Volvo Reviews

If this is the future of electric cars, we'd have one. And it is. But we can't. Or at least, not in the exact form of the Volvo C30 Electric we've just tested.This is part of a fleet of 50 prototypes that will increase to 250 by the end of next year for evaluation around the world. Only two will come to Australia, and neither of them is likely to end up at Chez Carsguide, with the Swedish company targeting business and government fleet leases.But the car won't ever go into full-scale production, which is a pity because it seems to offer everything you could want as a green drive. The good news is that the evaluation program will feel into an electric version of the new V40 model - based on an extended C30 platform -- that is going to replace the aging S40 and V50.And by what we can judge from the camouflaged spy shots of that car, it could be just as good a plug-in prospect as the C30.VALUEIt's almost impossible to talk about value with a car that's not for sale. But it's worth considering where the V40 Electric might be positioned. The initial prices for new technology are high, but manufacturers know early adopters will often wear the extra slug.Prices will come down by the time the Volvo hits the market, but you could still expect to pay at least $50,000 in today's terms. The Mitsubishi i-Miev plug-in is $10,000 more, smaller and not pretty. The Nissan LeafTECHNOLOGYCharge is stored in a 24kW bank of lithium-ion batteries that power a 82kW/220Nm electric motor. With the 200Nm of torque being fully-delivered right from the start, Volvo says the C30E does a 0-100km/h time of 10.5 seconds.It gets to a top speed of 130km/h, with range limited to 120-150km, and a full recharge taking 7.5 hours from a household socket. Zero fuel means zero emissions, except perhaps a whiff of non-harmful exhaust from the bioethanol system that looks after the heating system - reserving the battery power for driving unless manually switched over.SAFETYThe cars will have all the Volvo safety features, with active and passive safety systems, crash avoidance technology, pre-crash warnings and post-crash protection. But there's long been concern about what happens in a crash if you've got a massive lump - or two - of battery loose in the car. So Volvo has also been working to make sure it stays where it's supposed to.Body structures are being strengthened, the pack is positioned so it won't collide with the fuel tank, and a venting system released battery gases outside the car, not into the cabin.DESIGNThe C30 end of the Volvo line-up is the logical place to start for electrification, because it's the lightest car they have. The bonus is that the fast rear line of the hatchback looks up-to-date and stylish, and that will fit better with those who want a plug-in that looks modern without resembling a space pod or attention-seeking supercar.Apart from the socket for the charging cable, from the outside it looks just like any other C30 -- until you lift the bonnet and see an electric motor instead of an engine. The two battery packs are mounted down the centre and in the (former) fuel tank area under the rear, keeping the 280kg battery weight centred, low and trailing - which avoids a weighty nose that would undermine handling.A simple, clear graphic in the instrument cluster shows the battery state and drain rate - without the need for complicated animations and little growing trees favoured in other green cars. There is a teeth-grittingly cutesy touch with a turtle icon that lights up when engine power is reduced, but apart from that it's all admirably sensible.The test car was accented with gunmetal green exterior touches to signify its role in the electric team. The signature livery was echoed in the cabin with bezels and the translucent tone of the shifter - itself a tiny streamlined sculpture that (like the Volvo floating centre console) looks like it might have been swiped from Bang and Olufsen.DRIVINGWith all the torque on tap right from the start, the C30E is snappy off the line, and keeps it coming constantly for most of the acceleration, tailing off only as you get into highway speeds. Lifting off the accelerator gives a noticeable effect of 'engine braking' but in this case it's the system harvesting energy to recharge the battery pack. The shifter lets you select a 'sailing' mode that disconnects the motor and allows the car to coast, but you can really only bring this into play at highway speeds.The positioning of the battery packs keeps the weight low, central and towards the rear, and that comes into play in the cornering. The car feels balanced and reasonably agile. You can hear the electric motor, and while it probably won't appeal to fans of the big-displacement soundtracks, there's a certain exhilaration in the rising sci-fi whine. It's definitely futuristic and prospectively fun. Beam us up, Scotty.VERDICTIt's practical, doesn't look boring - or dorky - and isn't a boring drive. If all that applies when the V40 version comes onto the market, with the right price this will be a winner.Volvo C30 ElectricPrice: NADrivetrain:  82kW/220Nm electric motor, 24kW lithium-ion battery packTransmission:  CVT, FWDBody: 4-door, seats 5Safety: five-star (est): 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, BA and moreThirst: 0L/100km; 0g/km CO2Range: 120-150kmRecharge: 7.5 hours (!0 amp)"We'd like it. We can't have it"

