The XC60's usability, comfort and attractiveness make it a strong contender in the used compact SUV crowd
The Volvo XC60 of 2008-2017 shares its platform with the Land Rover Freelander 2, albeit one that’s longer between the wheels as well as from nose to tail, and it’s wider.So it’s an old car, and that fact is emphasised by its sculpted shoulders, reminiscent of the original S80 saloon of 1998. So it’s an old car but a handsome one, still with a strong image.Demonstrating how rugged it is, there are some serious high-milers in the classifieds. How about a one-owner, 2017-reg 2.0 D4 SE Nav with 250,000 miles and full service history for £5750?If that terrifies you, it’s possible to get behind the wheel of a 2016-reg 2.0 D4 DRIVe SE Nav auto with a more respectable 50,000 miles and full Volvo service history for around £14,500. Both examples are Euro 6-compliant diesels (the car became so in 2015). Not surprisingly, diesel XC60s dominate the classifieds.There are many variants, but the big sellers were the 2.0-litre D4 (available from 2013), with a choice of front- and intelligent four-wheel drive, and the four-wheel-drive-only 2.4-litre D5.Power outputs for both increased slightly with each update, which is useful to know when you’re browsing the classifieds. Less popular was the lower-powered 2.0-litre D3 of 2010-2012. Another rarity is the early 2.4D, also offered with front- or four-wheel drive. Our pick is the 187bhp, Euro 6 version of the D4, which is capable of 0-62mph in 7.6sec and a claimed 60mpg, although not at the same time.There are a couple of powerful petrol engines to choose from, but they were never big sellers. For the record, they’re the 2.0-litre T5 with 242bhp, offered in front- and four-wheel-drive, and the supercharged and turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 T6 with 302bhp, which was four-wheel-drive.Both petrols were automatics (Powershift for the T5, Geartronic for the T6). The front-driven T5 manages only 33mpg at best, the T6 just 23mpg. Across all engine options, automatics outnumber the manuals by around two to one. You sit high in an XC60 and on very comfortable seats. Ahead of you is a broad dashboard, with all its controls clearly arranged and dominated by a 'floating' centre console. Rear passengers likewise sit quite high on their split-fold seats and enjoy plenty of room. There's lots of storage, and that's before you consider the large, square-shaped, 655-litre boot. There's no loading lip to get over, either. And finish and materials quality in the cabin is first-rate.The XC60 places a comfortable ride over keen handling. The steering isn't very communicative and the body rolls in corners. If that offends you, choose sportier R-Design spec for its stiffer suspension and anti-roll bars.At 230mm, ground clearance is good, but despite its Freelander associations, this is no off-roader. The XC60 was facelifted in 2013, gaining a more rounded look and a refreshed sat-nav display inside, while an eight-speed auto 'box replaced the six-speeder in the D4 and T6 models. Trims range from SE (alloys, parking sensors, hill-start assist, climate control, digital radio) to R-Design Lux (leather, powered tailgate, silver roof rails). Our pick is post-facelift SE Nav.The XC60 is, by the standards of its day, a safe car with multiple airbags, whiplash-protecting seats and emergency braking assistance. Old it may be, but a cherished one will still look and feel fresh.
