Volvo XC60 2014 Review

OVERVIEW

One of the safest SUVs available, the 2014 Volvo XC60 seeks to entice buyers with a subtle new look, a handful of new technologies (including the world's-first cyclist detection and avoidance system), and a hi-tech cockpit.

Beneath the skin, it's similar to the car that's been on sale in Australia since February 2009. But that shouldn't be viewed as a negative, as the original car was a breakthrough product for Volvo and this updated vehicle is still a genuine contender in its class.

Indeed, the XC60 is capable, refined and a rather clever luxury SUV with the kind of thoughtful features that make you think: "Why don't all cars have these?"

Case in point is a pair of rear booster seats for kids aged three and up as standard (pictured). There's also a nifty lift-up luggage partition in the boot, complete with shopping bag hooks and restraint straps. The key fob tells you if you've locked the car or not, and how about a coat hook on the front passenger seat for good measure? Or better still, a powered tailgate?

Seemingly small features, they get a lot of use in everyday situations and help make the XC60 a smart choice for family buyers shopping for a premium SUV.

PRICING AND EQUIPMENT

All models get six-speed transmissions, with the D5 and T6 models now offered with paddle shifters for the first time.

Standard features across the range comprise a powered tail-gate, built-in rear booster seats, eight-speaker stereo, Bluetooth phone and audio plus USB and Aux ports, rear camera and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable driver's seat, electric park brake, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, rear door power child locks and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Step up from the entry-level Kinetic to the Luxury models and you can add satellite navigation with voice control, xenon headlights with active ‘bending’ function, keyless entry, electric adjust front passenger seat, leather instrument panel and 18-inch alloy wheels.

R-Design models feature a slightly different rear bumper with circular exhaust pipes, sports suspension and a range of interior changes, such as sports pedals and steering wheel, floor mats and scuff plates.

PACKAGING
>> Best in the business
Exterior changes for MY 2014 comprise new look headlights and repositioned LED running lights plus new front and rear bumpers. Brake lights remain unchanged, but the front-end redesign brings the medium SUV in line with V40 and S60 models, and black plastics below the doors have been ditched.

There are also minor changes to the rear end, including snugly integrated trapezoidal exhaust pipes on non R-Design models.

Along with new interior finishes, one of the key changes inside the car is the adoption of a funky new digital instrument display. Gone are the old analogue dials replaced with a trio of high-resolution digital readouts - a large central screen flanked by a pair of slim vertical displays.

The layout is clear and concise and well delineated between the three screens, and has a more premium look than some of its rivals thanks to the sensible layout. There are also three different modes the driver's viewing pleasure: elegance, eco and performance, each with slightly different data.

As mentioned it's also the smaller touches that make the car appealing, and in general the interior is sensibly designed with good levels of comfort and space.

The boot has a large 650 litre capacity expanding to 1450 litres, and the 40:20:40 split rear seats make the rear load space versatile. Front and rear seat passengers get cup and bottle holders and glove box is large.

Those with the need for a third row, need not apply, however. The XC60 is resolutely a two row, five-seater.

MECHANICAL
>> Are flappy paddles mechanical?
Apart from the addition of steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on D5 and T6 models, there are no mechanical changes to speak of.

The picks of the latest XC60 bunch are the entry-level front-drive D4 and T5 Kinetic models, powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and turbo-petrol engines respectively. While they don't quite have the wallop of the bigger engines and miss out on AWD, they still hustle along briskly (and economically) and represent good value for money.

The range-topping all-wheel drive T6 engine cranks out 224kW/440Nm, and the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol donk's power is further hiked to 242kW/480Nm if you opt for the R-Design model. Fuel consumption is 10.5L/100km (claimed).

It's a muscular engine, has a resonant exhaust note and gently pushes occupants into the seats under full throttle, something none of the other engines managed. Volvo claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds. Not slow!

The 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel D5 engine pumps out an impressive 158kW/440Nm, rising to 169kW/470Nm in R-Design guise. Both are all-wheel drive.

Considerably more frugal than the big gasoline powerplant (6.9L/100km), the D5 is a quiet, stoic performer with loads of easily accessible torque.

The D4s get a 2.0-litre inline five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 120kW/400Nm, and sip fuel at a rate of 6.9L/100km. When underway, normal overtaking, navigating T-intersections and the like, I struggled to pick the different between this and it's bigger brother. It's a great little engine with a punchy mid-range and though it's the slowest accelerating of the four engines (10.3sec), it has enough mumbo to hoof along if you're in a hurry.

As noted above, if AWD is not a must have, the T5 models are also a good option. Volvo’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol generates plenty of low down torque to shift the car's bulk and uses just 8.7L/100km while doing so. It's the second fastest model in the XC60 in the range with a 0-100km/h split of 8.1sec thanks to its 177kW/320Nm output.

The brakes offer good fee and above average stopping power for the roughly 1800kg Volvo models and (braked) towing capacities range from 1600 to 2000kg.

SAFETY
>> Swedish safety levels
Safety systems have been enhanced up for the 2014 XC60 with the City Safety autonomous braking feature now working at up to 50km/h -- up from 30km/h. Standard on all models. it can detect impending collisions with cars or pedestrians and brake the car to mitigate impacts, and completely avoid them at speeds of 15km/h or less.

The Swedish SUV also gets a world-first cyclist detection system which can detect riders when the car is travelling at speeds of up to 80km/h. It can apply full brakes if it detects an imminent impact but doesn't come cheap. It's packaged as part of the adaptive cruise control pegged at $6250.

We didn't have a chance to engage the system but Volvo reckons it can completely avoid a collision with a treadly if the XC60 is travelling at under 50km/h and the bike is doing 15km/h or less, with no input from the driver.

With an extensive list of safety features, including roll stability control, whiplash protection and front and rear head airbags, the Volvo XC60 has a five-star NCAP safety rating.

COMPETITORS
>> Top shelf rivals
Volvo may not be considered a luxury brand by some, but with its closest rivals wearing BMW, Audi and Lexus badges, buyers are at least in good company. The BMW X3, Audi Q5 and even the Lexus RX are all cross-shopped with the XC60, says Volvo.

ON THE ROAD
>> Refined and relaxed
With minor mechanical changes, the 2014 XC60 drives the same as the 2013 model, which means a reasonably quiet cabin, good ride comfort and above-average handling.

All XC60s feel like luxury SUVs should, keeping occupants comfortable and relaxed during travel. The suspension absorbed most bumps and lumps encountered on some of the rougher country roads around Albury Wodonga. Comfortable leather seating, and plenty of interior space for front and rear occupants, round out the cars’ ‘primo’ feel.

R-Design models have a firmer ride but what they lack in compliance they make up with cornering composure. Optioned with the big 20-inch alloy wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion tyres, the R-Design models tip into corners with an eagerness that surprisingly for a high-riding SUV.

The sporty models also maintain good balance through corners of varying radii, and with less body roll and lean than their cousins.

Volvo calls the XC60 the "most versatile vehicle in its range" and I'm finding it difficult to disagree. Overall it drives well, the entry-level engines are above average and the small touches that make the car easier to live with are the icing on the cake. All models also get three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, bundled with three year's roadside assistance.

It's little wonder the XC60 is the best-selling Volvo vehicle in Australia and internationally. With roughly 8000 sold in Australia since launching in early 2009, it accounts for roughly 40 per cent of Volvo Australia's sales.

Although the entry-level price has risen $1500 from $55,490 to $56,990, the new XC60 gets more kit, a fresh look and one of the best digital instrument displays in the business.

Volvo hasn't reinvented the wheel with the 2014 XC60, but then it didn't need to.

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