AFTER building a reputation on the firm foundation of safety, Volvo has now adopted the belt and braces approach of style and suitability to sell its models.
With rivals consistently getting high star ratings for safety, Volvo has had to move on and raise its game in other areas.
One of the most popular versions of recent years was the XC90 series of soft-roaders but they were considered too large by many and the modern trend is towards models which are little more than beefed up big estates but which must look like they will do more than it says on the can.
This new generation of crossovers which seemingly do more in one model type than in two or more others, has now produced the XC60 4x4.
There are eight versions in the range with a choice of two petrol or two diesel engines, three trim levels in just one five-door bodystyle and costing between £24,229 and £33,740.
This model was D5 SE and it is very well specified and seemingly represents good value for money.
The powertrain is a good match for smoothness and ease of use with the performance being produced from low revs, pulling easily and fairly strongly if not quietly as the revs rise.
Changes are smooth however hard it is driven and there does not seem to be any hesitation or gaps in its progress. The test car's Geartronic semi-automatic box is a £1,400 extra, but brings with it significant sophistication and ease of driving and it improves the resale value.
The flowing nature of the engine and transmission is matched by the fluidity of the power steering which is just about right in terms of balance between assistance and effort, and the brakes rapidly slow the car from high speed in a very controlled and undramatic way. The parking brake is strong.
Secondary controls are plentiful but a little scattered about the facia and column and need a lot of familiarisation to use safely without looking every time.
I liked the big, straightforward instruments and they could be read in any light.
The controls for heating and ventilation are similarly straightforward and the system works very well throughout the cabin in all temperatures, but is backed up by powered windows if desired.
Oddments room was fairly well proportioned front and back and the big boot held up to 1,455 litres from a minimum with the seats up of 495 litres. It was easy to load from the back and to access via the side doors if necessary.
Climbing into the XC60 is easy with wide opening doors, big apertures and once inside you have a great deal of room to stretch out in any direction. The adjustment of the front seats is very good.
Visibility is very good to the front and sides, more restricted over the shoulder due to the roof pillars and shape of the cabin but the wipers and lights do an excellent job.
This means you can make the most of the available power when you want to overtake or pull out as there are clear views up the road in most cases. Make no mistake this is not a sporting 4x4 but it does cover the ground well and a modest off road test saw it coping with muddy fields and gentle grass slopes.
It would be in its element in a typical wintry landscape on metalled surfaces, either covered in snow or under several inches of water.
Noise levels do rise from the engine when it is pushed hard and there are a few constant road rumbles but wind noise is not particularly irritating and other mechanical noises are almost non-existent.
Personally I like the look of the Volvo XC60, I appreciate its equipment and at the price it is very competitive. Whether or not you prefer the less stylish but more expensive XC70 or even dearer and chunkier XC90 is a question only you can answer but the XC60 is a very good step onto the rung of 4x4 Volvo ownership.
FAST FACTS
Volvo XC60 D5 AWD SE auto
Price: £29,645
Mechanical: 205ps, 2,400cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 127mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 37.7
Insurance group: 15
C02 emissions: 199g/km
BIK rating: 30%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles