Volvo XC60

Although it’s famous for its estate cars, Volvo has also forged an enviable reputation for SUVs, too. Yet while the groundbreaking seven-seater XC90 revolutionised the large off-roader market, the smaller XC60 has struggled to make the same kind of impact.

From the outside, it’s difficult to understand why. The XC60 follows the same design approach as its big brother, and integrates traditional Volvo styling cues with SUV proportions to good effect. 

With its muscular shoulders and upright tail-lights, the car is distinctive, and R-Design trim brings a matt silver finish for the door mirrors and grille, plus smart 18-inch alloy wheels and sporty side sill extensions. They give the XC60 a sporty, focused look.

There’s plenty of flair inside, thanks in part to the floating centre console and the R-Design’s aluminium trim. Metallic blue instrument surrounds, which have central digital displays, stand out from the sober black-on-white designs of rivals.

Other parts of the cabin aren’t such a success, as the switchgear looks dated and the menu controls are fiddly to use. They’re certainly no match for BMW’s iDrive or Audi’s MMI systems. What the XC60 lacks in quality it makes up for with comfort, though, as the R-Design’s sports seats are relaxing, and feature the most effective heaters on test. They could do with more side support, though, plus the same range of adjustment as in the German models.

In the rear, there’s as much room as in the other cars, but the shallow boot isn’t as spacious as the Audi or BMW’s. It doesn’t have many clever storage ideas, and the optional powered tailgate proved slow, too. On the road, we expected the Volvo to have an advantage, as its 202bhp 2.4-litre diesel has the most power. But the Geartronic six-ratio auto box undermines this superiority. It hunts for ratios, and isn’t as smooth as the BMW’s eight-speeder.

The characterful soundtrack of the five-cylinder engine helps to compensate, although it becomes gruff and clattery at higher revs. This noise discourages hard driving – which is just as well, because despite its sporty appearance, the Volvo doesn’t match the sharp body control of its rivals and isn’t as engaging to drive. It copes well on smooth roads, where the soft suspension proves comfortable and cosseting, but large bumps unsettle it. The steering is also disappointing as it has an elastic feel and is too keen to re-centre. You also don’t get the BMW set-up’s feedback.

The XC60 doesn’t offer the Q5’s car-like character or the Freelander’s large SUV comfort. While the X3 balances these attributes superbly, the Volvo is a little lost in comparison. It doesn’t stand out in any significant area – and in this company, that doesn’t bode well.

Details

Chart position: 4
WHY: Combines cool Swedish style with tuneful five-cylinder motor and classy cabin.