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The engine is smooth and quiet and has plenty of pull across a wide operating range.
Peter Barnwell roads tests and reviews the Volvo XC60 D4 with specs, fuel economy and verdict.
This was a real surprise package as the XC60 all-wheel drive is one of our favourite medium size luxury SUVs.
VALUE
XC60 is one of Volvo's most successful models and they are making hay while the sun shines offering a swag of variants to cater for a wide range of tastes and budgets. This one kicks off at a relatively accessible $55,490 and is, realistically, all you need in and XC60. We reckon no owners would venture any further off road than a trip to the country on dirt roads.
Specification is relatively generous too with the D4 boasting leather, reverse camera, rear park assist, power tail gate, electric parking brake, electric driver's seat, climate control, pollen filter, cruise and trip computer. Satnav is an option.
TECHNOLOGY
This one is a front wheel drive and also ushers in a new turbo diesel engine - a 2.0-litre, five cylinder with 120kW/400Nm output. It joins the larger twin turbo 2.4-litre, diesel five in higher grade XC60s and a raft of other engine choices in the range.
The engine is smooth and quiet and has plenty of pull across a wide operating range. We saw better than 6.5-litres/100km on a trip without driving for economy and four up. Mid-range grunt is strong. It has a six speed conventional auto transmission offering sequential mode on the stick shift as well as a sports function we didn't bother with.
SAFETY
The XC60 D4 scores the latest version of City Safety braking system, dynamic stability control, roll stability control, emergency brake lights, multiple air bags and really handy two stage booster cushion rear seats for little kids. They fold into the body of the normal seats.
DRIVING
We drove the car extensively over the holiday period and have to say it was the ideal family wagon suitable for pretty much anything we chose to do. The load space is big and it's a superbly comfortable touring vehicle as we found on a 2000km round trip. Even the turning circle is commendably small and we love the illuminated gear knob.
It looks a bit Plain Jane compared to higher spec' versions but being at the bottom of the XC60 pecking order mandates some compromises. With coil over suspension, ride and drive feel is sporty despite being tallish and weighing in at around 1770kg. As expected, there's a big list of primary and secondary safety features but still room to option up to something even better for not much more.
VERDICT
The XC60 D4 is a handsome, right size family wagon that we'd own in a blink.
Volvo XC60 D4
Price: from $54,490
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Safety rating: n/a (5-star expected)
Engine: 2.0-litre 5-cyl, 120kW/400Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto; FWD
Thirst: 6.5L/100km (on test)
Weight: 1770kg approx.
RIVALS
BMW X3
Price: from $59,000
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 135kW/270Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto, AWD
Thirst: 7.5L/100km 175g/km CO2
BMW X3 - see other BMW X3 verdicts
Audi Q5
Price: from $62,990
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 165kW/350Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto, AWD
Thirst: 8.5L/100km 199g/km
Audi Q5 - see other Audi Q5 verdicts
