Volvo’s sporty take on its XC60 SUV comes with two turbodiesel engine choices or the 282bhp petrol-fuelled 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine used in the T6. The T6 only comes with a five-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox, while the diesels use six-speed manual gearboxes as standard, with the option of an auto at extra cost. For the R-Design, the D5 engine has 202bhp to drive all four wheels, just like the T6 model, while the 172bhp 2.4D DRIVe model only sends power to the front wheels. Because of the lighter weight of the DRIVe model without the four-wheel drive mechanics of its sister models, it feels just as quick in a straight line. However, the front-drive DRIVe model does suffer from a fair amount of power travelling through just two wheels and the steering wheel can writhe in the driver’s hands on anything but a perfectly smooth road. We also find the XC60 diesel models are better suited to the manual gearbox as they feel more lively and fun to drive.

The XC60 R-Design comes in standard and SE trims, both of which provide a plethora of standard equipment to feel every inch the luxury SUV. With strong residual values, competitive pricing and Volvo’s quality to back them up, the only thing that prevents this Volvo scoring a full five-star rating is that there’s not a more frugal engine option. Even the 2.4D DRIVe model with its 47.1mpg and 159g/km carbon dioxide emissions is good rather than great, and you have to sacrifice four-wheel drive to achieve these figures.

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Positioned as Volvo’s entry to the “small premium utility segment” the Volvo XC60 being releasing late Feb 2009 will take on the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X5, Acura RDX, and the Infiniti EX35. Building upon its “safety first” tagline, the company has added a variety of features that maximizes performance, safety and fun to its newest model. It emphasizes high-tech content, style, and unbeatable capability.
Luxurious Styling on the Inside Out
The Volvo XC60 being released on late Feb 2009 reflects the company’s new design goals. Sporting a larger logo, a broader shoulder line, and a grille, the XC60 presents a bold and muscular appeal. Yet, despite its more pronounced styling, the new automobile cannot be mistaken for anything but a Volvo. It integrates traditional styling cues that the company is renowned for. The exterior of the XC60 is eye-catching but it would be a mistake not to look into its interiors.
The vehicle’s interior features the slim center stack which was first introduced in the S40. It is furnished with your choice of brushed metal or matte wood. The seats are upholstered with the X-theme, a two-tone leather stitched pattern that provides a choice of “cross county”, “cross city”, and “cross over”. As is expected from Volvo, the seats of the XC60 not only provide sufficient support, it is very comfortable as well.
Using a contrasting mix of materials including wood, brushed metal, soft-touch plastics, and leather, the surface inside the cabin is undeniably luxurious and appealing. There is plenty of headroom in all seats as well as sufficient rear legroom. In addition, the Volvo XC60’s rear tailgate opening is designed to be the widest in its category. If the second row upright, the model provides a generous 30.8 cubic feet of cargo. And if it is folded flat, you will have enough space for almost anything you need to haul to and from your home.
Power and Performance
Sharing the basic architecture with its XC70 and S80 cousins, the Volvo XC60 being releasing late Feb 2009 has an engine that is transversely mounted as well. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine has a six-speed automatic transmission, an available sport mode, and the capability to produce 281 hp. The 295 lb-ft of toque provides plentiful power in the rev engine. Acceleration is expectedly smooth and flawless.

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Volvo has endowed the XC60 with a generous supply of standard features, including trip computer, leather seats, electric-adjust driver’s seat, cruise control, electric parking brake, climate control, hill descent control, rear parking sensors and six-disc CD high-performance audio with eight speakers.
The XC60 is only the third Volvo to be equipped with the 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine. It’s a refined and intuitive engine and won’t shatter your eardrum, owing to a growly note that highlights the glaze of turbo whistle under acceleration. This unique powerplant is mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission.

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