Who says that a car marketed as reliable, safe and solid has to be boring?
Volvo contradicts this notion with the 300-horsepower XC60 compact SUV.
The beautifully sculpted body, painted in a silver metallic and set on 19-inch wheels, is well-proportioned with a luxurious and versatile interior that seats five comfortably with plenty of cargo space.
Although the XC60 largely stays the same for 2013, Volvo has added its City Safety branded technology as a standard feature. At 31 mph or less, the feature will detect a stopped or slower-moving car ahead and apply the brakes. The radar-based system worked flawlessly as I enlisted my wife to test it out. As she crept along in her car at a few miles per hour down our street, the XC60 stopped itself as I charged up from behind.
The XC60 packs a 3.0-liter, turbo-charged six-cylinder engine under the hood. The all-wheel-drive is managed by a smooth six-speed automatic transmission with a sport driving mode. I was surprised by the XC60’s responsive power given the SUV’s 4,000-pound curb weight. The XC60 handled like a much lighter sport sedan.
Our XC60’s interior was distinctive with brown, and light brown leather upholstery. The comfortable two-tone seats were highlighted by chrome and brushed aluminum highlights on the doors, dashboard and center console. A clear, illuminated shift knob stands out. Large seat belt anchors in the back seat made strapping in my children a breeze.
Ever since the Volvo SUV was introduced a decade ago, I’ve been eager to drive one. After a week of city driving and long hauls on the Mass Pike, I’m impressed with the XC60. The quick-off-the-line SUV merges a decent amount of luxury with an abundance of cargo space — 67 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Courtesy of Boston Herald
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