That Volvo Cars is a premium carmaker there is no doubt, and this month its new XC60 mid-size SUV becomes available in the UK. By a happy quirk of fate, the first XC60 left the Volvo factory 90 years ago after the Volvo ÖV4 saw the light of day on 14 April 1927.
The new XC60 replaces one of the best-selling models in Volvo’s 90 year history.

The original XC60 became a phenomenon, with climbing sales every year since its introduction in 2008. Seven years after it was revealed, it became the bestselling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe, and in its ninth year it is still the best seller. The XC60 today represents around 30 per cent of Volvo’s total global sales, and this month the number of original XC60s produced will surpass 1,000,000.

Looking through the engine choices of the modern fare on offer these days can leave even the most nerdy-minded a little bewildered due to the choice that’s available. Thankfully the XC60 removes that chore and provides two options: the D4 and D5. Both are two litre diesels, with a petrol option as well, the T5, which provides 250bhp and is a little punchier than the more powerful of the two diesels, the D5, which runs up 232bhp. The only drawback is that fuel consumption (up to 39 mpg) is far worse than the diesel options (51 mpg and 54 mpg). Later this year a T8 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid will be available.

As far as the ride is concerned, the XC60’s aptly labelled ‘comfort’ setting allows drivers to glide over speed bumps, but go over one of the many large potholes in today’s poorly maintained highways and byways and there’s a distinct jolt, more so than from the XC60’s competitors: the Audi Q5 and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Handling well, the XC60 is not sports car standard, but that’s not what is expected from an SUV. About town it’s a great car to drive, easy to manoeuvre and as with all Volvos feels stable and safe at high speeds.

Inside, the XC60 is all neat and tidy with good visibility. The slightly niggling thing is the lack of buttons and as (seemingly) everywhere else touchscreens lead the way which can be a bit irritating and fiddly. Perhaps it’s my nostalgia creeping in, together with a natural clumsiness.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system is also standard, but my finger fumbling applies to this as well, the buttons are a little small. The system has all the usual suspects – map updates, real time traffic management and access to popular cloud based apps.
As expected, there’s plenty of room inside with five seats standard at this level, but the Land Rover does have the option to take seven with additional seating which could be useful on occasions.

Overall the second generation of the XC60 is a great all round car, not as quiet as rivals, but when opting for a Volvo it’s accepted that it is one of the safest cars on the road – true to its heritage. With the XC60 Volvo is well in the SUV game and knocks another nail in the coffin to end its reputation as a maker of boxy, conservative and dullish cars that an accountant might drive.

This time round though it comes at a little more of a hefty price tag than before. So, if trading in from a first generation car, make sure the bank manager’s number is to hand, or better still the accountant’s, although don’t ask him what car he drives.

essence info

The XC60 is available to order now priced from £37,205
for the entry level Momentum version.
Website: www.volvocars.com