Volvo XC60

Another identikit Volvo in a slightly different size than before. You can tell it apart because it has even more safety kit then the others, and is slightly more annoying for it.

• Comfort

  Rides well, even though it struggles with the bigger potholes and there is undoubtedly a bit of wind noise. The isolation is probably thanks to great Volvo seats and a dash that feels really very well made. It’s a good size for SUV-sightlines without the usual attendant floppiness; the XC60 copes averagely well in almost all situations. Slopes around handily enough.

  

• Performance

  The XC60 patently hasn’t been conceived to be fast, so don’t expect fireworks. There are two engines on offer; a 2.4 diesel with 136kW (2.4D) and a 3.0 T6 petrol with 210kW. The petrol is the fastest at 7.5 seconds to 100km/h, whilst the D5 is a good compromise at 9.9 seconds to 100km/h and 200km/h top end. The real plus with the XC60 is the Geartronic auto – it seems to suit the car.

  

• Cool

  Is RM Williams cool? Is Best and Less cool? Is Volvo cool? Well, no.

  

• Quality

  Nicely built, great Swedish design, looks a bit crap if you don’t spec it correctly. But you can’t argue with the fact that Volvo makes you feel safe.

  

• Handling

  It’s all very nice, but nothing very special. Absolutely insane amounts of safety kit make it a bit of a hassle to drive; anti-collision warning lights, BLIS, lane departure warning, City Safety. Can nip about handily enough when it's wet, but the XC60 constantly feels a bit sane. Doesn’t make much of an impression, frankly.

  

• Practicality

  Great for families (the built-in booster cushion always makes you smile), and the easy-fold seats are ace. The boot is pretty big seats up (655 litres) and massive seats down (1,455 litres). What can we say? It works.

  

• Running costs

  Insurance is low, but  the big petrol is pretty useless at 11.9 litres/100km, which makes the diesel even more attractive at 8.5 – it also has a pretty decent Greenstar rating.