Volvo XC60 T5 Kinetic

Volvo's mid sized SUV, the XC 60, has been around for five years now and the company decided it was time for a bit of refurbishment for one of its best sellers.
Previously powered by a five cylinder turbo diesel, and a turbo petrol six, the updated XC 60 still has the option of those two engines and now also a two litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine.
This is that four cylinder turbo. For the uninitiated it's a bit confusing as the badge on the tailgate says T5. Perhaps it's because it only seats five people.
Style wise, not a lot has changed externally, the lines of the Volvo remain fresh and modern.
There's plenty of room for five and visibility is excellent thanks to the large glasshouse.
Inside, the instruments are highlighted in pale blue.The tachometer is unusual, it's linear, placed vertically to the right of the speedo.

Volvo's eight speaker sound system is among the world's best for clarity and quality.
The signature Volvo "floating" central console remains, but is now finished in a colour that Volvo calls "Copper Dawn." I didn't mind it, it's a bit different from the fake wood and piano black surfaces found in other vehicles. However once again the devil is in the detail. On a sunny day with the sun overhead the aluminium surround along the top edge of the console reflects sunlight into the driver's eyes.

The turbo four pot has enough power to haul the XC60 along quite rapidly. Volvo says 0 to 100 kmh takes just over eight seconds. The engine has 177 kw and 320 nm, compared to the diesel's 136 kw and 400nm, but it's up to the task and the car never felt sluggish off the line. Average fuel consumption is just under 9 litres per 100 kilometres.
The steering is well weighted but a little on the heavy side. That didn't detract from its accuracy, and there is no steering vagueness at the straight ahead. The turning circle is commendably tight, better than some others in its  class. The XC 60 shines on the highway, sitting flat, while powering through sweeping bends at speed, better poised and composed than many sedans.   

Volvo's pioneering City Safety system brings the car to a halt if you aren't paying attention when there's a collision threat, at speeds of up to 50 kmh. It's very effective. I've tried it on previous models and it actually does what it's designed to do, although heading for a stationary object without any driver input is a bit daunting. The system cancels if the driver regains control. The XC 60 is packed with safety technology apart from that one, including  Volvo's side impact protection and whiplash prevention system.

Volvo's seats are renowned for their comfort and those in the XC 60 are no exception. Even after several hours behind the wheel you will arrived refreshed and ache free. The rear seats also have a built in child booster, another Volvo first. The XC 60 T5 also has a power tailgate for ease of loading. The ignition process is slightly awkward. Most of us are right handed, but the XC 60's key fob needs to be inserted into a slot to the left of the steering wheel and then started with a button above that. In time, that would I suppose, become second nature if you owned one, it's just a bit clumsy,if you aren't ambidextrous.You also need to push buttons on the key fob to open and lock the car, as there's no remote "keyless" entry system. 
The ride is firm-ish but still absorbs all but the most serious bumps with quiet sophistication.
Underway, there is no wind noise and just a faint whisper from the tyres.

The XC60's unique taillights are a designers delight, the large vertical array with its sweeping curve, a standout at night. 

So if a svelte, stylish comfortable Swede is what you're after,look no further than the Volvo XC 60.
Peter Sellen