Volvo’s XC60 – 2018 Wheels Car of the Year

Zooming past a field of 22 contenders, the new Volvo XC60 has scooped the coveted Wheels Car of the Year Award for 2018. Employing Volvo’s latest design language, the XC60 is Scandinavian design through and through with clean, chiseled lines that are unmistakably Volvo and propel its mid-size SUV into a true stand-out.

Sporting Volvo’s latest range of turbo petrol and diesel engines, the XC60 is both easier to drive and kinder to the environment. The clean-sheet and contemporary design carries through to the lush interior with outstanding materials and quality that give an air of sophisticated luxury that’s easily a match for its German rivals, whilst remaining distinctly Swedish.

Power to the people

In keeping with Volvo’s drive for efficiency, the XC60’s powertrain options borrow from its big brother, the XC90. Gone are the days of thirsty six-cylinder engines and in come Volvo’s latest family of petrol, diesel and hybrid powerplants that opens with the D4 (diesel) and T5 (petrol) twins, moving up to the flagship T8 hybrid, which promises 100km/h from a standing start in a hot hatch-humbling 5.3 seconds. At the same time Volvo claims a miserly 2.1 litres per 100km’s for the hybrid powerplant.

Confidence, comfort and connection

The XC60 has been designed to be a family SUV that puts comfort ahead of dynamism. Whilst the offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer a relatively sporting drive, the Volvo seeks to pamper its occupants with a ride that’s more prestige than hot hatch. The result is a family vehicle that puts the family front and centre, with excellent refinement complimenting the lovely interior to help create a serene environment. Thoughtful touches abound inside and it shows it’s a family vehicle that was designed by people who have families of their own.

Terrific tech

The new XC60 shares much of its tech with the larger XC90, including seats, dash, materials and the tablet-style touchscreen media system (complete with sat-nav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). A cinch to operate, the touchscreen works much the same as a smartphone, providing total driver control whilst also affording a clean dash design that’s also intuitive. The screen controls all the in-car safety elements including the lane-keeping assist system, semi-automated parking system and blind-spot monitoring.

Massaging front seats and three-zone climate control with rear heating/cooling and a fan control panel ensure passengers ride in ultimate comfort, while the spacious second row has enough room for two tall adults or a clutch of kids. Whilst not as capacious as some rivals, the boot boasts a 505L capacity and on models with air suspension, the load area can be raised or lowered, making it easy as to get all your gear in.

Availability and pricing

Australian pricing starts at $59,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Momentum D4. The Inscription D4 comes onto the stage at $66,990 (plus on-road costs). If the flagship is calling you, the R-Design T8 comes in at $92,990 (plus on-road costs).

And if you’re ready to buy, we’re ready to help you get behind the wheel. Our car buying service can secure you a fantastic deal without any fancy footwork – contact us and see how easy buying your next car can be.

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