I had some lingering thoughts, or were they doubts, about the new XC60. Having spent time with both the XC70 and XC90 I wondered what the XC60 could offer that was different.
Shape-wise it looks more like an XC90, although maybe not as gargantuan. It isn't a true seven-seater like its bigger brother and side-by side you can see the difference in size and also the more coupé rear end.
Time to put it to the test: Take three girls, give the middle one an 18th birthday treat in a lovely hotel and spa, with all the pampering they are likely to need, throw in a couple of kilos of excitement, half a dozen fashion options each, a holdall full of make-up, straighteners, jewellery, hairdryers and various assorted accessories and then get ready to pack for the trip.
The Solent Hotel and Spa in Whitely was to be the venue and, due to the forecast of heavier than average traffic on this bank holiday weekend, we opted for a motorway/dual carriageway route instead of my much-loved, but equally much-cursed A36 from Bath to the M27.
After doing a little reading and revision on what the XC60 had to offer me, as the driver, it didn't take me long to realise that this car WAS different! The first word that sprung to mind was “easy”. It is an effortless car to drive. Of course it's not the only automatic with cruise control out there. There are many, but something about this car made it all gel together beautifully. The cabin is also incredibly welcoming and comfortable.
Though a big car, it certainly doesn't feel excessively so. It has a higher than average driving position which is excellent for seeing over the queue in front, but when the need arises to give it a little oomph, it has plenty of reserve there to make that overtaking manoeuvre just a little more confident. The chosen M4 route was definitely the right decision though, as the traffic news on the BBC was full of doom and gloom about the majority of the roads in southern Britain. So there was no chance to 'throw it around' the windy roads on this occasion. Shame! As a result of this easy, effortless drive we arrived at our destination as relaxed as when we set off. Squeezing into a packed car park was hampered by the fact that the entire Arsenal football team were on their way out. I may have been mistaken, but I actually thought I heard a few of them speaking English. No, maybe not!
At the end of the day it's all about keeping the balance between comfort, performance, features, technology, looks and sheer desirability. I have always thought Volvo were very good at this balancing act and the XC60 proves no different. It is a very refined, polished performer which offers enormous driver satisfaction, yet at the same time satisfies the “Family” by providing a package which covers all aspects. It uses technology such as the new City Safety technology which reduces the risk of low speed accidents to be one of the safest family cars on the road today. A major boon to visibility, for younger children, is Volvo's integrated two-stage child booster seat. This innovation allows small children to sit higher; larger children also receive a height boost. In both cases, the seat belt angles are optimised, boosting child safety. The booster can be fitted to both outer rear seats.
Lars Blenwall, a project director on the XC60 states: 'Another benefit of the integrated two-stage child booster seat is driver safety. Because children will have better visibility, they will be more engaged by the drive. Modern cars tend to have higher beltlines so younger children can't see out of the back very well. They get bored. The greater visibility offered by our integrated two-stage child booster seat should keep children happier and make parents drive safer, with fewer distractions.'
It is incredibly thrifty for its size and offers interior comfort levels to rival some of the much more expensive luxury saloons on the market today. It really does begin to fuse the SUV and luxury saloon into a single concept, resulting in a vehicle which, in the nicest and perhaps most impressive way, blends into your routine. Its perfection makes it fade into the background by doing everything expected of it so effortlessly. It makes the whole car-owning experience virtually stress-free. Because you love it as a driver, it allows the business of the day that little bit easier. The kids love the comfort and the space, not to mention the superb music system. And let's face it, it's a pretty good-looking car too!
For someone who wants a car offering luxury, acres of space, accessibility, economy, driving pleasure and safety, the XC60 has it all in an affordable and desirable package.
Nigel Crawford
May 2009
Model Driven:
XC60 SE LUX Auto.
Price OTR £29,495 |
The Ford Kuga
