VOLVO XC60 ESTATE 2008- Review
Good Points
- Provides a smooth and comfortable ride
- High levels of safety equipment
- Spacious interior
Bad Points
- Expensive running costs
- Diesels are slightly on the noisy side
Engines
There are several engines available in the XC60 with both petrol and diesel versions. There is only one petrol engine which is a turbocharged 3.0-litre T6 producing 285bhp. The diesel range is compiled of only 2.4-litre engines with vary degrees of power. The entry level 2.4-litre verison produces 160bhp, followed by a tweaked version called the D5 producing 185bhp. In 2009 and new engine was added to the range called the DRIVe that uses the same 2.4-litre platform, but comes with 175bhp and is a lot more economical than the other engines. At the same time the D5 was tweaked yet again and now produces 205bhp. All engines come with a six speed manual as standard, but there also the option of having a six speed Geartronic automatic transmission.
Performance & Economy
The turbocharged 3.0-litre T6 petrol is a monster of an engine with its 285bhp propelling you from a standing start to 60mph in just 7.3 seconds, a blindingly quick time for a car this size and will give a lot smaller cars a run for their money. This does come at a price though with it only being able to manage 24mpg.
The diesel engines entry level 2.4litre is fairly economical achieving 37mpg, but it is the slowest in the range at 10.3 seconds from 0-60mph. The D5 engines would be a better choice especially the newer 205bhp model as it is quicker going from 0-60mph in just over 8 seconds and is more economical than the less powerful D5 achieving 42mpg.
The 2.4-litre DRIVe is the car to go for though if you're more concerned about fuel efficiency and saving the planet as it manages 47mpg and isn't too slow either going from 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds. It also produces fewer emissions than the other engines making it cheaper to tax. It partly achieves this by being a front wheel drive as opposed to a four wheel drive like the rest of the engines. The five speed manual is very smooth as is the Geartronic automatic gearbox which suits the XC60 extremely well although the down changes can be hesitant at times. The insurance costs range from between 28 and up to group 36 for the 3.0-litre petrol.
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Introduction
The XC60 Crossover is Volvo's attempt at combing off-road capabilities and toughness with excellent styling and Coupe handling. All of this is even combined with being an MPV which may sound like a bit of an odd mix, but they appear to have pulled it off. The exterior is extremely stylish which is carried through to the interior with its well constructed minimalistic Scandinavian design which is easy on the eye. The interior is spacious with plenty of room for five adults to all sit comfortably as well as having a boot big enough to accommodate their luggage.
Exterior & Interior
The XC60 is a stylish and good looking car from the outside with its smooth flowing lines and style that clearly marks it as a Volvo. The interior is just as stylish and comfortable with plenty of space inside for a family of five. The passengers in the back receive plenty of head and legroom as well as getting a good view of the road ahead thanks to the back seats being slightly raised. The boot space is massive to say the least with 655litres of room which should be more than enough for a month's luggage. If you do need space then there is also the added option of being able to fold flat the split folding rear seats. The boot also comes with a lowered tailgate making loading and unloading easy and is available as an electrically operated tailgate as well, this is extremely slow to open and close though.
There is additional storage space in the cabin coming in the form of door pockets, a central cubby hole and a large glove compartment. The interior looks stylish and feels exceptionally well constructed with the central console being well laid out and angled towards the driver for ease of use.
There are three trim levels available in the XC60 starting with the entry level S trim that comes with electric windows all round, climate and cruise control, front fog lights, 17 inch alloys, steering wheel mounted controls and a stereo system with an auxiliary input and CD player. The SE trim adds electrically adjustable driver's seat, rain sensitive wipers, hill descent control and electrical folding mirrors. The top of the range SE Lux trim comes with leather upholstery, electrically adjustable passenger seat, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, active headlights and 18 inch alloys. The XC60 is also Volvo's safest car ever made.
Drive
The driving position in the XC60 is excellent thanks to the adjustable seat and steering wheel with the raised seating gives a good view of the road but doesn't make you feel like you're driving a big cumbersome off roader. It handles extremely well, maybe not as well as Volvo claims it does, but it does corner exceedingly well with body roll being contained and the four wheel drive system means that the traction is brilliant. The suspension is superb smoothing out all the bumps in the road even potholes and external noises are kept at a minimum. It also doesn't pitch and dive under hard barking and acceleration which other cars this size are prone to suffer from.
Faults & Repairs
Their have been a couple of recalls over the XC60's life so far with the first concerning the fuel pump which stopped working on petrol models and the second concerns the drivers seatbelt coming undone during an accident. Both of these problems are easily fixed though and should already have been carried out on all the cars. There have been a few other niggles concerning the Bluetooth and iPod connectivity but that's it. The costs for servicing and repairs are rated as being average for a crossover.
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