The SUV class continues to grow unabated, though the wait continues for a truly outstanding example of the ‘soft-roader’ breed.

Lexus’s latest-generation RX350 was the only contender in this year’s category that failed to secure a single vote despite its outstanding standard equipment, excellent build quality and refined V6.

Some cheap-looking interior details not befitting a circa-$100,000 vehicle was one of the RX’s undoings, though judges were also unimpressed with the average dynamics and fidgety ride.

Ride quality continues to be persistent Achilles heel for any Audis not wearing the sporty S or RS badges, and niggly progress over the test route proved to be a key negative for the A4-based Q5.

The $59,990 Q5 at least made the most of its firm suspension on twisting roads to prove it is one of the best-handling SUVs on the market. Its sweet-revving 2.0-litre turbo four also packs plenty of punch.

Less endearing to the judges, however, was a firm rear bench, oversized driver’s side mirror that obscured vision, and a cabin that seemed sparsely equipped without delving into the Q5’s list of expensive options.

Volvo’s XC60 rated highly for its family-friendly cabin (including clever integrated child booster seats) and safety (including the world’s first low-speed crash avoidance technology as standard), though the Swedish soft-roader secured a 6-3 majority by gaining plaudits in areas the company doesn’t normally excel.

Judges praised the interior’s distinctive design with its touches of Scandinavian flair, and recent updates to the D5 model’s suspension and diesel engine have also improved the XC60’s overall package.

Source: Car News Articles

Audi Q5 · Autos · Lexus · Lexus RX · Makes and Models · Recreation · Sport utility vehicle · Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 D5 has been voted the best SUV over $40,000 ahead of the Audi Q5 TFSI and Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury with its standard City Safety feature taking out the Safety Innovation award.

According to judges the Volvo XC60 D5 ‘rated highly for its family-friendly cabin (including integrated child booster seats) and safety (including the world’s first low speed crash-avoidance technology)’.

It also gained ‘plaudits in areas in which the company doesn’t normally excel’.

“We are absolutely delighted that the Volvo XC60 D5 – and its City Safety technology – has been acknowledged as a leader in its class,” said Alan Desselss, managing director of Volvo Car Australia.

“It shows that Volvo is challenging the competition in all areas, not just in the realm of safety.”

[Source: The auto channel ]

Audi Q5 · Autos · Lexus RX · Makes and Models · Recreation · Sport utility vehicle · Technology · Volvo XC60

Japan, Germany and Sweden battle for honours with, respectively, the Lexus RX350, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 D5.

Lording it up on road rather than roughing it off road is the name of the game in this category for high-riding luxury vehicles.

This renamed segment (from 4WD to SUV) accounts for the boom in two-wheel-drive-only vehicles that look like – rather than drive like – 4WDs, though the Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury, Audi Q5 TFSI and Volvo XC60 D5 all come with four-wheel-drive systems.

No such elongated process for the Volvo XC60, which was universally acclaimed for its family-friendly cabin. Although missing levers in the boot (like the Q5) to automatically fold down the rear seats, they require just one pull on a lever to drop to create a completely flat cargo area.

There’s also a standard electric tailgate, which opens to reveal wide access to the rear.

With a spacious and pampering cabin helping to nail the ‘Comfort and practicality’ criterion, it was perhaps not surprising the Volvo would get the highest marks for ‘Safety’.

The XC60 is the first vehicle to come standard with low-speed crash avoidance technology Volvo calls City Safety, and judges agreed it was a worthwhile feature that had the potential to save the average owner a few thousand dollars.

The back seat’s integrated pop-up child booster seats were regarded as a simple yet brilliant idea, while the XC60 offers a multitude of optional safety features such as lane departure warning.

Judges also praised the interior’s distinctive design with its touches of Scandinavian flair.

Recent updates to the D5 model’s suspension and diesel engine have also improved the XC60’s overall package.

The ride is more agreeable, the handling competent, and the turbo diesel is stronger and more fuel efficient than before. The latter isn’t class-leading in terms of refinement, though acceleration is accompanied by a relatively pleasant throb from the five-cylinder unit.

And these were all crucial to the Volvo XC60 D5 riding just slightly higher than its rival contenders to secure a majority verdict from the court of Car of the Year.

Read the full story at SMH

Audi Q5 · Auto · Four-wheel drive · Germany · Lexus RX · Sport utility vehicle · Sweden · Volvo XC60