Review of the new Volvo XC60 2.4D DRIVe

What's the point of a front-wheel drive 4x4 and is a 4x4 with front-wheel drive still a 4x4 anyway? These are the philosophical questions that car buyers who quite fancy the idea of an 'offroader' are being forced to ask themselves on an increasingly regular basis. That's because many of the leading manufacturers now offer versions of their 4x4 products that lack what you'd think was an integral component - an all-wheel-drive transmission. Whether a vehicle that's been neutered in this way will suit rather depends on how individual buyers intend to use it and what it was that originally attracted them to this class of car. Volvo's front driven XC60 carries the marque's DRIVe branding to emphasise the environmental benefits of ditching the off-road running gear.

Back when 4x4s were bought mainly by people who wanted to drive off-road, the idea of a front-wheel-drive model would have been laughable. Today, with many of these vehicles driven exclusively on the tarmac, particularly those in the Volvo XC60's compact 4x4 class, a front-wheel-drive version does make sense. Retaining the bold looks and elevated driving position while forgoing the weighty and expensive 4x4 system will sound like a great idea to many customers and manufacturers now commonly include 2WD models at the base of their compact 4x4 ranges.

This entry-level front-wheel-drive XC60 is now the only model powered by the 173bhp 2.4-litre diesel engine, so direct performance comparisons between it and the 4x4 models are difficult. The absence of all-wheel-drive saves just under 80kg in weight compared to an equivalent 4x4 model using the identically sized but more powerful D5 diesel engine. The 0-60mph sprint takes 9.3s in the 2WD XC60 and there's a 127mph top speed, whereas the 4WD 202bhp D5 manages a 7.9s sprint and 130mph all ends up. A Geartronic automatic gearbox is available in place of the standard 6-speed manual but it blunts 0-60mph performance to 9.7s and isn't clean enough to qualify for Volvo's DRIVe environmental branding.

So is not having four driven wheels going to be a major loss? The XC60 isn't set up to be a proper hardcore offroader even in 4x4 guise. It doesn't have the ground clearance, the level of under-body protection or the mud-plugging driver aids that seasoned off-road drivers look for. Having said that, a 4x4 system does give the XC60 extra ability for towing, coping with light forays away for the tarmac and for tackling the more testing conditions to be encountered on the road. Most owners of 4x4 XC60 models will find the 4x4 system virtually redundant most of the time but it will be there on the odd occasions when they need it. In the front-wheel-drive cars, the driving experience will be very similar until the going gets slippery.

"The absence of all-wheel-drive saves just under 80kg in weight compared to an equivalent 4x4 model"

Putting the 2WD issue to one side, can we really class a 1,761kg car measuring 4,628mm in length and 1,891mm in width as a 'compact' 4x4? British designer Steve Mattin says we can. The suspension of disbelief is made easier by the way the XC60's exterior styling disguises its bulk. Imagine an XC90 that's been on a hot wash cycle for a couple of hours and that's what the XC60 resembles; shrunken slightly, a little chamfered in its edging but recognisably a Volvo product and one that the company claim has turned up the visual volume. The grille is a little bolder, the car's 'shoulders' more distinctive, especially when viewed from the rear.

There's only room for five but at least the rear seats are higher than the front pair to give better visibility for children and the two outer seats in the back can be specified with two-stage booster cushions. The rear passenger compartment is roomy and a couple of six footers would be comfortable here over a long trip. The load opening at the back is also the widest amongst the XC60's direct competition, opening to reveal a 655-litre capacity. As in the XC70, the rear seat is a three-piece affair that folds 40-20-40, with each section capable of folding down completely flat to ultimately create a 1455-litre carrying space. Under the boot floor, there's a secure storage area that can't be opened without the tailgate being lifted, making it a great place to keep valuable items safe when the car's parked.

The major advantage as far as most XC60 2.4D DRIVe buyers are concerned is the price. This front wheel-drive variant is offered in all of the XC60 trim levels at prices that undercut the D5 diesel by £1,750. Standard equipment includes 17" alloy wheels, powered heated mirrors, electronic climate control, split folding seats and the Performance audio system. There's also an impressive range of hi-tec options including adaptive headlights, park assist, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system, the Blind Spot Information System and hill descent control.

Predictably, safety is a massive Volvo XC60 strongpoint. Just when rivals thought they'd reigned Volvo back in by matching its airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioner quotas, the Swedes have leaped ahead again with 'City Safety'. This technology uses an array of lasers mounted ahead of the rear view mirror to scan the road 6 meters ahead of the car. If it detects another vehicle and calculates from the closing speed that a collision is imminent, it applies the brakes and can bring the XC60 to a complete stop from speeds below 18mph. In urban traffic, it's incredibly effective and has the potential to illuminate the low speed collisions that account for more than 75% of all accidents. Most impressive of all is that along with DSTC stability control, RSC Roll Stability Control, a hugely advanced braking system and a vast array of airbags, 'City Safety' is standard on all XC60 models.

Further good news for buyers of the entry-level XC60 comes from its economy. With 47mpg attainable on the combined cycle and 159g/km emissions, this 2.4D DRIVe model puts in a strong environmental performance. At least, it does for a 173bhp, 1,761kg compact 4x4. The D5 engine with the 4x4 drivetrain manages just under 41mpg.

Insurers have been so impressed by Volvo's City Safety system that they're offering discounts of up to 10% on premiums for XC60 drivers and residual values for the car are predicted to out-strip rivals at the premium end of the compact 4x4 sector.

There's no question that a 4x4 loses something significant when its all-wheel-drive mechanicals are removed but it gains in terms of fuel economy and a lower price. There are also integral aspects of its make-up that remain unchanged like the elevated driving position and the rugged image. This is the proposition laid out by Volvo with its front-wheel-drive XC60 2.4D DRIVe models. The idea of a 4x4 that isn't won't be for everyone but enough customers should appreciate the appeal.

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