2011 Volvo XC60 Reviews

MORE safety and creature features have revved up the Volvo XC60 range to prevent a mid-life sales lull.The smallest of the Volvo SUVs ranks fourth behind the comparably sized Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Lexus RX, but it's still an important model for the company as their biggest-selling SUV. So the Swedes have thrown a bunch of new kit into it and given the popular diesel more oomph.This should renew interest in the car and, with a smaller all-wheel-drive still some time away, it should help ward off challenges from smaller urban-biased SUVs such as the Q3, X1 and newcomer Range Rover Evoque.VALUEThere are three 2.4-litre, five-cylinder turbo diesel XC60s with six-speed automatic transmissions from $60,990 for the base model, $65,990 for the Teknik we tested to $68,990 for the R-Design. The first SUV in this category was the Lexus RX back in the late '90s, but it doesn't have a diesel variant and the hybrid RX450h is way more expensive starting at $96,900 up to $108,900.The BMW X3, introduced in 2004, has two diesels starting at $62,200 for the 2.3-litre four-cylinder and $74,900 for the three-litre six-cylinder, both with eight-speed auto. The two diesel Q5s start at $61,700 for the two-litre to $73,714 for the three-litre V6, both with seven-speed autos.Volvo has improved value by adding a rear camera, powered tailgate and new infotainment system to all XC60s, while the Teknik and R-Design models get Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), satnav with voice control, and Active Bending Lights (ABL).The Teknik may cost $5000 more than the base model, but it adds a powered front passenger seat, the bending lights with washers, satnav and BLIS which would cost $10,450 if ordered separately.TECHNOLOGYA lighter crankshaft and camshafts in the 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and a more efficient cooler have resulted in a slight power boost from 151kW to 158kW while torque is up a significant 20Nm to 440Nm. In power and torque, the XC60 slots in neatly between the four-cylinder and six-cylinder Q5 and X3.At the same time, the XC's economy has improved 10 per cent to 6.9L/100km and CO2 emissions are down 18g/km to 183g/km. That is better than the smaller-capacity Audi, but not as good as even the six-cylinder BMW. Inside, the biggest improvement in technology is the new multimedia centre with a 5cm larger screen (now 18cm), DVD instead of CD, 12 speakers with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound and Bluetooth now with audio streaming and voice control on phone calls. These features are expensive extras in the German SUVs.SAFETYNeed we say that safety is a key factor of all Volvos? The XC60 has a five-star crash rating and now gets added crash prevention technology with lights that follow the car around a corner, sensors that alert drivers to a vehicle in their blind spot and a rearview camera which should be mandatory on all SUVs.It also includes City Safe which comes to a full stop if the car detects an obstacle in its path when driving at under 30km/h. For an extra $4175 you can get the optional third-generation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which includes Queue Assist, Pedestrian Detection and Full Auto Brake. This system will automatically adjust the car's speed in traffic and avoids collisions with pedestrians.DESIGNExcept for the Lexus, all models in this category are scaled-down versions of the larger models that pre-dated them. Rarely does this lead to good design. The X3 and Q5 look like a Biggest Loser contestant who has shed a lot of bulk but has unwanted skin hanging around.The XC60 looks fit and handsomely slender; perhaps it did a lot of sit-ups as it shed its weight. From the rear, the body outline is almost sexy with a slender waist and curvy hips. In its mid-life years, it doesn't really need an external makeover, so only the R-Design models get a few external flourishes and bigger wheels.DRIVINGThe five-cylinder diesel engine is not the quietest or smoothest around. Together with the six-speed auto that seems in two minds about changing up for economy and hanging on for power, the powertrain tends to groan when cruising and sound dissonant under full power.But when it all comes together, there is rapid progression with hardly turbo lag that hounds many single-turbo diesels. Even though it doesn't look it, the XC60 is the heaviest of these SUVs at 1819kg yet it feels frisky and light, only feeling its weight when turned abruptly such as dodging urban potholes.Handling is not as precise as the Q5 or X3, but ride is better, although not as plush or forgiving as the RX. The new technology proved a little fickle: The Bluetooth audio streaming function was recalcitrant at times, asking to find the device on some occasions and pairing up quickly on others, while BLIS kept identifying phantom cars.As for the City Safe crash protection system, it came to a dramatic automatic halt as I rapidly approached the rising electric garage door. It came as a bit of a shock, but at least I know it works. Accommodation is high and wide with firm but fair seats, plenty of headroom and an airy feel.VERDICTThe Volvo may not be as sharp as a road tool as the Audi and BMW, but it gains votes for safety, ride, styling and features.VOLVO XC60 D5 TEKNIKPrice: $65,990Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited kmService: 12 months/15,000kmResale: 55 per centEngine: 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel, 158kW/440NmEconomy: 6.9L/100kmTransmission: 6-speed automaticCO2: 183g/kmSafety: 5-star rating, 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC BODY 5-door, 5-seatDimensions: 4628mm (L), 1891mm (W), 1672 (H), 2774 (WB), 230 (Clearance) WEIGHT 1819kgWheels: 7.5 x 17"

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