The stylish Swedish SUV that’s a strong contender
These included a power panoramic glass sunroof, 360 camera system, park assist, excellent adaptive cruise control, a 12.3” iPad-style central touchscreen with Volvo’s innovative Sensus infotainment system, power memory seats and keyless entry and start.
The standard car does get that Sensus system but on a smaller screen, voice control, power tailgate, leather interior and 18-inch alloy wheels, and, as you would expect from a Volvo, a raft of safety aids as the company works towards their pledge of zero fatalities by 2020.
Based on the same platform as the flagship XC90, the XC60 is almost as wide but shorter and several thousand pounds cheaper.
The original XC60 been with us since 2008 and is the best-selling Volvo ever, so this new model has a lot to live up to.
There are a range of 2.0-litre, four cylinder engines – D4 and D5 diesels and a T8 plug-in hybrid petrol – and a level of safety, connectivity and autonomous technology that leads its rivals.
Also on interior design and quality the XC60 is up with the best - dominated by that central, swipeable touchscreen. Every model has leather seats and interior panels plus subtle amounts of chrome to lift the look and all the plastics around the cabin feel really good.
Outside, the XC60 is very much a little brother to the XC90 – it shares the same Scalable Platform Architecture as well as many of the mechanical bits and most of the dials and switches inside.
The cost of the entry-level model has risen by nearly £4,000 but it is still cheaper and better equipped than many rivals
The XC60 comes in three trim levels: entry-spec Momentum (our car), sportier R-Design and top-range Inscription. Each trim can also be had as ‘Pro’ versions with added kit, including the air suspension on R-Design and Inscription Pro models.
There’s Volvo’s latest City Safety driving systems, Pilot Assist that will steer, accelerate and brake the car at speeds of up to 80mph, and further safety kit that will help prevent head-on collisions and stop you from changing lanes when there’s something in your blind spot.
The XC60 was pressed into service for a weekend of helping my son move flat (again!) and it proved positively cavernous with the second row of seats down (almost flat) swallowing settees and disassembled beds with ease.
So after a very civilised week at the wheel of our XC60 I was genuinely sorry to hand it back, especially as it had also proved a star in the economy department. Despite ignoring the Eco mode and occasionally wandering into Dynamic setting I managed approaching 60mpg overall - not bad for a car which weighs in at around 2,000kg, can hit 62 in 8.4 seconds and better 130mph.