Well this was the case with the all new Volvo XC 60 T6, yes
unusual I must emphasise yet again…
Destination: Venda (Capricorn of the Limpopo Province).
Assignment: Heritage Festival
Since we obliged to break the virginity (yes pun intended) we took this suave sedan for a long haul and as expected the locals turned at every corner it took.
For the uninitiated the new SUV replaces Volvo’s highly-successful original XC60, which in the nine years since its launch became the best-selling premium mid-sized SUV in Europe with one million units sold globally. Aha.
Safety being the paramount feature on any Scandinavian brand, the XC60 T6 has been fitted with Volvo On Call that can be accessed through the VOC SOS button for emergencies. Fortunately, we were well behaved there was no need for such.
Volvo’s Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been enhanced with steering support for when automatic braking alone may not help avoid a potential collision. In addition, Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steer Assist (which helps mitigate head-on collisions) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist functionality, has been added to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
The cabin punted as ‘cockpit’ because (one is a pilot when you make such an entry) of its massive leg-room (both passenger and back) is fitted with 360˚ camera, premium sound by Bowers & Wilkins, blind spot information system, LED headlights with bending lights – high level, Park assist pilot, Smartphone integration with USB HUB (iPhone & Android) and keyless entry.
Exterior design and interior execution. Practicality, decent performance.
Locally, the XC60 T6 is available with two diesel engines (D4 and D5) and two petrol (T5 and T6), all mated to an 8-speed Automatic AWD gearbox. Three trim levels are available – Momentum, R-Design and top-of-the-range Inscription.
We did 120 to 130km/p on the open road thanks to its 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Yes, Limpopo is unfortunately notorious for vehicle accidents but since it was during the day- the road was not that busy from Polokwane to Louis Trichardt.
Boasting 235 kW @ 5,700 rpm and its torque 400 Nm @ 2,200 – 5,400 rpm this eight-speed automatic AWD showed off its power. Whether its economical with petrol is a discussion for another day.
En route we matched the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC (its competitors) of which the XC60 T6 shone with flying colours.
As indicated safety is key, other features includes road sign information display (RSI), Rear Park Assist, Power driver and navigation. So is power operated tailgate.
Other notable items, depended on your budget includes:
Panoramic Sunroof R 19,500
Black headlining R 3,850
Child booster seats R 3,850
Sport steering wheel R 1.800
Air suspension R 26,750
Premium Metallic Paint R 5,950
As for the trimmings, seats are upholstered in leather across the range and base models roll on 20″ Black diamond cut alloy wheels.
‘It is refined strength, Scandinavian design and intuitive technology. This is the SUV, reimagined’, goes the tag line.
It comes with 5-year / 100,000 km warranty and 5-year / 100,000 km full maintenance plan.
The Volvo XC60 T6 Geartronic AWD Inscription retails for R 819,200 including 15% VAT
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Petrol 1-10 (7)
Image SLM (The all new Volvo XC60 T6 Geartronic is ‘da’ boss of the road).
Additional reporting by Geoff Mohale.
