Review of Volvo XC60 D3

Our SUV of the year for 2011 has an all-new heart. It’s a smaller, less powerful unit that will help you save around Rs 6 lakh. Yes, the 2-litre D3 engine with 163bhp and 400Nm of torque will now be sold alongside the bigger 2.4-litre D5 motor with 205bhp on tap, but as our initial impressions show you’ll really not need that bigger engine unless you want to win the pub contest about whose SUV has more bhp.

The XC60 remains largely unchanged save for a D3 badge at the back. So you get the same striking design with its large tail lamps, generous ground clearance and chunky styling.

Function takes precedence over style in the cabin. So you get a simple, easy to navigate dashboard, which looks nice. But some buttons are a bit small to operate them on the move. Special mention must be made of the seats again. They have the right amount of cushioning and are snug to sit in, no matter what your frame size is. The rear seats are elevated to give occupants a good view of the road ahead. So your dog will love this SUV.

Though the engine is around 40bhp lower on power in real world terms there’s hardly any difference in performance. Volvo claims an economy of 14.7kpl, which is pretty good. The engine though feels responsive only after 1800rpm and there is a solid burst of power after that till about 4000rpm after which the rpm needle will climb but you wont really notice any useful power coming up. It isn’t a very quiet motor though, but Volvo has managed to keep the diesel hum at a distance so the cabin isn’t obtrusively noisy or uncomfortable. The steering is light and easy to operate, which means the Volvo is easy to navigate in the city.

The ride quality has a hard edge to it at slow city speeds but will annihilate almost every pothole at higher speeds. 

If you love the idea of a classy compact SUV that looks relatively exclusive and runs on diesel then this XC60 is a fine option.