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Volvo XC60 Specifications: Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder Transmission: eight-speed automatic Horsepower: 254hp Torque: 350Nm Top speed: 230kph All-wheel drive Panoramic sunroof 9.2-inch infotainment screen Drive mode selector Leather upholstery Lane-keeping assist Radar-guided cruise control
WHILE STILL MAINTAINING THE REPUTATION OF WHAT THIS SWEDISH CARMAKER HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN FOR: GRACEFUL AND SAFE VEHICLES WITH AN EDGE FOR INNOVATION vehicles such as the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but the XC60 is broader inside, thereby translating to better room inside. Also, there’s adequate head room and leg room for rear passengers. My tester – the XC60 T5 Inscription – came fitted with a large panoramic sunroof. It’s easily one of the bigger ones I have tested in a long time, although, given the tall roofline, you’ll have to stand on the centre console (which is not advisable) to experience the wind (and bees) in your face. Star gazers, on the other hand, will love it. Boot space is pegged at 505 litres, which is the industry average. While it isn’t worth writing home about, it still has a short lip, making it easy to load cargo with ease. Moreover, 60/40 split seats and a pass through (in the rear seats) are also
a part of the package, if you require more cargo space. On paper, the XC60 is still an entry-level premium SUV, so there are still hard plastics along the centre-console and the glovebox cover, but these are on a par with its German rivals. The XC60 carries over its 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine for the T5 powertrain that produces 254hp and 350Nm of torque. While the numbers aren’t as blistering as, say, the turbocharged-supercharged powertrains from that of its larger sibling, it still has game. Naught to 100kph
is achieved in about seven seconds – and without any tyre squealing or drama. The all-wheel drive drivetrain is capable and helps the 245/45 Michelin tyres to grip to the surface at all times. Cornering is relatively flat, with only a hint of body roll creeping in when taking corners past the 60kph mark. Take it past those speeds and you’ll also deal with understeer creeping in from the front end trying to push out of the corner. The suspension is tuned efficiently to provide a great balance between handling and comfort, though I suspect the air suspension (which is an optional extra) will up the game further. Also admirable is how the engineers have doled out noise emanating from the wind and tyres despite making use of single-glazed glass. Outward visibility is excellent, owing to a thin A-pillar. The XC60 stays true to itself in driving dynamics. It doesn’t oversell itself as a sporty SUV – and, on most fronts, it isn’t. But, the ‘Dynamic’ mode ensures that the steering firms up and the gearbox and throttle are at their sharpest, while the ‘Normal’ and ‘Economy’ modes tone it down to its most comfortable setting. This is what sets the XC60 apart from its general competition. It comes packing features – like City Safety (that steers the car into lane and away from cars on the highway) and semi-autonomous driving (optional) – that don’t even graze the options list of numerous entry-level luxury SUVs, while still maintaining the reputation of what this Swedish car-maker has always been known for: Graceful and safe vehicles with an edge for innovation.
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