Volvo XC60 (08 on) - Review

Combining off-road toughness and practicality with coupe styling and driving characteristics doesn't sound like an obvious mix, but that's exactly what Volvo has aimed to do with the XC60 - an alternative to cars like the Land Rover Freelander and BMW X3. It's certainly very stylish with a less boxy and bulky look than the larger XC90, but it's designed to also be spacious and family-friendly. Volvo also offers a low-emission, front-wheel drive version badged DRIVe. On the road it doesn't handle like an off-roader, with good body control, while the ride quality is excellent, making it a superb long distance machine. There are three engines available, including the punchy D5 diesel, although this is fairly noisy and not as refined as newer diesels. The XC60 is also the safest car Volvo has ever made and all models get City Safety - a system designed to prevent low speed impacts.