But within the last few model years the Swedish manufacturer has entirely abandoned that base and only relatively taller, more ruggedly styled 'XC' crossover versions.

And in as something hardy and a bit taller recasting wagons, it is the 2013 Volvo XC60 that stays in the center. Sleek and rakish from most angles, however just a little bit chiseled beneath it-all in account, the 2013 Volvo XC60 manages to appear attractive to purchasers with a broad variety of expectations. It is really an aboutface compared to the boxy Volvo wagons of the nottoo-distant past, which repeat Volvo purchasers and wagon enthusiasts may not value, but you can also claim that the XC60 is just another step within the long development of these. This is a look and feel.

In its base type, the XC60 gets a 240-hp, 3.2liter inline sixcylinder engine that gives it an open, but not entirely perky, sense. The XC60 is astonishingly ample (more than 4,200 lbs in AWD guise); however the motor appears to come into its to the main road and with the reactive sixspeed automatic can accomplish quite fast passes. Sporty T6 models receive a turbo-charged 3.0liter inline six, now producing 300 hp (or 325 in R-Layout type), plus suspension enhancements, together with display-based settings to correct steering feel. Among our main complaints is that with both of the powertrains, fuel consumption is a little disappointing; EPA ratings are 17 or 18 mpg within town, but we have found lower in use.

With 9.1 inches of ground clearance plus a strong Haldex allwheel drive setup, the XC60 has items so you can get through deep snow, and even through a muddy road to a trailhead.

The XC60's tall roofline affords lots of passenger space inside. It's just a fiveseater, but active parents with weekend-hauling jobs will value the amount of versatility and freight capacity. Legroom could be a little tight within the row, because it's within the sedan, and there is not-quite enough width for three adults. They fold-down (albeit nearly flat) to more than double the area.

But even contemplating that, the XC60 makes perfectten scores because of its huge roll of active safety systems extended in the XC60. Lane-departure Warning, adaptive Cruise-control, Driver Alert Control, Space Alert, and also the Blind-spot Information System (BLIS) all are more likely to lessen the probabilities of an injury. And that is besides the City Safety setup, that'll brake automatically to reduce impacts with several other vehicles, or through its enlarged (and optional) Pedestrian Detection functions, at reduced rates for pedestrians.

Volvo has added standard headlight washers, rainsensing wipers, a fresh tunnel-discovery system for those headlamps, plus a leatherwrapped steering-wheel with aluminium inlays all as standard features in 2013. A factory fill of synthetic oil is currently also contained, to get a 10,000mile or oneyear maintenance interval. for each of the versions. Top alternatives contain a Dynaudio 650watt audio system, heated seats, a rear-view camera and navigation system. Volvo's nav device and its uncommon steeringwheel controls require some getting used to also, incidentally.

We dare say it, if you're not attached to 1 of these prestige brands is worthwhile.

2013 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD First Drive & Review