You had to fight your way through a scrum to get into a few of the cars at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum green car summit in Berlin earlier this year. Porsche's electric Boxsters, the Monaco-bred Venturi supercar, Citroen Survolt and Peugeot EX-1 concepts were all mobbed. And so was a Volvo station wagon.The drawcard was the V60 PHEV, the Volvo's prototype of what will be the world's first plug-in hybrid diesel-electric system. Even then, a single short run around Templehof airstrip didn't really give a thorough idea of what the vehicle was like - but we weren't game to risk bodily harm by hogging the keys.However we've had a second, and slightly longer, chance with the vehicle at Volvo's Gothenburg headquarters in Sweden.And while it was again in one of the prototypes - with some elements that will be changed for the final model - it gave us a clearer idea of what's in store for most aspects of the car, and Volvo's vision of a plugged-in future."Electrification is necessary to reach sustainable mobility," says V60 PHEV technical project leader Per-Arne Reinholdsson. "Volvo aims to secure a leadership position focusing on customer needs and lifestyle without compromising performance. The V60 PHEV vision is that it would be a real car that could be used without compromises."VALUEOne unknown is the bottom line. While the V60 PHEV will go into production late in 2012 - initially for markets in Europe -- there's no confirmation yet of whether it will go no sale or be obtainable only as part of a lease program in its first years."The price will be higher than a normal car, but we are still negotiating to keep it down as much as possible," Reinholdsson says, adding that prices will improve over time as increases in production bring economies of scale.The current V60 range starts at $54,950 here, and Volvo Australia believes that while the PHEV will be at a premium price when it arrives here in 2013, it will still be competitive at somewhere between $75,000-$80,000. "I think $80,000 will be the upper ceiling," managing director Matt Braid says. "But it's so much early days, that we haven't even had discussions about material costs for the technology that we can base our price on."With no other plug-in diesel hybrid around, we can't really make a close value comparison for the Volvo, except to shop it against other medium-sized diesels - including its own V60 D5 at $60,950.Other choices in terms of practical space, upmarket fit-out and frugal engines include the 5.4L/100km BMW 320d at $62,600 – although it’s looking very tired – and the 5.5L/100km Mercedes-Benz C200 CDI Avantgarde at $67,150. But if you can stretch to $69,900, there’s the powerful and frugal 5.3L/100km Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI Avantgarde, which is proof that you can have it all, if you’re prepared to pay for it.TECHNOLOGYThe V60 is powered by a 160kW/440Nm 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel driving the front wheels, with the rear wheels driven by a 52kW/200Nm electric motor that draws its power from a 200-cell 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.It's operated via a six-speed automatic transmission and three driving modes - offering what  Reinholdsson refers to as "three cars in one" -- depending on how frugal or feisty you're feeling.The electric-only Pure mode will give a range of 50km and fuel economy and emissions of, well, zero. In this mode, the system conserves electric charge by fending off 'drains' like airconditioning. Hybrid mode has a less stringent attitude but aims for overall efficiency.Largely alternating between the electric motor and the diesel engine, the range will be 1200km, but Volvo claims that in normal combined driving, the fuel economy will still be a miserly 1.9L/100km with CO2 emissions of just 49g/km.Power mode pulls in combined extra help from both the diesel engine and the electric motor's push to the rear wheels, delivering a total output of 212kW - and a 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h, Volvo says. However they haven't been able to tell us the fuel economy and emissions for this mode.The car can be charged in 4.5 hours with a 10-amp household socket, with that time cut to three hours with a 16-amp supply. The battery pack has an integrated cooling system - which operates during charging to optimise the 'refuel' and longevity - with a computer system monitoring the temperature and charge in each of the 200 cells.DESIGNIt looks like any other V60, except for the charging socket behind the front wheel - on the left-hand side for the initial roll-out, but likely to be offered on the right-hand side for our market.With the diesel engine driving the front wheels, the weight of the two battery packs and the electric motor is distributed through the centre tunnel area and under the boot floor - which has been raised about 6cm to accommodate it.However, the system adds about 300kg in the prototype, although Volvo says some optimisation