New 2014 Volvo XC60 review, test drive

Traditionally, SUVs have been all about looking butch, intimidating even. Volvo’s attractive XC60, however, marked a refreshing departure from the typical SUV template, with its swoopy design. While time has been kind to the handsome XC60, Volvo has gone ahead to give its sleek SUV a mid-life makeover. Wearing Volvo’s new corporate look, the XC60 gets a wider grille, larger headlamps and a smartly squared-out bonnet section.

 

You’ll also notice the older XC60’s distinctive vertical day-time running lamps beside the headlights have a new home in the restyled bumper. It’s a bit ironic, but the revised XC60 looks somewhat generic from the front and has lost some of the visual drama of the original.   

 

There are few changes to report in the cabin, the major update being the inclusion of Volvo’s customisable TFT display instrument cluster. As on the updated S60 and V40 Cross Country, the display can be adjusted to any of three modes, namely Performance, Eco and Elegance, each with its own theme for colours and layout. We just wish Volvo had updated the interface of the car settings menus; the XC60 sold abroad gets a touchscreen and that’s something that ought to have made it to India too. We also wish Volvo had eked out a bit more in terms of cabin width; the rear seat can be tight for three occupants. But no complaints for the super supportive seats.