DRIVEN: Meet the 2021 Volvo XC-60 D5 AWD, safety at its best

Meet the elegant Volvo XC-60 D5 AWD – voted as the World Car of the Year 2018 and part of the list of semi-finalists in AutoTrader’s 2018 SA Car of the Year.

Initially, I thought of Volvo as a brand that was better suited for the older market, but after spending a week with the XC-60, I am simply at a loss for words! Not only does this luxury SUV boast many safety features, but it also offers an easy functional cabin along with outstanding road handling, which was more than enough reason to fall in love with this beauty.

Nothing was too much for this diesel engine that was mated to an automatic gearbox. Yes it’s a bit more pricey than the petrol option, but it used way less fuel. What was outstanding for me on this derivative? Let’s find out:

Safety is everything!

Volvo is one of the manufacturers that considers safety as a top priority. The XC-60 is an example of what a safe vehicle should be. The SUV’s safety features include:

• Antilock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brake distribution (EBD)
• Brake assist (BAS/EBA)
• Traction control
• Stability control
• Hill descent control downhill brake control
• Tyre pressure sensor monitor deflation detection system
• Driver airbag
• Front passenger airbag
• Front side airbags

• Curtain airbags
• Airbag quantity:6
• Lane departure warning
• Lane change blindspot warning assist monitor
• Attention assist rest assist break alert
• Automatic drive away locking
• Electric childproof safety lock switch
• ISOFIX child seat mountings
• Approach home safe lighting time delay park headlights
• Directional turning headlights
• Adaptive headlights varying light distribution
• Emergency brake hazard lights

Let’s talk about the interior

The Volvo XC-60 has a luxury, modern cabin. It is refined with high-quality, black leather material used throughout. Seating is so comfortable, offering both drivers and passengers with top comfort and support. Heating, cooling and massage functions were enough to win myself and my family over – especially during these ice-cold winter days. Let’s not forget about the out of this world Bowers and Wilkens sound system.

Other features included in the stylish XC-60’s interior are:

• Start-stop button
• Hillstart assist hillholder
• Electronically adjustable suspension
• Self-levelling suspension
• Driving mode switch: sport, comfort
• Multifunction steering wheel controls
• Head up display
• Onboard computer multi-information display
• Navigation

• Cruise control
• Active adaptive cruise control
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Voice control
• CD player
• Aux in auxiliary input
• USB port
• Powersocket 12V: front + boot

• Rain sensor auto wipers
• Auto dim interior mirror
• Electric adjust mirrors
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Auto dim exterior mirrors
• Panoramic sunroof
• Electric seat adjustment: front
• Memory for electric seat adjustment: front
• Highbeam assist
• Camera for park distance control: rear and 360-degree camera

The Volvo XC-60 is the kind of vehicle where a drive to Camps Bay or up the hill areas of Durbanville or Stellenbosch makes you feel like a millionaire. It has 19-inch alloy wheels, Daytime driving running LED lights (ready for any dark road), Xenon LED headlights, front and rear fog lights, and a rear spoiler, all finished in a Metallic pearl white paint.

Last, but not least – its power and performance

The XC-60 offers a remarkable, yet sophisticated driving experience. It handles brilliantly around any bend thrown its way and grips well on the road. I highly recommend taking one for a test drive yourself! Luxury, comfort, and performance? Yes, please! The D5 AWD offers 174 kW in power with 400 Nm of torque. It uses the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol or diesel engine as its older brother, the XC-90, except it is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The details

Model tested: XC-60 D5 AWD

Price: R966 600

Warranty: 5-year/100 000km

Service: 20 000km service plan

Picture/s: Leigh-Ann Londt