work should reduce this for production. The only other external difference on the prototype was the addition of 'blades' to give a better aerodynamic flow over the wheels, reducing drag and aiding fuel economy.The main changes in the cabin are the new instruments and switchgear to control the plug-in hybrid systems, with driving modes and levels of charge indicated by a refreshingly simple animation in the central cluster behind the steering wheel.SAFETYIt's a Volvo signature to offer five-star safety, and they've gone to great lengths to ensure this one shouldn't be any different. That includes stringent consideration of what could happen in a crash to the heavy lithium-ion battery packs.This has meant strengthened body structures to secure the pack and hold it separate from the fuel tank. They recently crashed a PHEV to demonstrate the ability to keep the pack - and its gases and 400 volts - contained, and are also training European rescue workers on how to approach a PHEV after a crash.That new technology aside, you can expect the usual Volvo arsenal of airbags, safety systems, crash avoidance, pre-crash warnings and post-crash protection.DRIVINGWe're usually a bit skeptical about marketing-tinged statements like "three cars in one. But in this case, they're onto something. While you don't really feel the changes back and forth from electric to diesel when you're running at good speeds in Hybrid mode, what you can see is the differences between that and the other two modes.Pure is very quiet except for the tyre roar and wind rush - although Volvo is working on amplifying the noise of the electric motor as a pedestrian safety strategy - with more relaxed steering and pedal characteristics.Hybrid mode feels like a normal vehicle, albeit still a somewhat torpid and heavy one despite the wheel and accelerator maps hardening up. And while it's not transformed into a track day weapon, Power mode gives the PHEV a fairly satisfying response to the boot, with even sharper steering and throttle response - and the increased surefootedness of both axles coming into play.However in every mode you're aware of the extra weight of the vehicle in every corner, and losing some of that extra poundage will be crucial to making the V60 plug-in a more comfortable drive - even a pleasure, with a bit more work.VERDICTWhile the prototype still has some issues, we can see where it's headed - and what's headed our way. If the price is competitive and there's enough supply, we can see this being a winner.VOLVO V60 PHEVPrice: from about $75,000Engine: 160kW/440Nm 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel 52kW/200Nm electric motor and 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.Transmission: six-speed auto, FWD/AWDSafety: five-star (est)Thirst: 1.9L/100km; 49g/km Co2 (Hybrid"Solid, sensible, signature Volvo. But a bit overweight at the moment."

Volvo’s all-new S60 has a strong sporting appearance, with a shapely front and a domed roof that swoops down in a continuous line to where it meets the rear windscreen.

A step up from the entry level model, the T5 R Design represents the best of both worlds in this range. It's powered by the excellent turbocharged direct injection 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine, coupled with probably the best twin clutch transmission in the business. On top of that, you get all the eye candy that comes with the R Design pack including lowered sports suspension.VALUEThis car is going to give the Germans a shakeup. For $56,150 you get a lot of car, but bear in mind it's not all-wheel drive like the diesel or top of the range T6. Standard kit includes climate air, cruise control, leather trim, Bluetooth, rear park assist and an eight-speaker audio system with AUX and USB inputs.TECHNOLOGYThe turbocharged direct injection engine produces 177kW of power and 320Nm of torque, the latter from alow 1800 revs. For those who have been following the story, this is essentially the same engine that will make its debut in the Falcon soon - though Ford is yet to confirm the output. Being a four rather than five cylinder engine it has less friction and better economy as a result. The dash from 0-100km/h takes a brisk 7.5 seconds and the official fuel economy rating for the car is 8.3 litres/100km. What's more it produces only fractionally more C02 than the diesel at 193g/km. What's not to like?The six-speed Powershift transmission is a robotised double clutch design which we reckon is the best example of this style so far, with quick smooth gear changes.DESIGNThe S60 is designed to stand out and that doesn't just mean large tail lights. There's little point in being reserved or understated when the premium sports sedan market is full of mainly German extrovert models, says Volvo design director Peter Horbury. The look is enhanced by the R Design body kit and the sports theme continues inside with sports seats, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, sports leather gearshift lever, sports pedals, and R-Design floor mats, trim inlays and watch-dial instrumentation.SAFETYIt's a Volvo isn't it?  Scores five stars and Volvo reckons it's the safest Volvo they've ever made.  