Volvo has really been enjoying a resurgence of late. With fresh impetus provided by ‘new’ parent company Geely, the Swedish brand is flourishing. In the last few years, we’ve seen several excellent products emerge from Gothenburg. Among these are the XC90, S90, XC40 and the subject of this review, the Volvo XC60 D5.

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Best-seller

The large, XC90 was the first of the new-generation SUVs to be launched. It was followed by the small XC40 and last of the family to debut was the mid-size XC60. The newcomer had big shoes to fill as its predecessor sold over a million units worldwide. The XC60 represents around 30 percent of Volvo’s total global sales, and it happens to be Volvo’s best-selling vehicle in South Africa. No pressure then…

Read our Volvo XC40 review by clicking here.

Stylish prospect

Gone are the brick-shapes that we used to associate with Volvos of old. In their place is a range of cars that as stylish as they are safe. The XC60 continues the themes laid out elsewhere in the product portfolio such as the distinctive head- and taillamp designs. The cues create links between the model line-ups and also ensure the new Volvos are never mistaken for any other brand.

The sense of Swedish chic continues in the minimalist cabin. There’s a sense of premium feel just about everywhere one looks or touches. Soft leather covers most contact surfaces as well as the seats. Pride of place on the facia is the company’s tablet-like infotainment system. Navigation Pro satellite guidance is standard fitment but the Android Auto smartphone integration and the exceptional Bowers & Wilkens high-end hifi are part of the car’s optional Premium Pack.

New for the XC60 of late are two automated functions, one is the SOS button and the other is a concierge/assistant service. The SOS button can be used when in an accident, or, if you don’t respond when your Volvo has been in an accident, help will be automatically despatched. Volvo on Call is a standard feature to all locally sold Volvo cars from the model year 2020. Use of the system will be free of charge for the first five years. This virtual assistant allows you to get route guidance at the touch of button, info on local eateries, petrol stations, and other help. Through the app you can check your car’s fuel level, lock and open the car, pre-condition the cabin, find the car in confusing car parks, etc, all via your smart device – cool!

Comfy and spacious

Volvo’s designers have certainly done a great job of making the cabin a stress-free environment. The electrically controlled front seats are some of the most comfortable you’re likely to find in any new car and offer a wide range of adjustment. Room in the rear of the cabin is enough for enough six-footers. Volvo claims a massive 505 litres of boot volume. Added practicality is available thanks to fold-down rear backrests.

On the road

We had a Volvo XC60 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription in our care for a week. We are really thankful that it wasn’t a derivative with some sort of sporting pretense. On its large profile tyres and slightly soft suspension, the XC60 rides beautifully. We particularly enjoyed it on the vast open arterial roads of the Western Cape. A fraction of body roll is a small price to pay for the way the XC60 floats across the countryside.

Power from the twin-turbo diesel motor is more than adequate. A handy 480 N.m of torque means that the eight-speed auto’ quickly shifts up to higher gears. And it’s best to ride the wave of torque rather than rev out the engine as it can be a bit vocal higher in the engine-speed range. If there is one criticism is that the transmission isn’t too quick to downshift. More than once we found ourselves trying to select a lower gear by using non-existent steering paddles. On the whole, the XC60 prefers the open road cruise than the in-town hustle.

Summary

We are really pleased to note that the characteristics we’ve praised in the XC40 and XC90 have been faithfully translated to the mid-level SUV offering as well. Chic looks, tech-laden premium interior and great on-road manners should place the XC60 high on anyone’s shortlist when shopping in this segment.

Model: Volvo XC60 D5 Geartronic AWD Inscription

Price: R812 436 (R963 150 including extras and options)

Engine: 2,0-litre four-cylinder, twin-turbodiesel

Transmission: eight-speed automatic, AWD

Max power: 173 kW

Max torque: 480 N.m

Top speed: 220 km/h

0-100 km/h: 7,2 sec

Fuel consumption: 5,5 L/100 km