This car is impossible not to notice: it arouses interest, awakens curiosity and desire. Two reasons converge here — striking appearance and brand status. Of course, the engineering is also top-notch, but without these two components, even the most perfect crossover would hardly have achieved success. Volvo was well aware of how fierce the competition is in this segment, and therefore made the right bet. First of all, this concerns the price. The new model is cheaper than the Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLK, and is roughly on par with the BMW X3. The Swedish crossover is one of the most affordable in the class of compact premium crossovers. The price gap with competitors is small, but it is enough to push toward a purchase both those who previously chose more democratic brands and those who are already fed up with German classics and crave something fresh. To get behind the wheel of this Swede, you only need to pay $47,254 (378,027 UAH). The amount is certainly substantial, but not exorbitant, especially if you remember what you get for this money.
True, if instead of the D5 turbodiesel you choose the petrol version with the three-liter T6 engine producing 285 hp, the price jumps sharply to $57,268 (458,137 UAH). The XC60 is a kind of pass into the coveted premium class. Impeccable quality is felt in everything, from trim materials to door seals. The interior has undergone special treatment to minimize the release of harmful substances. The air in the cabin is clean and neutral, so allergy sufferers can travel without fear. For those obsessed with air purity, a fine filtration option is available for $186 (1,485 UAH), which at outside temperatures above +10°C ensures constant air exchange.
HIGH LEVEL OF COMFORT
The XC60 cannot be called small — five people fit inside freely. In width, especially at shoulder level, it is comparable to the older XC90. The cabin is so long that rear passengers have nothing in their way. The trunk is also spacious, although the loading threshold is a bit high. However, this is common for crossovers. But the liftable partition is very convenient: if there is little luggage, the cargo area is divided into two zones, and things do not slide on the floor.
The driver's seat is so comfortable that it seems as if Volvo makes seats to individual measurements. Lateral support is excellent. The instrument panel is styled in line with the latest Volvo models, and the controls have become even more convenient. The only thing to nitpick is the navigation control: unlike other models of the brand, the buttons here are hidden behind the steering wheel spoke, and reaching them is not easy — you need pianist's fingers. But overall, practicality wins.
ELECTRONIC ASSISTANTS
Oddly enough, the most serious omission concerns active safety. The head of the Volvo concern once stated that the XC60 is the safest model of the brand. There is no reason to doubt this — the Swedes did an excellent job. But why did they forget to add at least reflective strips on the door edges? After all, an open door is easy to miss in the dark.
However, in terms of active safety, almost everything is provided. There are many systems here that help avoid collisions and are always ready to back up the driver. If he, for example, dozes off and the car starts to drift out of the lane, a buzzer immediately sounds. And when the distance to the car ahead becomes dangerous, a red light comes on.
A laser beam helps the distracted driver keep an eye on the road. Two cameras monitor blind spots on the left and right. An active radar adjusts speed to the road situation. And, of course, all standard safety systems required for a modern car are present. All this cannot but affect the driver's mood — behind the wheel of the XC60 you don't want to strain, and this is also a kind of driving pleasure. True, there is no talk of any sportiness.
Both the steering wheel and the gearbox set a calm, "tourist" rhythm: we drive at a measured pace, but not slowly at all. It is in such a leisurely trip that the best sides of the Swedish crossover are revealed. You don't want to demand much from the engine — the good old five-cylinder turbodiesel with common rail system (2.4 L, 185 hp) already has to haul two tons. This unit is enough to confidently merge into traffic, despite its modest capabilities. But if you press the gas harder, a roar rises that does not suit a car claiming a place among prestigious SUVs.
If you drive without sharp accelerations, the XC60 cabin is quite quiet. It is especially pleasant to drive on the highway: the comfort level is like in a good sedan, especially since the aerodynamics are well thought out. However, it is better to avoid potholes: even on small bumps, it shakes noticeably. But where could the engineers go — the suspension had to be tuned for off-road conditions and ground clearance increased. After all, it is a crossover! God forbid some driver decides to leave the asphalt.
