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

Behind the wheel of the Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe ES, you feel very safe. Smooth, controlled and balanced, the steering centre console is strategically placed asymmetrically for a more driver-focused feel. When loaded to the brim with hefty luggage, the small 4x4 will continue to ride smoothly and at ease.

However, with its 6-speed gearbox, the manual XC60 D3 DRIVe ES has a 20 valve and 5-cylinder 1984cc diesel engine, which at the end of the day doesn’t amount to anything that great. Though faster than the Volvo XC60 D3 AWD ES, it is still one of the slower versions in the XC60 range. With a 160 bhp at 3000, the Volvo generates 295 lb-ft at 1400-2850 rpm. This means it that it takes 10.3 seconds to go from 0-60 mph, and has a relatively poor top speed of 124 mph.

The XC60 D3 DRIVe ES is also difficult to manoeuvre in small spaces being 4627mm in length and 1891mm in width. But then again, at least the engine is relatively quiet.

Looks wise, the Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe ES is more powerful. Striking a strong, bold image, the 4x4 is sleek and muscular. With sharp lines mixed with soft curves it betrays the eye into perceiving a smaller, more compact vehicle.

The XC60 features power-steering, alloy wheels and DSTC stability control as standard. On top of that it also has cruise control, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, central locking and climate control. For an extra £385 you can get rear-parking sensors too.

For entertainment and driving value, the Volvo XC60 also has mp3 connectivity, a C.D. system. Blue tooth and sat-nav cost extra. This along with the five supportive seats (with the option to upholster them with leather for an additional £1280) and spacious boot make it extremely practical for long car journeys.

As with the Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe SE, the DRIVe ES has an overall 5 star Euro NCAP. This includes a 5 star NCAP rating for occupants, 4 star for children and 2 star rating for pedestrians. Added to that, the car’s 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles emulates the Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe ES to be a very safe and secure car.

Not only is the diesel engine large enough to hold 70 litres fuel, but the rear seats are positioned high enough for children to have good visibility in the back, and the boot is large enough to trunk at least two large suitcases with the seats up. All these factors prove the 4x4 to be a very practical car.

With a diesel engine, the Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe ES is quite economical when compared to other models in the same class. With a CO2 emission of 149g/km, it is placed in tax band F and insurance group 28, which is lower than most of the other Volvo’s in the XC60, XC70 and XC90 range, with exception of the D3 DRIVe SE, with which it is on par.

Priced at just £27,650 the Volvo XC60 D3 DRIVe ES is by far the cheapest and most economical XC60, so in terms of running costs this is certainly the best when considering value for money. In fact the only difference between this version and the D3 DRIVe SE, is the additional costs for the blue tooth and rear-parking sensors, which come as standard in the SE version.