New 2014 Volvo XC60 review, test drive

Volvo has given the sleek XC60 SUV a mid-life makeover. We find out what's new.

Published on Feb 17, 2014 06:06:00 PM

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A stunner in 2010, the Volvo XC60 SUV gets a mature new look for 2014.

The update does not bring any mechanical changes with it and, just as before, the XC60 is available with a 2.4-litre, five-cylinder diesel in two states of tune. Punching out 215bhp, the more powerful D5 version has ample power across the rev range and performance is good. However, it won’t match a BMW X3 3.0d for sheer power or refinement, and the six-speed auto, though quick enough, won’t grant you the snappy shifts we’ve come to expect from BMW and Audi’s latest. That said, it’s reasonably fun to drive. All-wheel drive and torque vectoring ensure handling is predictable at all times and you can adjust the level of steering assist to your liking as well. Buyers will like the ride quality that remains supple at most times, but still isn’t free from that underlying firmness, a given on European cars. Being a Volvo, the XC60 is armed with safety kit, including a full arsenal of airbags and an updated version of City Safety.

Whether the restyling exercise works in favour of the XC60, only time will tell. But, behind the facelift remains a solidly put-together SUV that scores well on comfort and performance. It’s not the most exciting of SUVs, nor will it be the most capable off-road, but it’s still rather alluring. With prices ranging between Rs 42.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base 163bhp version and Rs 55.1 lakh for this D5 Summum, it’s priced at par with the competition and certainly worth a look.