Cool cabin
This XC60 tester's cabin is trimmed in terrific-looking two-tone leather seats, which are comfortable despite lacking a little lower-back support. Fit and finish are impeccable, and optional wood trim and steering wheel add a touch of extra luxury.

This XC60 tester's cabin is trimmed in terrific-looking two-tone leather seats.

The centre console's instruments are easy to use while driving, with rotary dials for temperature and radio tuning, while Volvo's now-trademark climate control interface for choosing where you want the ventilation to be directed is a well executed. The sound system is phenomenal and includes a USB port.

However, we wish the center armrest was a little higher, and the cupholders are too close to our elbows; you'll knock over those Gatorade bottles if you are not careful. Oh, and the rear view mirror is tinted too much.

In back, loading up the kids and buckling their seat belts is easy, thanks to the fixed position of the latches. Cargo space is pretty good with the seats up, and totals 1,907 litres, which is above average in its class.

Turbocharged only
The sole engine available in the XC60 is the company's turbo 3.0-litre inline-6 that develops 281 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque that peaks at only 1,500 rpm. A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission choice, and a fine one at that. The engine's growl at wide-open throttle sounds pretty good, and you'll also hear the whooshing of the turbo when it spins, although it's not as noticeable as in, say, the Acura RDX.

Zero to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds, which isn't bad, and the quarter-mile is cleared in 15.6 seconds at 144 km/h. Fuel consumption isn't extraordinary, averaging 12.5 L/100 km during our test.

The sole engine available in the XC60 is the company's turbo 3.0-litre inline-6.