Skip advert
Advertisement

Volvo XC60 2014 review

The Volvo XC60 offers a good combination of low running costs and decent performance

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Volvo XC60
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

This engine’s running costs and performance impress. It’s a shame that it can be a bit noisy and the gearbox is jerky at low speeds, but this powertrain combination puts the XC60 back into contention in this class. And although the handling isn’t the sharpest, it’s comfortable, quiet and has a quality feel.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volvo is overhauling its engine and gearbox line-up, and the XC60 D4 is a good example of where the firm is going.

It’s powered by a new four-cylinder diesel – the first in a range of fresh engines set to be rolled out by 2015 – and a brand new eight-speed auto box.

The engine is impressively quiet at idle, and can launch the XC60 from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds. But under hard acceleration it does sound rough. And even though the gearbox works well for the majority of the time, in slow traffic when you’re constantly adjusting the throttle, it can result in jerky, mistimed shifts.

The figures do at least add up. This engine is more powerful than the equivalent diesels in the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander, but it’s cleaner than all of them by quite some margin – it boasts 60.1mpg compared with the X3’s 55.4mpg or the Freelander’s 47.1mpg.

Motorway refinement and ride comfort are both good but the steering feels a bit too slow, a bit heavy and could do with more self-centering.

Volvo XC60 Equipment

On this SE Lux model you get new a new customisable TFT driver display, sat-nav, air-con, leather-faced seats and rear parking sensors. A powered tailgate and keyless also feature.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £15,000
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,932
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £16,745
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival
Smart Roadster exclusive image

Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival

The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
16 Jun 2025
New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there’s a whole lot more too
Audi Q3 - front

New Audi Q3 reinvents the indicator stalk, but there’s a whole lot more too

Audi’s not taking any risks with its all-new Q3; watch it sell like crazy
News
16 Jun 2025