2011 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-Design

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD
WITH CAREY RUSS

2011 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-Design

I've spent plenty of time in Volvo XC60s, but before last week that time was never at and around home. At introduction was a lovely drive up California's scenic Highway One north from San Francisco, and more recently a thousand-mile trek on Interstate and secondary roads from Los Angeles to western Colorado. So I know that the XC60 is a fine highway -- and byway -- cruiser, with excellent turbocharged power that ignores elevation and returns unexpectedly good fuel economy -- 24mpg for that Colorado trip.

But how does it work in the day-to-day world?

Just as well as it does on the open road.

Which should come as no surprise. Its high crossover shape means good passenger and cargo space and parking-lot maneuverability, as it's over six inches shorter than the more traditional wagon-like XC70. The high-eyepoint seating position means good visibility as well as comfort, although shorter people (such as myself) should move their heads a bit to peer around the large side mirrors -- but, unlike with some cars, those side mirrors give an excellent view to the rear quarters. The torquey 300-horsepower turbo engine of the T6 AWD R-Design version works as well in the cut and thrust of city and highway traffic as it does on the open road, with instant response. No turbo lag here, and fuel economy was still a reasonable 21 mpg for my week, which was a mix of short shopping trips and medium-length backroad and highway excursions.

T6 AWD R-Design means turbocharged six-cylinder, all-wheel drive, premium trim. It's the top model in the 2011 XC60 line, which includes the regular T6 AWD and standard and R-Design variations of the front-wheel drive, naturally-aspirated, 240-hp 3.2. All give Volvo a serious presence in the popular mid-size European crossover class, and Volvo crossover popularity can be seen by its impact on the company's wagon sales. Not long ago, Volvo owned the import luxury wagon class. Now, the XC crossovers have replaced the wagons in the Volvo lineup, at least in the North American market.

The example of XC60 T6 AWD R-Design that was my test car was outfitted in a manner similar to the ones I drove to and in Colorado, with only minor option package differences. You don't have to drive partway across the country to enjoy the XC60, but doing so won't hurt a bit. Around town or on the open road, its convenient but not to big size, good power, handling, and ride quality, and great comfort make it a winner.

What kind of gas mileage can I expect with a 1999 Volvo C70 Cross ...

I have a 1998 V70 cross country station wagon. I love this car. I keep very accurate records and I am getting about 24 mpg hwy/20 city. I definitely notice I get better gas mileage using medium grade rather than low grade but not much better by using premium.

I have also been religious about getting all the maintenance done on time and oil changes on schedule.

Good luck.

Vibe

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