Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN Premium Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - January 2012

Given its size and weight, the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN is pretty competent around corners, and though the body rolls slightly, it is still very well controlled making for a smooth enough ride.

Smaller than the XC70 and XC90, the manual XC60 D3 has a 2400cc, 5-cylinder and 20 valve diesel engine. Performance wise, it isn’t the best. It takes the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN Premium 10.4 seconds to get from rest to 60, and only reaches a dismal 121 mph in total. With 163 ps at 4000 and torque figures of309 lb-ft at 1500-2500 rpm, it’s much slower than the T6 version of the XC60.

However, it does cope pretty well with excessive wind, is controlled down motorways, and the road noise is kept to a minimum, making it feel pleasant and comfortable to drive.

The Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN is a smart, stylish looking car, with sharp, clean lines and a sleek body. The inside is just as stylish and well put together, with five leather seats that are supportive and roomy enough to sit comfortably. Like all Volvo’s, the XC60s interior is no exception when it comes to good quality, and is lined with the best quality materials.

Added to that, the cabin is light and airy, with a boot space of 1455 litres with the seats down, and 495 with them up, giving plenty of room for storage.

The Volvo XC60 AWD R-DESIGN Premium also has blue tooth, 525 sat-nav, mp3 connectivity and a cd system as part of the standard equipment, making it very practical and modern. It also has power-steering, alloy wheels, DSTC stability control, central locking, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and 385 rear-parking sensors.

When it comes to NCAP rating, the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN has 5 NCAP for occupants, 4NCAP for children, and 2NCAP for pedestrians, giving an overall Euro NCAP rating of 5 stars. With its strong muscular body and compact build, it’s not hard to see how it got these ratings.

The XC60 also has great visibility for further safety points, steering it towards being a great family car. In addition, the XC60 D3 has a large tank capacity of 70 litres, and comes with a 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles, making it not only very practical and safe, but extremely reliable too.

A 4x4 is never going to be cheap. By nature they are uneconomical, even with their diesel engines cutting down on the fuel costs per mile. The Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN Premium is however, definitely one of the bank-friendly options when choosing between the cars in its class. Dearer than the V70, the XC60 D3 is still pretty good value at £34,265. Modern and smart in both looks and equipment, the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD R-DESIGN Premium more than makes up for its lack of speed.

For a family car, its great value: practical, reliable, safe and secure with the added bonus of countless features and a striking body. It is also much cheaper running costs than most 4x4s, emitting only 149g/km. Placed in tax band F, this means that it is cheaper to run than not just the Volvo XC60 T6 version, but most of Volvo’s XC70 and XC90 cars too.

Depreciation costs are at a minimum when you combine its reliability and security factors, high demand and extensive features set as standard. So whether you are looking for a car just for now, or for one that will last, you will still get a decent wad of cash back provided you keep it in neat condition.