Road Test: Volvo XC60 D5 Inscription

The new Volvo XC60 is Volvo’s middle brother in their SUV range, slotting in between the XC40 and XC90.  The South African market gets to choose between four powertrain options, namely D4, D5, T5 and T6. Trim levels ranges from the entry-level spec, the Momentum, R-Design and the car we had on test, the range-topping Inscription. All specs can be customised and optional extras added on the Volvo website’s “Build Your Car” page. Our test car, the D5 Inscription, pushes out 173kW and 480Nm which felt like more than enough on the daily commute.

Despite the weight difference, Volvo opted not to detune the engine of the smaller XC60 despite the T5 and D5 being offered on the heavier big brother XC90. This means the car seldom runs out of steam when being urged on.

Interior

The optional Bowers & Wilkins sound system is crisp and clear, refusing to distort at even ear-piercing volume, however, due to the extra size of the cabin, the sound does tend to get lost a bit when compared to the smaller S90 sedan.  The perforated leather seats are heated and cooled and our model came with the excellent massage function.  Every detail inside the car has been thoughtfully crafted. Every button and every dial falls to hand with typical Volvo ergonomics. The interior likens itself to the XC90, uncluttered and visually appealing.  First-time operation can sometimes be overwhelming when using the touchscreen infotainment system, but after a few minutes of use it soon feels intuitive. The screen is responsive and every function consistently works the way it should.

Just how safe is the XC60?

Volvo has openly stated their vision is that no fatal accidents will occur in their cars by the year 2020.  This does seem a tad optimistic as we quickly draw nearer and nearer to 2019.  But the predecessor to the 2018 XC60 was the first commercial car to offer auto-braking as standard. This car has roots deeply embedded in safety, and it shows.  From the active steering to the heads-up-display that warns the driver when their following distance is too short, XC60 goes above and beyond.  Drivers will also be assisted when swerving out of the path of a slow moving vehicle or stationary object. Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist are useful on highways, recognising speed limits and road markings with the car staying in its lane and maintaining a safe following distance. Provided road maintenance hasn’t been neglected.  Most of these safety features are available on the other Volvo models but the XC60, does, in some ways seem to utilize these tools better than its now, older stablemates.

Verdict

As luxurious on the inside without the size of the award-winning XC90 makes this one of our favourite Volvos and SUVs. With Volvo sales in South Africa finally taking a turn for the better, consumers are finally starting to see the Volvo range as a worthy alternative to the norm.

Need to know:

5.5l/100km

XC60 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription R776 800

D5 turbo diesel: 173kW, 480Nm