The T5 is also fitted with a bewildering array of standard safety gear including six airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and the latest generation Side Impact Protection System (SIPS). City Safety is also standard which will automatically brake the car up to a speed of 30km/h to prevent rear enders. There's also plenty of optional safety system which you can add _ they're bundled in a pack for $4990.DRIVINGThe T5 is a quick study, apart from the electric parking brake which is pull to release (try getting your head around that). It's comfortable, easy to drive and cuts through the traffic without fuss, with strong engine response and smooth gear changes that make it difficult to pick as a twin clutch.Our test car was fitted with blind spot awareness that flashes a warning if there is someone lurking beside you who is not visible in the mirrors ($1275 well spent). We were getting about 9.8 litres/100km from 67 litre tank.The ride quality is excellent despite the low pro rubber and larger 18 inch wheels and stability control does a great job of preventing understeer, though we gave it our best shot a couple of times. The phone controls are located on the centre instrument console and not marked as such but distinguised instead by red and green colouring. Pity you can't display a digital speedo.VERDICTImpressive car. Way better looking than its predecessor. Well equipped, cabin is bright and inviting and it feels light and nimble. At the price it should really going to put some pressure on BMW's beloved 3 Series.Volvo S60 T5 R DesignPrice: $56,150 driveawayWarranty: 5 years/100,000kmResale: 40 per centSafety equipment: ABS, DTSC, BA, City SafeCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: Turbo petrol 4-cyl; 177kW/320NmBody: four doors, five seatsDimensions: 2,776mm (wb); 4,628 (L); 1,865(w); 1,484 (h)Transmission: 6-speed Powershift with Neutral Control functionEconomy: 8.3L/100km; 193g/km

"LESS is more." So we're assured by those who have too much and are not terribly keen on sharing it.Increasingly, though, having less - at least in terms of engine capacity - means having more than enough, especially when it translates to paying less money. Doubly so when that asking price is a segment-busting sum.The T4, Volvo's new S60 variant, has the smallest engine in a modern full-size Volvo sedan - an effervescent 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol four. With that comes a historic low pricepoint.VALUEA list price of $49,950 drive-away is way south of the least expensive Audi, Lexus and BMW (make no mistake, the S60 is a worthy rival). The T4 is priced barely above the top spec of the much smaller, seven-year-old S40 four-door.That's $2K (plus charges) under what we've previously regarded as the best S60, the T5 with its four-cylinder (no, not five) DI turbo of 2.0 litres, and more than $20K under the top spec twin-turbo six. The V60 wagon is $52,950 drive-away.Standard stuff on both the T4 and coming D3 diesel includes power pew for the driver, parking sensors, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth audio streaming and seven-inch media screen. The $4000 Teknik pack adds headlight cleaner, satnav, blind spot warning and active headlights. Resale is lousy but this will surely improve as the S60 cements its status as a prestige player.Sedan and wagon get segment-beating five year/100,000km scheduled servicing, five years warranty and five years roadside assistance.TECHNOLOGYIf as further notice is needed that naturally aspirated engines are as relevant as last weekend's newspapers, this 132kW/240Nm blown 1.6-litre four chucks another bundle of 'em in the recycling.That output approaches the 2.5 V6 of the IS 250. It helps that the lean and mean mill has only the front wheels to drive, so mass slips to an acceptably middleweight 1495kg, which is still hefty but about 50 kegs under the T5 and almost 200 under the all-paw T6.The sole transmission is the "Powershift" six-speed twin-clutch auto that was co-developed with Ford.DESIGNFamiliar about the place for the better part of a year now, the S60 is the item that - even more than the novel glass-backed C30 - sees off the yawnsome Volvo cardy cliches. It's a sleek, sharp-lined sedan in which four can be seated comfortably. The bling bits stuck on our version for  photography are pretty much extraneous.SAFETYCity Safety, the system that chucks out the anchors at low speed on recognising wandering pedestrians and other objects, caps a peerless active and safety package. Passively, as ever with Volvo, the T4 feels able to withstand a rocket propelled grenade.There is, however, no spare. Not even a skinny. I don't think this is good enough but no-one else seems to care.DRIVINGIs this a sober four-door or a hot hatch in disguise? The T4 might lack for 400cc next to the T5 but you'll seldom feel the want of them. Its note is rorty, its response snappy enough to chirrup the front tyres.You're never in doubt that the front wheels are doing the driving and the steering - sudden acceleration brings a modicum of torquey tugging though the fat steering wheel - but this still no boy's toy. The optional 18-inchers, as arch-filling and eye-pleasing as they