Volvo XC60 2.0T (A) Review
24 Nov 2010|47,363 views
The calls for more environmentally friendly vehicles have forced manufacturers to look into giving their current models smaller engines. Unfortunately, more often than not, the smaller engines takes away some of the 'fun' from certain models that were planned with larger capacity engines. So manufacturers are forced to keep the engine capacities low without changing the car's handling characteristics.
Unfortunately this stranglehold on capacities has seen to it that even Volvo's flagship S80 model isn't spared. In the UK, Volvo rolled out a version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel. The drive in the super frugal S80 though has suffered a bit. In an overtaking test on the English motorway, the S80 was given a seriously hard time by a Mini Cooper with a similar 1.6-litre.
Thus along with the capacity and turbo, the S80 has lost 'some' of that brute force as well. Then again, you have to admit that Volvo really has their heart in the right place. While the S80's engine capacity is measly, it does return 24.5km/L though at the expense of driving pleasure I admit.
Unfortunately this stranglehold on capacities has seen to it that even Volvo's flagship S80 model isn't spared. In the UK, Volvo rolled out a version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel. The drive in the super frugal S80 though has suffered a bit. In an overtaking test on the English motorway, the S80 was given a seriously hard time by a Mini Cooper with a similar 1.6-litre.
Thus along with the capacity and turbo, the S80 has lost 'some' of that brute force as well. Then again, you have to admit that Volvo really has their heart in the right place. While the S80's engine capacity is measly, it does return 24.5km/L though at the expense of driving pleasure I admit.
Thankfully though, the new 2.0-litre turbocharged unit in the XC60 doesn't sacrifice any shred of driving pleasure
Exterior
In recent times, Volvo has been distancing themselves further and further from their slab sided designs of yesteryear. When the XC60 was launched, we remarked at how the design looks more sedan than SUV. And that isn't a complaint by the way. Knowing that most of its customers will be cruising down 'Orchard trail' more often than one in a jungle, they've elected to give the XC60 softer lines that reflect its urbanite habitat than the brutish looks of an off-road machine.
The unveiling of the XC60 teased us with insights on how the 2010 XC90 would've looked but unfortunately, we'll have to wait another two more years to find out. Volvo deemed that the current model is still doing well enough that it will get by on just a facelift and shelved the 'new' model for a couple more years.
While the front bears some resemblance to the current XC90, the softer edges and sleeker lines of the front fascia makes the baby brother more relevant to our times. The large extended lower bumper also gives the XC60 a more ground hugging stance than a typical SUV. This close to the ground profile carries itself further along the length of the car giving indication of this SUV's urban intentions. The design of the aft portion is livened up by a pair of elegantly shaped and brightly lit LED taillights that attach to either side of the C-pillars. The rather high placement of the lights ensures that you will be seen by commuters from a mile away.
The 2.0-litre XC60 can be distinguished from the larger T6 variant by spotting the smaller 18 inch Zephyrus diamond cut alloys on the former. Of course the 2.0T badge would give away the game as well if the observer was close enough.
Interior
Being a Volvo, the interior build quality is quite hard to fault. Settling into the driver's seat, you immediately notice the comfort offered by the premium hide used. Furthermore, the highly adjustable seat provides comfort and support in the right places. Despite the lower ride height of the XC60, it still offers a commanding view from the driver's seat.
The steering here is also rake and reach adjustable which gives you an excellent driving position. Proof of the Volvo's interior refinement is the lack of fatigue I experienced despite driving the XC60 for a full eight hours during the test drive. This isn't surprising to me as I've done 12 hours in a C70 on a previous occasion without feeling it as well.
While the front bears some resemblance to the current XC90, the softer edges and sleeker lines of the front fascia makes the baby brother more relevant to our times. The large extended lower bumper also gives the XC60 a more ground hugging stance than a typical SUV. This close to the ground profile carries itself further along the length of the car giving indication of this SUV's urban intentions. The design of the aft portion is livened up by a pair of elegantly shaped and brightly lit LED taillights that attach to either side of the C-pillars. The rather high placement of the lights ensures that you will be seen by commuters from a mile away.
The 2.0-litre XC60 can be distinguished from the larger T6 variant by spotting the smaller 18 inch Zephyrus diamond cut alloys on the former. Of course the 2.0T badge would give away the game as well if the observer was close enough.
Interior
Being a Volvo, the interior build quality is quite hard to fault. Settling into the driver's seat, you immediately notice the comfort offered by the premium hide used. Furthermore, the highly adjustable seat provides comfort and support in the right places. Despite the lower ride height of the XC60, it still offers a commanding view from the driver's seat.
