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Volvo XC60 2009 R-Design road test report

2009 R-Design

Get quoteThe XC60 R-Design comes in standard and SE trims, both of which provide a plethora of standard equipment to feel every inch the luxury SUV. With strong residual values, competitive pricing and Volvo’s quality to back them up, the only thing that prevents this Volvo scoring a full five-star rating is that there’s not a more frugal engine option.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
Volvo XC60
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ALISDAIR SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

Volvo’s sporty take on its XC60 SUV comes with two turbodiesel engine choices or the 282bhp petrol-fuelled 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine used in the T6. The T6 only comes with a five-speed Geartronic automatic gearbox, while the diesels use six-speed manual gearboxes as standard, with the option of an auto at extra cost. For the R-Design, the D5 engine has 202bhp to drive all four wheels, just like the T6 model, while the 172bhp 2.4D DRIVe model only sends power to the front wheels. Because of the lighter weight of the DRIVe model without the four-wheel drive mechanics of its sister models, it feels just as quick in a straight line. However, the front-drive DRIVe model does suffer from a fair amount of power travelling through just two wheels and the steering wheel can writhe in the driver’s hands on anything but a perfectly smooth road. We also find the XC60 diesel models are better suited to the manual gearbox as they feel more lively and fun to drive.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

Choosing the XC60 in R-Design trim does nothing to undermine the Volvo’s comfort and composure. To back up the sporty styling of the R-Design, Volvo has stiffened the suspension and altered the steering so it is quicker to react. However, unlike other R-Design versions of Volvo’s other models, the XC60’s suspension has not been lowered so that it preserves the car’s limited off-road ability. More importantly, it helps preserve the fine ride quality of the XC60 that makes it one of the most cosseting cars in its class. The handling is also excellent and the R-Design comes with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, or there’s the option of 20-in alloys for the full sporting effect, though these may impact on low-speed ride comfort across rut-spattered city streets.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Volvo can hold its head very high when the XC60 is compared to the best of its German opposition as the XC has a solidity and finish to rival the very best. All of the cabin materials appear to be of the highest standard and if you can hear a squeak inside the cabin it will only be the kids’ pet mouse. All of the mechanical components used throughout the XC60 have seen service in other Volvo models and earned a great reputation for unfailing reliability, so no worries here either.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Driver, passenger, side and full-length curtain airbags get the safety count of the XC60 off to a great start. They’re backed up by Volvo DSCT traction and stability control, along with anti-lock brakes and anti-whip last head restraints on all models. As with other XC60 models, the R-Design comes with Volvo’s City Safety system that detects and helps to avoid impacts up to 20mph by applying the brakes in an emergency if the system thinks the driver is failing to react. This system also works at higher speeds to lessen the effects of an impact but cannot necessarily avoid a collision at greater speeds. To keep thieves walking on by, there’s a visible VIN number, alarm and immobiliser.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

Most buyers will take it for granted that a Volvo will be spacious and practical, but the XC60 outshines most rivals in a class where this kind of practicality is in-built. The wide-opening tailgate reveals a large boot with unhindered side walls that makes it easy to store large items. If you need to fold the rear seats, this is achieved at the tug of a lever to leave a huge, flat load floor. With the rear seats upright, rear seat passengers are well catered for head, leg and shoulder space and the raised rear bench gives excellent views out, so children will be less likely to suffer from car sickness. In the front, the driver has lots of options to tailor the driving position to be just so and the all-round view from the driver’s seat is excellent. Only some small buttons on the centre console disappoint from the driver’s perspective, but the XC60 is still a joy to sit in and pilot.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

The XC60 R-Design comes in standard and SE trims, both of which provide a plethora of standard equipment to feel every inch the luxury SUV. With strong residual values, competitive pricing and Volvo’s quality to back them up, the only thing that prevents this Volvo scoring a full five-star rating is that there’s not a more frugal engine option. Even the 2.4D DRIVe model with its 47.1mpg and 159g/km carbon dioxide emissions is good rather than great, and you have to sacrifice four-wheel drive to achieve these figures.

Submitted: 05/02/2010 15:09:26

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