are, don't reckon well with the sensible damping and skitter frenetically when the road goes rough. Stick with the standard 17s.This is obviously a bespoke version of the Powershift, responding much more readily in automatic and manual mode than in Ford's Mondeo, though it's so adroit in Drive that shifting for yourself is largely redundant. It also allows left-foot braking. Would that all DSG-type set-ups were so good.VERDICTLess isn't more, but it's near enough. If you fancy an S60 - or just about any prestige car actually - try this first.VOLVO S60 T4Price: $49,950 driveawayWarranty: 5 years/100,000kmResale: 40 per centSafety equipment: ABS, DTSC, BA, City SafeCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 1.6-litre turbo petrol 4-cyl; 132kW/240NmBody: four doors, five seatsDimensions: 2,776mm (wb); 4,628 (L); 1,865(w); 1,484 (h)Weight: 1495kgTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch autoEconomy: 7.4L/100km; 173g/km"A toey but completely effective drivetrain makes you wonder why you'd spend more"

AS a "baby boomer" I admit to a frugal upbringing leading to a wardrobe of trousers with deep pockets. I live a life just short of camping out at the Two-Dollar Shop - waiting for the specials - and one with a fascination of finding value for money. My house is full of stuff I don't need - but, by gum, that stuff was cheap! So I was delighted to find the Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design which, though recently the subject of a $5340 price rise, gets a staggering list of standard features that puts it streets ahead of its rivals. Value for money? You bet!VALUEThis is the XC60's key to success - a big, safe and family-friendly wagon that's made by the seriously safe car company, Volvo. Value is all through the XC60 range but we're here with the T6 R-Design that is the most expensive of the model line-up. It costs $75,990 but includes City Safety - that automatically stops you doing a low-speed kiss with the car in front - plus adaptive cruise control with auto braking, pedestrian detection so you can identify your wife at the shops, rear camera and sensors, bending lights, 12-speaker surround sound with Bluetooth audio streaming, sat-nav and so on.DESIGNThe tagline "boxy, but nice" is old hat as Volvo picks up a restrained fluid shape ending in distinctive S-shaped tail lights. It looks good and works even better thanks to the R-Design's big wheels and aggressive body kit. Inside it's sports seats in leather and upgraded instruments and trim items. The rear hatch is electric, making it easy for people of smaller stature to access the luggage area. Two boosters are within the rear seat cushion making this perfect for travelling with children and the rear seat splits 40-20-40 to accommodate lots of cargo shapes. Though crammed with goodies, the execution is Swedish subtle, user friendly and appears to be very well made.TECHNOLOGYThe unusual bit here is the inline engine which is stretched transversely between the front wheels. Inline sixes are inherently smooth - call BMW to the witness stand - and the 3-litre turbocharged Volvo is no exception. It's also sparkling and reasonably fuel efficient. It only comes with a six-speed sequential auto which permanently drives the front wheels with an "on demand" coupling to the rear. The R-Design has sports suspension and sits 15mm lower than its sisters, gets water-repellent windows, auto wipers but - strangely - no auto headlights. Other high-tech highlights are within the extensive, and mind-boggling, safety package listed below.SAFETYThis has third-generation Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist (allows you to tail the car in front), blind spot detection, pedestrian detection (find people and avoid them) and Full Auto Brake (to stop you before you stop yourself). ACC allows the car to maintain a safe distance to the car in front using a radar sensor and digital camera integrated with the cruise control and - in its latest guise- offers full braking capability. City Safety will, for speeds up to 30km/h, automatically stop the car when it detects an object ahead. There's also six airbags, electronic stability and traction control and even roll stability control.DRIVINGAt 1846kg dry, it's not a small car but it's certainly quick and even nimble. The engine is smooth, responsive and quiet and perfectly suits this prestige-segment SUV which perhaps has Buckley's chance of seeing dirt under its tyres. Though it gets sports suspension with stiffer springs and different dampers, the ride is never harsh. The benefit is tidy handling. It holds its line well through the bends and really it's only the dullness of the steering feel and extra body roll of the tall wagon that will slow you down. Best of all, it works so well in conditions as varied as long country runs, twisty roads and city congestion. But it's not really suited to the dirt.VERDICTAt this price, it's a winner. It has the style to twist the heads of passers-by, the comfort to be a luxury car and the flexibility to suit the family.at a glanceVOLVO XC60 T6 R-DESIGNPrice: $70,650Warranty: 3 years, roadside assistResale: 55%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 10.5 l/100km; 251g/km CO2Safety equipment: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 224kW/440Nm 3.0-litre 6-cyl, turbo-petrolTransmission: Six-speed automaticBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4627 (L); 1891mm (W); 1713mm (H); 2774mm (WB)Weight: 1846kgTyre size: 235/60R18, space-saver spare