The steering here is also rake and reach adjustable which gives you an excellent driving position. Proof of the Volvo's interior refinement is the lack of fatigue I experienced despite driving the XC60 for a full eight hours during the test drive. This isn't surprising to me as I've done 12 hours in a C70 on a previous occasion without feeling it as well.
Beyond the steering, sits the clearly defined instruments with their chrono inspired look. The fuel gauge and range calculation information are both incorporated into the two dials. Giving the instrument panel a very clean, minimalistic look.
The cockpit of the XC60 has a rather driver centric design as the centre console is discrete angled towards the driver. Decked out in brush aluminium, the console adds to the minimalist avant-garde look of the interior. At the top of the console sits the information screen that shows the audio source and climate control settings. Lower down, the space meant for the GPS overseas is a void for holding small items here. The audio system and climate control are beautifully and elegantly encased in the aluminium surround.
It's no surprise that the audio system in the XC60 is an excellent one. The 8-speaker system supported with 4x40W amplifiers will appeal to even the most demanding listeners (i.e. yours truly). The sound reproduction remains faithful even in the higher frequencies while low-end bass could do with a little more 'oomph'. But that's just me.
The system accepts input from the single CD changer and a AUX-in hidden away in the centre console for your MP3 player. Volume remote controls are replicated on the steering as well though the mute button is missing here.
In the rear, the seats provide ample space to fit three adults abreast while legroom isn't a problem at all. Rear passengers also get their own aircon ducts that are integrated into the B-pillars. Rear storage is at a generous 490 litres. With the rear seats folded, the space increases to 1450 litres. The cargo area is also completely flat which allows you to maximise every inch of cargo space available. The XC60 also comes with a powered tailgate that can be opened even before you approach the vehicle using the remote. A Godsend when you have your hands full with groceries.
The cockpit of the XC60 has a rather driver centric design as the centre console is discrete angled towards the driver. Decked out in brush aluminium, the console adds to the minimalist avant-garde look of the interior. At the top of the console sits the information screen that shows the audio source and climate control settings. Lower down, the space meant for the GPS overseas is a void for holding small items here. The audio system and climate control are beautifully and elegantly encased in the aluminium surround.
It's no surprise that the audio system in the XC60 is an excellent one. The 8-speaker system supported with 4x40W amplifiers will appeal to even the most demanding listeners (i.e. yours truly). The sound reproduction remains faithful even in the higher frequencies while low-end bass could do with a little more 'oomph'. But that's just me.
The system accepts input from the single CD changer and a AUX-in hidden away in the centre console for your MP3 player. Volume remote controls are replicated on the steering as well though the mute button is missing here.
In the rear, the seats provide ample space to fit three adults abreast while legroom isn't a problem at all. Rear passengers also get their own aircon ducts that are integrated into the B-pillars. Rear storage is at a generous 490 litres. With the rear seats folded, the space increases to 1450 litres. The cargo area is also completely flat which allows you to maximise every inch of cargo space available. The XC60 also comes with a powered tailgate that can be opened even before you approach the vehicle using the remote. A Godsend when you have your hands full with groceries.
The Drive
The new heart in the XC60 is a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre unit that Volvo claims produces as much power as a five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine. The success of this new engine is largely based on the new turbo system used. Turbo lag is kept to a minimum thanks to a high gas flow within the exhaust ducts.
Performance of this engine stands at 203bhp with 300Nm of torque compared to 304bhp and 440Nm of torque in the XC60 T6. Thus you would expect the 2.0-litre to drive like a weedy little thing but to my surprise, the car still manages to be lively despite the 100bhp and torque difference. If you haven't driven the T6 before, you wouldn't notice any difference as the performance of the 2.0-litre is more than adequate.
Acceleration off the line feels robust while overtaking isn't a problem on the expressways even with a full load of passengers. In cruise mode, the cabin maintains its serenity with excellent sound insulation from the tyres and engine.
Shifting duties in the XC60 falls on the new Powershift six-speed transmission. Volvo's very own dual clutch automatic transmission.
The new heart in the XC60 is a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre unit that Volvo claims produces as much power as a five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine. The success of this new engine is largely based on the new turbo system used. Turbo lag is kept to a minimum thanks to a high gas flow within the exhaust ducts.
