It feels like a slightly strange world when Volvo SUVs actually look quite stylish, but we live in strange times, as many people like to say. Volvo's entry into the compact-SUV looks quite good, getting the balance right between 4x4 looks and estate-on-stilts.
There are sharp creases and sleek lines employed to judicious effect all over the XC60: the company is clearly trying something different with its newest models. Volvo claims that the XC60's styling is the beginning of something more 'emotional' for the company, but as long as the cars don't start crying the proof is really in the practicality for cars like these.
The XC90 is not designed as an overt load-lugger - Volvo has put those days of building the biggest and squarest (in both senses) cars behind it. There is room inside the car for four adults to sit comfortably, and the boot space is merely on a par with the segment average. The interior feels of good quality, though. Volvo has employed luxurious materials spread throughout the cabin to good effect and the XC60 does feel smarter than certain other models in the range. It is still a little hard to think of Volvos as luxury premium things, but the car's reliability is at least already spoken for and the robust interior does feel like it will withstand the abuse that families throw at their transport.
As with many Volvos, the XC60 can be hustled through a corner without putting up too much of a fight unless you start to get silly, but it is far more at home at a cruise on the motorway where it comes into its element. The ride is generally quite good and refinement is excellent, with hardly any road or wind noise making its way into the cabin even on the motorway.
There is loads of standard kit, like climate and cruise control, front fog lights, rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels - but you do end up with a price tag to match. The 3.0-litre petrol T6 engine is by far the most rapid and entertaining, but the sensible money goes on the 2.4-litre D5 diesel which will return nearly 43mpg.
Overall the XC60 is a stylish and accomplished SUV, and although it comes with a price tag to match its premium positioning, many will feel it a price worth paying.