One of Volvo's most popular models, the right size XC60 comes in various flavours including the entry level T5 front wheel drive version we have in the carport for the next three months. It is attracting plenty of attention.VALUEThis one goes for an affordable $54,990 and is all you really need in a compact, luxury SUV. Alternatives are smaller and possibly more expensive in the luxury market. The price has jumped $800 in the last month but Volvo has added nearly $2500 worth of goodies including a rear view camera and a power operated tailgate.High-performance multimedia is now standard in the T5 and the large info' screen is full colour. The Bluetooth has been updated to include audio streaming. The vehicle itself is handsomely equipped offering all manner of luxury including leather, climate control, cruise, rain sensor wipers, auto headlights, park assist and 17-inch alloys.TECHNOLOGYThe recently-released T5 engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) unit producing 177kW/320Nm. The all-aluminium 16-valve engine meets the latest Euro 5 emissions standards and in the XC60 T5 consumes 8.7L/100km with 207g/km of CO2. A 0-100km/h sprint takes 8.1 seconds.A dual clutch six-speed Powershift transmission offers extremely quick and smooth gear changes and improved efficiency.DESIGNLooks great inside and out with family Volvo styling similar to the chic S60 and V60. Tail light treatment is outstanding and the front looks assertive and stylish. Room for five inside and plenty of load space. Love the centre stack and entire dash layout - they do a good job at Volvo. Hypoallergenic materials = sneeze free.SAFETYTicks all the boxes and scrubs up against all-comers even without optional features.Gets City Safety to prevent rear enders, emergency flashing brake lights, roll over stability control and multiple air bags among an impressive array of safety kit. Five stars no problem.DRIVINGHas a firm, controlled ride and satisfying response from the 2.0-litre boosted engine. Handles as well as a sporty wagon offering up sharp steering, that excellent six-speed double clutch manumatic transmission and strong brakes. Gets off the line quickly, is smooth and quiet most of the time and is actually a really engaging drive.VERDICTCan't see why you'd bother with the all wheel drive models. The diesel might appeal on the basis of more torque and frugal thirst. This is the one we'd get.VOLVO XC60 T5Price: $54,150Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistResale: 69% Service Interval 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 8.7 l/100km; 207g/km CO2Equipment: six airbags, City Safety, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 177kW/320Nm 2-litre turbo-petrolTransmission: Six-speed dual-clutch autoBody: 5-door, 5 seat, wagonDimensions: 4627 (L); 1891mm (W); 1713mm (H); 2774mm (WB)Weight: 1740kgTyre size: 235/65R17Spare tyre: Space-saver.

Reality check time. Do you really need all wheel drive on your new SUV? Probably not....That's why sales of two wheel drive SUVs are growing fast as buyers analyse exactly what they want from their vehicle and realise they don't need all wheel drive - ever. Volvo has just introduced a two wheel (front) drive XC60 T5 model to its medium SUV range and apart from being the most affordable at $54,150, it is also one of the most enjoyable.TECHNOLOGYIt's because the T5 has Volvo's excellent new GTDi 2.0-litre, direct injection, turbo petrol four cylinder under the bonnet. This is similar to the engine Ford will (eventually) put in Falcon. This engine is the strong and silent type generating a handy 177kW/320Nm, the latter at a readily accessible 1800rpm.It uses a new type of turbo made from sheet metal that is light and boosts efficiency. Drive goes to the front wheels via a six-speed Powershift `manumatic' dual-clutch transmission. It rates as one of the best transmissions in a mainstream car right now with smooth operation and no hesitation as well a fuel economy benefits.SAFETYSafety is of the highest order offering five star protection thanks to a slew of features and systems designed to mitigate a crash or avoid one in the first place. Volvo is (still) a leader in this area and the XC60 T5 has plenty to offer, more if you are prepared to pay for it.Even in basic form, you get `City Safe' that helps avoid hitting a pedestrian, roll over mitigation, stability control, a reinforced chassis, rear park assist and multiple air bags among the safety inventory. A number of optional packages will elevate primary and secondary safety to a much higher level as is the case with luxury equipment.DESIGNThe vehicle is good looking and offers a high level of comfort and surprisingly good dynamics given its height and 1740kg weight. Seats for five are provided with a decent load space in the rear. It will tow up to 1800kg with a braked trailer.DRIVINGWe found the standard