Performance of this engine stands at 203bhp with 300Nm of torque compared to 304bhp and 440Nm of torque in the XC60 T6. Thus you would expect the 2.0-litre to drive like a weedy little thing but to my surprise, the car still manages to be lively despite the 100bhp and torque difference. If you haven't driven the T6 before, you wouldn't notice any difference as the performance of the 2.0-litre is more than adequate.
Acceleration off the line feels robust while overtaking isn't a problem on the expressways even with a full load of passengers. In cruise mode, the cabin maintains its serenity with excellent sound insulation from the tyres and engine.
Shifting duties in the XC60 falls on the new Powershift six-speed transmission. Volvo's very own dual clutch automatic transmission.
Though the transmission allows a manual override, most drivers would prefer to leave it to automatic because of its smooth shifting.
A key plus point of the new 2.0-litre over the T6 is the significantly improved fuel consumption. While the T6 returns just 9.3km/L, the new 2.0-litre with its Powershift box gives 11.7km/L. A figure that most of drivers would find more acceptable.
The new XC60 also comes with City Safety. It automatically applies the brakes if you get too close to a vehicle in front. Though this system only works if you're travelling at 40km/h and below. While this system isn't meant for you to drift off in bumper to bumper traffic, it is still nice to know it's there if the worst threaten to happen.
Conclusion
The new 2.0-litre XC60 will surely appeal to those who turned away from the T6 due to the less than impressive consumption.
In this class of SUVs, the XC60 is the champion when it comes to safety. It will be hard to ignore when safety is at the top of your list of prerequisites for a family run about.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
A key plus point of the new 2.0-litre over the T6 is the significantly improved fuel consumption. While the T6 returns just 9.3km/L, the new 2.0-litre with its Powershift box gives 11.7km/L. A figure that most of drivers would find more acceptable.
The new XC60 also comes with City Safety. It automatically applies the brakes if you get too close to a vehicle in front. Though this system only works if you're travelling at 40km/h and below. While this system isn't meant for you to drift off in bumper to bumper traffic, it is still nice to know it's there if the worst threaten to happen.
Conclusion
The new 2.0-litre XC60 will surely appeal to those who turned away from the T6 due to the less than impressive consumption.
In this class of SUVs, the XC60 is the champion when it comes to safety. It will be hard to ignore when safety is at the top of your list of prerequisites for a family run about.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The calls for more environmentally friendly vehicles have forced manufacturers to look into giving their current models smaller engines. Unfortunately, more often than not, the smaller engines takes away some of the 'fun' from certain models that were planned with larger capacity engines. So manufacturers are forced to keep the engine capacities low without changing the car's handling characteristics.
Unfortunately this stranglehold on capacities has seen to it that even Volvo's flagship S80 model isn't spared. In the UK, Volvo rolled out a version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel. The drive in the super frugal S80 though has suffered a bit. In an overtaking test on the English motorway, the S80 was given a seriously hard time by a Mini Cooper with a similar 1.6-litre.
Thus along with the capacity and turbo, the S80 has lost 'some' of that brute force as well. Then again, you have to admit that Volvo really has their heart in the right place. While the S80's engine capacity is measly, it does return 24.5km/L though at the expense of driving pleasure I admit.
Unfortunately this stranglehold on capacities has seen to it that even Volvo's flagship S80 model isn't spared. In the UK, Volvo rolled out a version powered by a 1.6-litre diesel. The drive in the super frugal S80 though has suffered a bit. In an overtaking test on the English motorway, the S80 was given a seriously hard time by a Mini Cooper with a similar 1.6-litre.
Thus along with the capacity and turbo, the S80 has lost 'some' of that brute force as well. Then again, you have to admit that Volvo really has their heart in the right place. While the S80's engine capacity is measly, it does return 24.5km/L though at the expense of driving pleasure I admit.
Thankfully though, the new 2.0-litre turbocharged unit in the XC60 doesn't sacrifice any shred of driving pleasure
Exterior
In recent times, Volvo has been distancing themselves further and further from their slab sided designs of yesteryear. When the XC60 was launched, we remarked at how the design looks more sedan than SUV. And that isn't a complaint by the way. Knowing that most of its customers will be cruising down 'Orchard trail' more often than one in a jungle, they've elected to give the XC60 softer lines that reflect its urbanite habitat than the brutish looks of an off-road machine.
The unveiling of the XC60 teased us with insights on how the 2010 XC90 would've looked but unfortunately, we'll have to wait another two more years to find out. Volvo deemed that the current model is still doing well enough that it will get by on just a facelift and shelved the 'new' model for a couple more years.
