Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES Start/Stop Geartronic 5dr Car Review - January 2012

The 2400cc, 20 valve, 5-cylinder diesel engine gives the car a decent power boost of 161 bhp at 4000 rpm with torque figures at 309 lb-ft at 1500-2500 rpm. The engine also delivers a top speed of 118 mph, going from 0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds, which is very good for a family car.

The car glides smoothly on the road and the transition between the 6-gear speeds is virtually flawless. In terms of driving quality, it bodes rather well. As the engine is rather refined, it is quiet when driving along motorways.

What it lacks in speed, it makes up for in appearance. The Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES looks good. Its 4627mm length and 1891mm width seems surprisingly small considering. With a sleek finish, long bonnet and curved headlights, you get the allusion of a much smaller car than it actually is.

With a roomy cabin and large 1455 litre boot with the seats down (495 litres with them up), the inside is a different matter, looking every ounce the large, roomy space it actually is. The D3 AWD ES has five doors, which is always practical for getting passengers in and out easily. It also has high rear seats for better support and visibility, which for an extra £1280 can be upholstered in leather for extra comfort.

Featuring power-steering, alloy wheels, DSTC stability control, central locking, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control as standard, the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES is certainly very practical and well-equipped. And for an extra £385, rear-parking sensors are included too. It also has CD system, MP3 connectivity, which are useful gadgets that serve well on long car journeys up and down the country.

With a 5 star NCAP rating for occupants, 4 star for children and 2 star for pedestrians, the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES has an overall Euro NCAP rating of 5 stars, impressing its credentials as a safe and secure car. Like all Volvo’s, with a 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles it is inevitably built-to-last and reliable.

Furthermore, the diesel engine with a tank capacity of 70 litres means the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES can go long distances without too many stops to refuel, making it not only more practical than a unleaded petrol tank, but more economical.

When it comes to looking at value for money, it’s not certain that the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES is the best choice. Though reasonably priced at £30,935, when you compare it to other versions in the Volvo XC60 range, it is not the best in terms of what you are getting for your money.

For the same reliability, driving quality, appearance, you could get the D3 DRIVe SE Start/Stop 5dr for a grand less. With a slightly higher top speed, this version of the XC60 is hardly a fast car but it does have more pace; other than that it does the same job for cheaper.

In actual fact this D3 DRIVe SE version of the XC60 has lower insurance and running costs too. The XC60 D3 AWD ES is in tax band I due to emitting 179g/km, whereas the DRIVe SE is in band F. So all in all, the DRIVe looks to be the better option. Either that or consider getting a used D3 AWD ES rather than buying one new.