No shortage of goodies on board XC60
WITH a declared ambition to turn all its models electric, Volvo is shifting into overdrive to fulfil its declared target.
Among the latest examples is the XC60 B5 which replaces the T5 and is available in both diesel hybrid and petrol forms.
The diesel hybrid offers the best of both worlds in an SUV – decent economy allied to gutsy acceleration and bags of torque.
As far as the driver is concerned, the switch between diesel and electric is virtually indiscernible with a free flow of power and very little mechanical noise.
In fact, energy is recuperated under braking, stored then assists acceleration when required. Certainly, the 2.0-litre 235bhp five-door picks up its heels well with a sprint to 62mph in around seven seconds putting it among the racier mid-sized SUVs.
There’s a touch of the Russian Doll effect about the XC60, which echoes the styling of the larger XC90. In many people’s eyes, the proportions of the 60 are easier on the eye and there is still bags of room inside for most families.
For the record, the boot holds nearly 600 litres of luggage, and substantially more with the rear seats folded.
A power operated tailgate which opens and closes at the touch of a button is standard.
In addition to ample storage bins, map pockets and cubbies, there’s a hidden compartment beneath both outer rear seats to conceal an iPad.
The cabin, itself, is a lesson in style to many rival luxury car makers. Uncluttered, simple but sophisticated Scandinavian design makes for a restful but businesslike environment.
Natural materials such as wood and leather are present alongside the latest technology like the active digital display and 15-speaker sound system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
While the XC60 sets out to prioritise comfort and luxury rather than sporty road behaviour, its dynamic ability means it’s more than usually capable on the handling front with only modest roll angles and plenty of grip. Intelligent four-wheel drive completes the picture of an allpurpose family car.
It comes with a choice of drive modes to cope with whatever road conditions you encounter – comfort, eco, dynamic, off-road and individual which can be tailored to your own needs. The default setting is comfort.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard kit and does the job creditably with smooth changes and well-chosen ratios.
It’s easy to be fooled into thinking that this is a six-cylinder unit, rather than a fourpot, such is the mechanical refinement.
There’s no shortage of goodies onboard the Inscription version including heated front screen, heated steering wheel and front seats, headlight cleaning system, twin zone climate control and front and rear parking sensors.
Safety, as usual, plays a big part in Volvo’s armoury and includes run-off road protection which tugs the seat belts tighter if you inadvertently drift off the Tarmac, and oncoming lane mitigation that reminds if you to switch lanes without first indicating.