Volvo XC60 Road Test Reports and Car Reviews

Volvo XC60 D5 SE Lux Geartronic 2008

The Volvo replaces my X3, which was a good car and reliable but had one serious failing ... the ’Sport’ set-up, with thin tyres, big wheels and the ability to jar ones spine running over a match stick. The Volvo is beautifully finished - vastly superior to the X3; the leather seats and ’oak’ floating switch panel make the plastics of the X3 look very cheap. With a softer ride - it is supremely comfortable; handling is positive and although a little slower than the X3, the 184 horses with the five cylinder engine do a sterling job! Well mated to the 6 speed automatic, the car has returned just over 30mpg overall (33 on a long run), which for such a solid 4WD machine, I find acceptable. Where the Volvo astonishes ... apart from its ’blind spot surveillance’ (brilliant!) ... its ’lane deviation warning’ (dips radio volume to chime a warning!) and the ’City Safety’ (as yet NOT checked out as my nerves are not up to it!) ... the intelligent cruise control which takes over control of accelerator and brakes, maintaining safe distance from the vehicle in front applying brakes or accelerating as required ... is a masterpiece of automotive engineering! It takes a while to gain confidence in this sophisticated system, but once one has trust in it ... amazing is an understatement! No faults in nearly 5000 miles; courteous dealers (who can show the BMW people how to treat a customer!) and a quality product, I commend this as a most excellent vehicle!