secret manual repair

This unappreciated vehicle will live on in this review.

2009-2017 Volvo XC60

History
One of the last manufacturers to jump in the SUV craze, Volvo joined the bandwagon in 2002 with the XC90 and became a smashing success for the Swedish brand. With Continental based manufacturers wanting sport utes on their line-up which means going smaller, everyone wanted the piece of the pie.

Unveiled at the 2007 North American International Auto Show as a concept car and with the actual vehicle seeing sales a year later in most parts of the world. The first generation XC60 is part of the 60 family of automobiles that includes the S60 and V60. It shares the platform with the Ford Galaxy MPV and Mondeo sedan, and Land Rover Freelander SUV. Considering Volvo is owned by Ford a decade ago, development is split between subsidiaries with the former taking care of the technology part and the British off-road specialist contributed to its off-the-pavemen t skills. It was the first vehicle in the brand to introduce an auto brake feature called City Safety, a system where it prevents collisions for speeds below 30km/h.

Between 2008 to 2009, the Philippine market was awash with compact SUVs from Europe which gave the BMW X3 some competition. Volvo arrived ready with one unique selling proposition which the same period models lacked: a diesel engine, which BMW and sister company LR had. A facelift was introduced in 2013 that had added a two wheel drive model with a lower displacement diesel and a powershift transmission.

Value and Costs
With the launch of the 2018 model just months ago, expect prices to fall down with the oldest models going at P890,000 and the recently purchased ones priced at P2,500,000. Most models are AWD, especially that these were offered for a long time. Just like what we say with premium brands, go to the certified pre-owned section for peace of mind.

Volvo vehicles w ould have expensive maintenance costs but choosing the diesels will keep it lower. Parts are limited to the casa although there are specialist shops to help you, but if you know where to find them.

Exterior and Interior
Stare at this vehicle and you would be surprised that this is a Volvo, especially that at that time the brand is straying away from its boxy and safe image which became a mindset among consumers. Sure, it may have some conservatism in certain areas but the rear portion is where it shines. Only the gasoline model gets the sun roof, which the diesel burners dont get.

The interior is unmistakably European, with a high quality trim, modern styling, and loads of aluminum that you can mistaken it for a showroom for a premium brand furniture. You get a loaded interior from its audio system to seat controls and safety features (because Volvo, duh). Space for both humans and cargoes are decent, a plague for some competitors.

Eng ine
At launch, you get two engine options of different fuel requirements: a 3.0 gasoline having 304hp at 5,600rpm and 440Nm at 2,100-4,200rpm and a 2.4 diesel that utilizes 215hp at 4,000rpm and 420Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm. Added as a low cost option during the mid-cycle facelift is another diesel rated at 2.0 with 240hp at 5,500rpm and 320Nm at 1.800-5,000rpm. If you want this car, go for the diesels and call it a day as it is the logical choice.

Driving Impressions
Thanks to a platform utilized by the Volvo S60 and Ford Mondeo, youll be treated to a smooth ride (despite road imperfections), nimble handling, and excellent NVH levels. Sure, the BMW X3 is fun to drive but has a harsher ride that not all folks would like.

Verdict
This SUV may not be the first in mind when it comes to premium compact SUVs but the Volvo XC60 is one great contender.

The Good:

• Flexible
• Stylish
• Safe

< div>The Bad: