampled every road surface in existence. You can’t unsettle it. Hard on the brakes and the Volvo XC60 remains level. Chuck it into corners and it remains stable and surefooted. Then consider the best insulation and low wind-noise resistance and you have a great SUV formula.

The interior gadgets of the Volvo XC60 have been enhanced but there’s a certain American-ness that’s crept into the Swedish design. By that we mean the seats are broad and soft and the general aim is to keep the driver informed on a need-to-know basis. This is not a bad thing… in fact it’s why we like the car – no pretensions, just a hard-working SUV that can be loaded with people or animals, sent to chew up miles of dirt road and slip into one’s lifestyle with no hang-ups.

We’ve never liked the cluttered main interface and will be among the happiest to see it gone but fortunately most things can be controlled via simpler steering controls. The screens are clear and sharp – only once did sunlight render it unreadable – and the centre instrument cluster is concise and effective.  Aluminium touches add a lot of sophistication but if you’ve jumped from a BMW X-model, you’ll find its upfront architecture lacks involvement and doesn’t wrap around its occupants as warmly.

Inside the Volvo XC60 has one of the widest boots you’ll encounter. The scientific golf-bag-test passed by being one of the few models to fit a bag in sideways without first removing the longer clubs. Pity the rear seats don’t fold electronically but the Sport Pack includes a power tailgate.

Priced to undercut its main competition by around 10 per cent, the Volvo XC60 has honed its chassis and engine refinement. Those looking for something with greater sporting abilities will be disappointed but there’s plenty on offer for those more patient SUV drivers. As a precursor to Volvo’s upcoming designs, specifically the XC90, it certainly has us following their every move with great interest.

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