Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN Geartonic Premium 5dr Car Review - January 2012

The Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN is certainly a quick car. Sporty, speedy and fun is the best way to describe the T6 drive quality. The automatic has a 24 valve 6-cyclinder and a 2953cc engine. Built with a driver in mind, the speedy car can go from rest to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 130 mph. Not many cars of this class could match it.

With a 299 bhp at 5600 and torque figures of 324 lb-ft at 2100-4200 rpm, the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN gives a very impressive performance. Weight is distributed between the front and rear axles for optimal balance, so the small 4x4 can even ride pretty smooth on country tracks.

Overall the unleaded T6 has a sporty edge that breaks it apart from the other Volvo’s, so considering its 4x4 stature, it’s a brilliant car in terms of performance.

In short, the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN looks like a shrunken version of the XC90. Volvo has compacted the same classic shape into a smaller body, the only difference being that now the grille is a little bolder, and the car’s shoulders more distinctive. But it still has that sleek but muscular look to it.

The small 4x4’s interior is stylish too. Five comfy leather seats in a roomy vehicle give an airy and spacious feel. To top that the T6 AWD R-DESIGN is well-equipped with a tonne of special features. Bluetooth, SAT-NAV, MP3 connectivity and a CD system all feature as standard, not to mention the power-steering, alloy wheels, DSTC stability control, central locking, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, and cruise control. Also, for rear-parking sensors, you can pay an extra £385.

When it comes to safety, the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN has an impressive rating. To give better visibility to children, the rear seats are higher than the front two, which helps them to feel safer. In addition to this the two outer seats in the back can be specified with two-stage booster cushions for further ease and comfort. With all this careful design, it’s clear why the XC60 T6 has a 4 star NCAP rating for children.

Along with great visibility, the boot is incredibly practical allowing up to 1,455 litres space with the seats down and 495l with them up, and a unleaded tank capacity of 70 litres, making it very practical.

A further 5 star NCAP for occupants and 2 Star NCAP for pedestrians gives the 4x4 an incredibly 5 Star Euro NCAP overall pretty much sums up how reliable, practical, and safe this car really is. And with a 3 year warranty or 60,000 miles what more could you want?

In terms of value for money, there is a lot to look at when considering the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN. First off, at £40,275 it is undeniably one of the more expensive cars in the X60 range.

Furthermore, it emits 249g/km of CO2 which is a lot more compared to the XC70 and XC90, putting it in insurance group 35, tax band L. This not only makes the Volvo XC60 pretty expensive to run and not at all eco-friendly, but it affects the depreciation rates too.

However, given that it has stunning performance quality and a fantastic torque power, yet is still seen as very safe to drive it could be worth the money. Practical, reliable, safe, aesthetically pleasing and speedy, with the Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-DESIGN it’s inevitable that you’re getting a good deal, despite the cost.