While the front bears some resemblance to the current XC90, the softer edges and sleeker lines of the front fascia makes the baby brother more relevant to our times. The large extended lower bumper also gives the XC60 a more ground hugging stance than a typical SUV. This close to the ground profile carries itself further along the length of the car giving indication of this SUV's urban intentions. The design of the aft portion is livened up by a pair of elegantly shaped and brightly lit LED taillights that attach to either side of the C-pillars. The rather high placement of the lights ensures that you will be seen by commuters from a mile away.
The 2.0-litre XC60 can be distinguished from the larger T6 variant by spotting the smaller 18 inch Zephyrus diamond cut alloys on the former. Of course the 2.0T badge would give away the game as well if the observer was close enough.
Interior
Being a Volvo, the interior build quality is quite hard to fault. Settling into the driver's seat, you immediately notice the comfort offered by the premium hide used. Furthermore, the highly adjustable seat provides comfort and support in the right places. Despite the lower ride height of the XC60, it still offers a commanding view from the driver's seat.
The steering here is also rake and reach adjustable which gives you an excellent driving position. Proof of the Volvo's interior refinement is the lack of fatigue I experienced despite driving the XC60 for a full eight hours during the test drive. This isn't surprising to me as I've done 12 hours in a C70 on a previous occasion without feeling it as well.
While the front bears some resemblance to the current XC90, the softer edges and sleeker lines of the front fascia makes the baby brother more relevant to our times. The large extended lower bumper also gives the XC60 a more ground hugging stance than a typical SUV. This close to the ground profile carries itself further along the length of the car giving indication of this SUV's urban intentions. The design of the aft portion is livened up by a pair of elegantly shaped and brightly lit LED taillights that attach to either side of the C-pillars. The rather high placement of the lights ensures that you will be seen by commuters from a mile away.
The 2.0-litre XC60 can be distinguished from the larger T6 variant by spotting the smaller 18 inch Zephyrus diamond cut alloys on the former. Of course the 2.0T badge would give away the game as well if the observer was close enough.
Interior
Being a Volvo, the interior build quality is quite hard to fault. Settling into the driver's seat, you immediately notice the comfort offered by the premium hide used. Furthermore, the highly adjustable seat provides comfort and support in the right places. Despite the lower ride height of the XC60, it still offers a commanding view from the driver's seat.
The steering here is also rake and reach adjustable which gives you an excellent driving position. Proof of the Volvo's interior refinement is the lack of fatigue I experienced despite driving the XC60 for a full eight hours during the test drive. This isn't surprising to me as I've done 12 hours in a C70 on a previous occasion without feeling it as well.
Beyond the steering, sits the clearly defined instruments with their chrono inspired look. The fuel gauge and range calculation information are both incorporated into the two dials. Giving the instrument panel a very clean, minimalistic look.
The cockpit of the XC60 has a rather driver centric design as the centre console is discrete angled towards the driver. Decked out in brush aluminium, the console adds to the minimalist avant-garde look of the interior. At the top of the console sits the information screen that shows the audio source and climate control settings. Lower down, the space meant for the GPS overseas is a void for holding small items here. The audio system and climate control are beautifully and elegantly encased in the aluminium surround.
It's no surprise that the audio system in the XC60 is an excellent one. The 8-speaker system supported with 4x40W amplifiers will appeal to even the most demanding listeners (i.e. yours truly). The sound reproduction remains faithful even in the higher frequencies while low-end bass could do with a little more 'oomph'. But that's just me.
The system accepts input from the single CD changer and a AUX-in hidden away in the centre console for your MP3 player. Volume remote controls are replicated on the steering as well though the mute button is missing here.
In the rear, the seats provide ample space to fit three adults abreast while legroom isn't a problem at all. Rear passengers also get their own aircon ducts that are integrated into the B-pillars. Rear storage is at a generous 490 litres. With the rear seats folded, the space increases to 1450 litres. The cargo area is also completely flat which allows you to maximise every inch of cargo space available. The XC60 also comes with a powered tailgate that can be opened even before you approach the vehicle using the remote. A Godsend when you have your hands full with groceries.
The cockpit of the XC60 has a rather driver centric design as the centre console is discrete angled towards the driver. Decked out in brush aluminium, the console adds to the minimalist avant-garde look of the interior. At the top of the console sits the information screen that shows the audio source and climate control settings. Lower down, the space meant for the GPS overseas is a void for holding small items here. The audio system and climate control are beautifully and elegantly encased in the aluminium surround.