spec' test car to be totally acceptable in the comfort department with leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, an impressive audio system with Harman Kardon speakers, climate control, new centre stack, cruise, rain sensor, auto lights and 17-inch alloys. Start ticking the boxes and you can customise your T5 to your hearts content - well almost.We wouldn't bother. At 8.7-litres/100km from the GTDi engine, the benefit of turbodiesel begins to come into question. We actually bettered this figure with freeway and urban driving. Performance is strong across a wide rev range and the engine is practically imperceptible at any speed. It's good for an 8.1 second 0-100kmh sprint and passes Euro 5 emissions regulations.VERDICTWe have driven a few examples of the XC60 in the past including the diesel and this one is the pick unless you really must have all wheel drive for towing a boat up a ramp. So what you have here is an alternative to the other prestige European mid-size SUVs or wagons at a considerable saving.VOLVO XC60 T5 2WDPrice: $54,150Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 177kW/320NmTrans: Six-speed dual-clutch automaticEconomy: 8.7-litres/100kmCrash rating: 5 stars

FORD'S F-150, a staple diet for truck-mad Americans either hauling loads or thinking about hauling loads, is trimming its muscles.It’s 5-litre V8 engine - once as popular as hotdogs at a baseball game - has hit the skids and two V6 engines are becoming the powerplants of choice.Unprecedented? Yes. Predictable? Yes, given that this is the era of downsizing to scavenge back fuel consumption and reduce exhaust emissions.The fact that Ford's most popular model is doing it - and doing it successfully - confirms that small engines are here to stay. No surprise that others are doing something similar.The latest Volvo SUV, for example, is a 1.8-tonne family wagon now with the option of a 2-litre four cylinder. Intriguingly, it drives only the front wheels.That gives you an SUV with no off-road ability yet all that genre's versatility, practicality, safety and high-ride attitude. To boot, it's cheaper to buy, run and maintain than its 4WD sister models.VALUEThe Volvo XC60 T5 costs $54,150 which is the cheapest on the XC60 foodchain and a good $3500 more affordable than the next cheapest - the slower, thirstier and heavier all-wheel drive 3.2 version with a six-cylinder petrol engine.If you're not planning a trip to the outback or even a lazy spin on the beach, then opting for the T5 is clearly a no brainer.The feature list of the T5 is also identical to the 3.2 and the only real difference is the latter's 2000kg tow rating, up 200kg on the T5.There is a temptingly huge - and not inexpensive - option list available so be careful you don't exceed your budget.Going 2WD in the prestige end of the SUV segment isn't uncommon so Volvo hasn't got the playground to itself.However, in comparison with most, it is cheaper, offers better value (the two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive), has the best safety list and I reckon better suits families, especially those with young children.DESIGNChanges to its front end has slimmed down the nose and brought it more in line with the pretty styling of the S40 and S60 passenger car models.That softens the bulky dimensions of the wagon and, combined with the elongated "S" of the tail lights, give distinction to the Volvo.Inside it's a bit more conventional but full marks to the simplicity of the dashboard and the useful storage spaces.There's a lot of thought put into making this car work for the family. Best is the two booster seats on the back seat. Better, there's two heights for kids of different sizes.TECHNOLOGYI'll labour the point - the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine in this is the same as in the Volvo S60 and upcoming Ford Falcon. It's also in other offshore things, like the new Ford Explorer SUV.It's a great powerplant and, with 177kW, will make a lot of people think twice about believing that big engines are best.Part of its appeal is the smoothness, rapid shift speed and almost lag-free action of the dual-clutch transmission. Some rival companies with similar boxes should use the Volvo unit as a benchmark.The rest of the machine is simple - MacPherson front suspension with multi-links and coils at the back, electric-assist power steering and fat disc brakes.It's good to see that the suspension is the same as the all-wheel drive models rather than pick up a comparatively crude - and cheaper - torsion beam system.SAFETYCity Safety is the system that, at low speeds, will stop the car from running into something up ahead. That could be another car, a tree, a wall or even a person.It's standard on the XC60 range. That alone puts this SUV ahead of its rivals. Then you add the full suite of electronic chassis and brake aids, a five-star crash rating and six airbags.You will have to pay $1275 for the blind-spot warning system and an extra $4175 for pedestrain alert, auto brakes on the adaptive cruise control and a queue alert when cruising busy highways. You've probably just busted your budget.DRIVINGYou'd be hard to pick this as a front-wheel drive wagon. Yes, there