Volvo XC60

Step inside and you'll find that Volvo XC60 has the right balance of elegance and comfort. You can choose between a standard cabin with black leather and brushed aluminum panels or a light-themed interior with soft neutral hues and matte wood.

Seats are soft and have room enough to fit 5 full-sized adults. There aren't many cubby holes and the cargo space is limited. But rear seats can be folded for extra space.

Everything inside the cabin is thoughtfully laid out. Instead of bulky analog gauges, there's a 12-inch Intelligent Driver Information System with digital gauges.

Most of the car's features can also be accessed through the 9-inch portrait display on the central dashboard - including navigation, audio, and climate controls, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen is responsive. Unfortunately, some of these controls require several taps to access.

The XC60 combines Volvo's current design language with classic styling cues. Upfront is a vertically slated grille with a glossy black finish and chrome outline. It's flanked by "Thor's Hammer" headlights which really do look like hammers if switched on.

Volvo XC60 Momentum, the sole variant currently available in the Philippines, has dual tailpipes, 18-inch wheels with five Y-spoke silver alloy wheels, and roof rails with a satin silk finish.

Suspension is vastly improved on the new XC60. This allows it to provide excellent NVH insulation as well as a comfortable ride when driving over pothole-ridden roads.

Despite its heavy curb weight, driving feels like a breeze. It can turn corners, change directions, and cruise highways with a sense of ease and stability.

The XC60 packs a 2.0L D4 diesel engine with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. It's no beast but it can handle city driving quite well. It also has a combined fuel consumption of 19.6 kmpl. This means that the 60-liter tank can take you for a 1,176 km drive before running low on fuel.

Power child locks, tempered glass windshields, whiplash protection, and airbags are a standard to the sole variant. Perhaps its most notable safety feature is that it's built on a tough and flexible platform.

Its body can absorb shock and help keeps passengers safe in the event of an accident. This is complemented by numerous safety technologies such as frontside collision mitigation, lane-keeping, hill start assist, and hill descent control. 

The brakes can lack “bite” when accelerating at high speeds. But you can always count on the emergency breaks to kick in when needed. This also hasn’t stopped the XC60 from earning a near-perfect Euro NCAP Safety Rating.

The new Volvo XC60 is an excellent choice for buyers whose main concern is passenger safety. It’s also worth buying if you own a first-generation model, or if you’re looking to own an elegant luxury vehicle with the practicality of a midsize SUV. Though it still needs improving, the XC60 received significant updates to warrant an upgrade.