It's no surprise that the audio system in the XC60 is an excellent one. The 8-speaker system supported with 4x40W amplifiers will appeal to even the most demanding listeners (i.e. yours truly). The sound reproduction remains faithful even in the higher frequencies while low-end bass could do with a little more 'oomph'. But that's just me.
The system accepts input from the single CD changer and a AUX-in hidden away in the centre console for your MP3 player. Volume remote controls are replicated on the steering as well though the mute button is missing here.
In the rear, the seats provide ample space to fit three adults abreast while legroom isn't a problem at all. Rear passengers also get their own aircon ducts that are integrated into the B-pillars. Rear storage is at a generous 490 litres. With the rear seats folded, the space increases to 1450 litres. The cargo area is also completely flat which allows you to maximise every inch of cargo space available. The XC60 also comes with a powered tailgate that can be opened even before you approach the vehicle using the remote. A Godsend when you have your hands full with groceries.
The Drive
The new heart in the XC60 is a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre unit that Volvo claims produces as much power as a five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine. The success of this new engine is largely based on the new turbo system used. Turbo lag is kept to a minimum thanks to a high gas flow within the exhaust ducts.
Performance of this engine stands at 203bhp with 300Nm of torque compared to 304bhp and 440Nm of torque in the XC60 T6. Thus you would expect the 2.0-litre to drive like a weedy little thing but to my surprise, the car still manages to be lively despite the 100bhp and torque difference. If you haven't driven the T6 before, you wouldn't notice any difference as the performance of the 2.0-litre is more than adequate.
Acceleration off the line feels robust while overtaking isn't a problem on the expressways even with a full load of passengers. In cruise mode, the cabin maintains its serenity with excellent sound insulation from the tyres and engine.
Shifting duties in the XC60 falls on the new Powershift six-speed transmission. Volvo's very own dual clutch automatic transmission.
The new heart in the XC60 is a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre unit that Volvo claims produces as much power as a five-cylinder 2.5-litre engine. The success of this new engine is largely based on the new turbo system used. Turbo lag is kept to a minimum thanks to a high gas flow within the exhaust ducts.
Performance of this engine stands at 203bhp with 300Nm of torque compared to 304bhp and 440Nm of torque in the XC60 T6. Thus you would expect the 2.0-litre to drive like a weedy little thing but to my surprise, the car still manages to be lively despite the 100bhp and torque difference. If you haven't driven the T6 before, you wouldn't notice any difference as the performance of the 2.0-litre is more than adequate.
Acceleration off the line feels robust while overtaking isn't a problem on the expressways even with a full load of passengers. In cruise mode, the cabin maintains its serenity with excellent sound insulation from the tyres and engine.
Shifting duties in the XC60 falls on the new Powershift six-speed transmission. Volvo's very own dual clutch automatic transmission.
Though the transmission allows a manual override, most drivers would prefer to leave it to automatic because of its smooth shifting.
A key plus point of the new 2.0-litre over the T6 is the significantly improved fuel consumption. While the T6 returns just 9.3km/L, the new 2.0-litre with its Powershift box gives 11.7km/L. A figure that most of drivers would find more acceptable.
The new XC60 also comes with City Safety. It automatically applies the brakes if you get too close to a vehicle in front. Though this system only works if you're travelling at 40km/h and below. While this system isn't meant for you to drift off in bumper to bumper traffic, it is still nice to know it's there if the worst threaten to happen.
Conclusion
The new 2.0-litre XC60 will surely appeal to those who turned away from the T6 due to the less than impressive consumption.
In this class of SUVs, the XC60 is the champion when it comes to safety. It will be hard to ignore when safety is at the top of your list of prerequisites for a family run about.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
A key plus point of the new 2.0-litre over the T6 is the significantly improved fuel consumption. While the T6 returns just 9.3km/L, the new 2.0-litre with its Powershift box gives 11.7km/L. A figure that most of drivers would find more acceptable.
The new XC60 also comes with City Safety. It automatically applies the brakes if you get too close to a vehicle in front. Though this system only works if you're travelling at 40km/h and below. While this system isn't meant for you to drift off in bumper to bumper traffic, it is still nice to know it's there if the worst threaten to happen.
Conclusion
The new 2.0-litre XC60 will surely appeal to those who turned away from the T6 due to the less than impressive consumption.
In this class of SUVs, the XC60 is the champion when it comes to safety. It will be hard to ignore when safety is at the top of your list of prerequisites for a family run about.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Car Information
Volvo XC60 2.0T (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.7km/L
Horsepower
151kW (203 bhp)
Torque
300 Nm
Acceleration
8.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volvo XC60Thank You For Your Subscription.