Equipment
The new XC60 models are significantly more expensive than their predecessors, starting from £32,205, for the D4 in entry-level Momentum trim. However they are also generally well equipped, and of course, safety is a priority. Two new technologies introduced with the model are included even with Momentum versions.
Steer Assist, part of the City Safety package, will automatically steer the car to try and avoid a collision. Oncoming Lane Mitigation will ease the car back into its lane if it detects it drifting across the white line. Steer Assist also forms part of the Blind Spot Information system, bringing the XC60 back into its lane if it senses it drifting towards another car.
Then there is Pilot Assist, the closest thing available to autonomous driving, and a great way to scare fellow travellers by pointing out the steering wheel as it moves by itself. It even steers around curves on the motorway.
Momentum models also include satnav, voice control, two-zone climate control, a power tailgate, heated part-leather front seats – basically a lot of car for the money.
The R-Design models we drove on the launch cost £2,500 more than their equivalent Momentums. The central screen grows from nine to 12 inches, the wheels from 18 to 19 inches, more leather arrives on the seats and steering wheel, and a number of styling touches are added.
One can go further – top of the range is the luxury-pitched Inscription trim, with nappa leather, powered seats, wood inlays and chrome styling additions. It also gets the bigger touchscreen and wheels but not the chassis changes of the R-Design. Cost is £4,000 more than Momentum, and the T8 is only available in Inscription form.
Summary
Volvo hit upon a winning formula with the XC90 and has now applied it to the car’s little sister, which also happens to be the brand’s biggest seller. There are more dynamic, more fun-to-drive alternatives to the Volvo XC60. But as a complete package, combining performance, quality and equipment, this car is difficult to ignore.
Volvo XC60 – key specifications
Models tested: Volvo XC60 D4 AWD R-Design, D5 PowerPulse AWD R-Design
On Sale: August 2017
Range price: £37,205 – £57,950
Insurance groups: TBA
Engines: Diesel 1969cc x 2. Petrol 1969cc. Hybrid 1969cc
Power (hp): 190/235. 254. 320.
Torque (Nm): 400/480. 350. 400.
0-62mph (sec): 8.4/7.2. 6.8. 5.3.
Top speed (mph): 127/137. 137. 140.
Fuel economy (combined, mpg): 55.4/51.4. 39.2. 134.5.
CO2 emissions (g/km): 133/144. 164. 49.
Key rivals: Audi Q5, BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace
Test Date: July 2017
Best performance, economy and emissions stated.