are times through sweeping bends where you may feel some lightness from the back end, but it's controllable and even if you stuff it up, the stability control will bring the car back on track.Though the engine is spirited, the XC60 isn't the vehicle for a fang through the hills. But I did it anyway.The biggish steering wheel is the only hinderance to the sports nature of the engine, slowing the steering reaction down and making the driver work the wheel a bit harder than a sedan.Manually picking up the six ratios gets a bit extra performance out of the engine and when downshifting, helps to slow the vehicle. But unless you're really in a hurry, the auto mode requires no effort and is almost as satisfying.The wagon is pretty big - something you feel on the road - and if it wasn't for park sensors could be awkward to park. Volvo provide big seats with wide-grain leather upholstery that is comfortable and durable. Remember that leather can repel lots of natural toxins that children tend to emit but it needs cleaning and moisturising to keep it supple.The XC60 is always comfortable, always quiet - the exception is under hard acceleration - and feels rock solid on the road.The lack of a full-size spare is annoying but given this is a city car, is not as crucial as a 4WD.VERDICTSafety sells and safety in an affordable SUV is even better. This is one of the best SUVs around and it's one of the cheapest. Win-win.AT A GLANCEVOLVO XC60 T5Price: $54,150Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistResale: 69% Service Interval 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 8.7 l/100km; 207g/km CO2Equipment: six airbags, City Safety, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 177kW/320Nm 2-litre turbo-petrolTransmission: Six-speed dual-clutch autoBody: 5-door, 5 seat, wagonDimensions: 4627 (L); 1891mm (W); 1713mm (H); 2774mm (WB)Weight: 1740kgTyre size: 235/65R17Spare tyre: Space-saver

The humble station wagon seems to be making a comeback.More and more car makers are reintroducing wagons into their lineups, but not the wagon as we remember it. These are "sports wagons", much more exciting carry alls that sacrifice some practicality to style. A prime examaple of this is Holden's stylish Sportwagon with its smaller luggage area.The latest manufacturer to add its name to the list is Swedish car maker Volvo, which has just unveiled a wagon version of its mid-sized S60 sedan, called the V60 (the V is for versatility).VALUEPriced from $54,950, it has the looks and performance to put the German big three on notice.TECHNOLOGYThe S60/V60 are all the more interesting because one of the engines offered by Volvo will soon power the Ford Falcon. The GTDI 2.0-litre turbcharged, direct injection four cylinder petrol engine is known to Ford as the EcoBoost engine and is set to replace the long serving straight six in the Falcon in the months to come.In the Volvo, it generates 177kW of power and 320Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed double-clutch robotised manual.We've driven quite a few of these so called "manumatics" in the past couple of years and this one is the smoothest and most responsive so far.Fuel consumption for the entry level V60 T5 model with this engine is 8.7 litres/100km and the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds. Not bad.The V60 is also offered with a 2.5-litre five cylinder turbo diesel and a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol six which powers the top of the line model. The diesel is good for 151kW and 420Nm of torque while the six produces 224kW and 440Nm.The cars are designated T5, D5 and T6 respectively.DRIVINGWe got to drive the T5 and T6 this week at the launch in Albury. Although the T6 hits harder, its sports suspension, larger 18 inch wheels and low profile rubber contribute to a much harsher ride.The ride in the T5 with 17s on the other hand is impressive, but smaller wheels are always a harder sell.The 2.0-litre turbo produces a satisfying amount of power. It's quiet and comfy, with a smooth ride and plenty of grip. The suspension did an outstanding job of soaking up potholes and undulations that we encountered on country roads.SAFETYAs a Volvo the V60 is of course choc-o-block with safety equipment including the City Safety system which is standard across the range.The car is fitted with a number of cameras and radar sensors and will automatically brake at speeds of up to 30km/h to prevent rear enders in traffic. We were however disappointed to learn that a reversing camera is not standard nor is the pedestrian detection and braking system. The latter is parcelled as an option with Active Cruise Control.Audible reversing sensors are standard and Volvo argues they are more useful than a camera. If you want Active Cruise Control it will cost you another $4175 or you can take the whole Driver Support Pack for $4990 which includes lane departure warning and the BLISS blind spot awarness system. Interestingly, the NRMA offers a discount on insurance premiums for Volvos fitted with City Safe.The D5 diesel model carries a $6000 premium while the T6 with the flashy R Design goodies tops out at $72,150.VERDICTThe V60 gets a big thumbs up from us.