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Swedish Muscle Volvo XC60

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Can this be your go to premium SUV? Well, that’s what Volvo Car India claims for XC60 ‘Arrive Like Never Before’. ‘Arrive Like Never Before’ that’s precisely the phrase Swedish automaker is currently using to promote its mid-size SUV, the Volvo XC60 in the Indian market. In order to judge whether there is any weight in this statement we recently got our hands on this SUV to find out is it really worthy?

What Is It On The Outside?

Honestly, I was a big fan of the previous generation for its understated looks and elegance however with the introduction of the second generation my expectations were on a high. Not that I was seeing it for the first time but to actually experience it hands on is very different. Thus, the overall design of Volvo XC60 might seem a bit familiar as it shares its DNA with that of its elder sibling Volvo XC90. That said it still holds a place of its own. For instance, the long nose with its muscular bonnet, Thor hammer inspired LED headlights that integrate really well into the front grille, in fact, the chrome touches provided to the bumper
and the grille further establishes that this is the Inscription variant. In comparison to the previous generation, this one feels slightly bigger in size be it the length or the width. Its height, however, seems to have been reduced. That said the aura of sophistication is visible in its side profile that comprises of flared wheel arches, 19inch black diamond-cut alloy wheels and splashes of chrome that can be found here and there on different body panels. While the rear features Volvo’s signature vertical boomerang design taillights with dual exhaust pipes.

How Is It On The Inside?

The element of expectation further gets a boost the moment you get inside the cabin. Its all-black interior is pretty pleasing to the eyes; the use of soft finished plastic and unlacquered driftwood just brings out the design element from within. Looking back, the dash layout is very much the same as the XC90 that means the elements like the centre console, buttons for air-conditioning and so on have been lifted off from its elder sibling. The key highlight of the cabin is its centre console comprising of a 9-inch
Sensus touchscreen system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For supreme sound experience, there is a 15 speakers Bowers & Wilkins system onboard that does the job really well. Upholstered in Nappa leather, the front seats can be cooled and heated as they also offer a massage function that is first for this segment. The features list can go on but another thing to note out here is the level of comfort. No matter where you’re seated you can be assured that your travel will be a pleasant one.

How Does It Drive?

Volvo XC60’s opulence is further demonstrated by its D5 diesel engine. This 2.0-litre oil burner is a gem to drive due to its supreme engine refinement. In fact, the use of an 8-speed automatic transmission hardly makes you realize that this is a diesel at the end of the day. The gearbox is quick to respond as there are four driving modes on offer namely Dynamic, Comfort, Eco and Off-Road. Considering the size of this engine, the NVH levels have been kept to a minimum. XC60 does well to soak in potholes and broken roads that come its way while the handling is fairly decent on this SUV.

Price: ₹59.9 Lakh

ENGINE – 2.0-Litre  4 Cylinder d5 (Diesel) Engine

POWER – 233 BHP

TORQUE – 480 NM

TRANSMISSION –  8- Speed Automatic

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