Volvo XC60 - an even more potent version of the T6

Once upon a time the XC90 was the people’s fave Volvo but now the mid-sized XC60 is the Sino-Swede’s best seller as the bigger offering prepares for total renewal in the near future. Meantime, as with some of the other Volvo series vehicles, there is now the opportunity to buy an even more potent version of the T6, which is part of a newly revised XC60 range. Volvo’s specialist tuning arm has tweaked the ECU of the XC60 T6 so it puffs its chest out further, the single twin-scroll turbo bolstering output of the transverse-mounted strait six from 224 to 242kW and torque is also up by 40 units to 480Nm. This means it competes with the likes of the Audi SQ5 and BMW X3 30d, though both of these are turbodiesels and they cost over the $100k mark. While the petrol-powered T6 R-Design Polestar consumes more in the way of hydrocarbons, with an average fuel use figure of 10.5L/100km where the others are in the sixes, the Volvo carries a list price of $89,990. Moreover, it can be had for $2000 less in fortified T5 Polestar diesel format, poking out 169kW and 470Nm, with similar fuel use figures to the aforementioned Euro opposition at 6.9L/100km.

Volvo’s specialist tuning arm has tweaked the ECU of the XC60 T6 so it puffs its chest out further

But it was the petrol-fired version we were lucky enough to snaffle for a few days and this represents quite an upgrade for the XC60. Not just in how it shows a clean pair of nicely integrated tailpipes to many lower riding sedan type vehicles but also how it shows them the way when the going gets twisted. For the T6 R-D also has a tweaked chassis and firmer suspension settings, along with meaty 245/45R20 rubber fitted to smart Ixion alloy rims. Along with a more aggressive grille, beefier bumpers, and daytime LEDs this XC60 sporting R badging looks the business. Which is also what it gets down to for, like others in the sports SUV set, the 4WD gubbins have evolved, with a torque vectoring system installed to help quell understeer. Stiffer suspension contributes as well.

Small centre screen is set to change soon

There was never anything that tardy about the T6 but the R-D sees that off nicely, posting a best sprint time of 6.6sec (one sec quicker than in 2010) and an equally symmetric overtaking time of 4.4 sec. It is not quite the sprinter that the SQ5 is with its newer eight-speed auto, but this particular six-speed automatic is quicker acting than any other in the XC range and with so much torque on offer never do you feel as if six cogs is one or two shy of adequate. There is simply wads of forward momentum once the rev counter - which blazes red in performance mode - shows 3000rpm. More especially so with the transmission in Sport mode when the ante is upped another notch. A tall sixth ensures easy cruising at open road speeds, an indicated 105km/h a very easy 2000rpm. Despite an elevated ride height, the changes to suspension, the introduction of the corner brake control system and the generous rubber, along with the surety of 4wd, make this far from corner shy. Zounds, it feels about as nimble (if you can say that of a two-tonne SUV) as the range-topping triturbo X5 (for which you pay an extra $100,000). The Volvo may not have quite the weight split of some of the super SUVs, nor their active damping or tricky torque vectoring sports diffs but the T6 R-D dispenses with corner challenges readily, it’s well contained body lean and fettled steering contributing to the cause. A bit more in the way of performance brakes might be nice, given the rates this Volvo so easily achieves and maintains. However, being a Volvo it is well covered on the crash avoidance/mitigation front, sporting the latest from the “IntelliSafe” arsenal. Active cruise is well oiled, and forward peering systems now detect wayward cyclists, as well as wobbly pedestrians. You never need to worry about blinding oncoming motorists again either with an intelligent auto-dipping headlight system. There are red-light warnings when you’re inadvertently tail-gating, and all these and many more systems are part of a $5500 safety package.

For the T6 R-D also has a tweaked chassis and firmer suspension settings, along with meaty 245/45R20 rubber fitted to smart Ixion alloy rims

City Safety which automatically prevents nose to tail collisions in town is standard, as are the powered tailgate and sunroof, leather and Alcantara clad sports seats, front and rear parking sensors, and a cross traffic alert system which helps avoid unexpected car park collisions when reversing. We couldn’t seem to locate a reversing camera and there’s no idle stop system but neither was exactly missed. It’s quiet on the go, hasn’t lost its ability to absorb the big (suspension) hits in its more dynamic T6 R-D guise and is well screwed together. A bigger infotainment screen is promised, but we’re not sure that the non-mouse control system is any better or otherwise than what the opposition offers. But the price certainly is, even if the T6 is not quite environmentally as effective as some of the more expensive (diesel) competition.

However, being a Volvo it is well covered on the crash avoidance/mitigation front, sporting the latest from the “IntelliSafe” arsenal

Volvo continues to take on the major high-end players most effectively, and handily undercuts them while also being at the leading edge on the safety and design front. Hard to ignore the quiet Swede, even in this hedonistic guise.