Review: Volvo XC60

Cars are supposed to sell more slowly as they grow older. Clearly, nobody bothered to tell Volvo enthusiasts that because they bought more of the old XC60s last year than they had in its entire nine-year history.

When a car is as well loved as that, the biggest fear for the manufacturer isn’t so much what the opposition is putting out to challenge it – generally excellent fare such as the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X3 – as what they themselves can do to top their own car.

Forging bravely on, Volvo has released this all-new XC60, a car that manages to tread the fine line between looking new and but not so new that its own client base will start to wonder as to what sinister doings might be afoot.

Under that stately but at the same time contemporary skin lies the same chassis as that used in the XC90 and S and V90. That means the XC60 has the same range of 2-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The one our Matt has had a go in is the 232bhp D5, which as standard is equipped with the all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic gearbox that every self-respecting urban warrior demands. Switch on the video and surround yourself with a soothing envelope of Swedish cool.

Volvo XC60 D5 Inscription

Location Spain
On sale June
Price £44,450
Engine 4 cyls, 1969cc, diesel
Power 232bhp at 4000rpm
Torque 354lb ft at 1750-2250
Gearbox Eight-speed automatic
Kerb weight 2050kg (est)
0-62mph 7.2sec
Top speed 137mph
Economy 51.4mpg
CO2 144g/km
Rivals Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC