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3.5
By Ben Barry
First Drives
20 August 2009 10:50
The two-wheel drive SUV might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s a trend that’s catching on – BMW’s X1 will be available with rear- and four-wheel drive drivetrains, and the previously all-wheel drive-only XC60 can now be had in front-wheel drive too. That’s the car we’re driving, in 2.4D DrivE SE Lux spec.
Volvo is acknowledging that nobody really uses these posh off-roaders for anything more taxing than soggy car parks and kerb climbing – activities for which a raised ride height is all that’s required and where four-wheel drive acts as nothing more than a placebo.
Losing the rear diff, driveshafts and propshaft saves 80kg compared with the like-for-like all-wheel driver, and there’s a correspondingly positive effect on emissions and consumption too.
It’s difficult to say exactly, simply because the 2.4-litre 5-cylinder diesel in the AWD is 30bhp more powerful and significantly quicker – hitting 60mph in 7.9sec to the front driver’s 9.3sec.
However, you don’t really miss the extra performance in a car so un-sporting, and, combined with the weight saving, it means you’ll get over 6mpg more and emit 24g/km less in the front-wheel drive XC60 than it’s nearest AWD equivalent.>> Click 'Next' to read more of CAR's Volvo XC60 review
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Volvo XC60 2.4 D DRIVe (2009) CAR review
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timbo65 says
RE: Volvo XC60 2.4 D DRIVe (2009) CAR review
I totally agree! Who really needs a 4x4? I love some of these chunky, funky, practical SUV type vehicles and sometimes think I would consider one for my next car, if only because of the utterly abysmal state of our roads (I'm assuming most of these vehicles have more durable suspension components, otherwise they have no point) This does look nice, though I bet it will look even better at facelift time, when it will probably obtain the true look of its original concept design (ie a much more slinky 'new S60' like face) maybe then I'll be tempted, especially if they manage to re-tune the suspension to give the drive a slightly more 'fun' feel
10 March 2010 12:19
ronwhite says
A curious example of reverse evolution, like the VW Tiguan, also now available in FWD only form. In fact, it makes sense, since one of the main attractions of cross-overs and 4x4s is their elevated driving position and the sense of being above the crowd. So, without losing the off road image and the above the crowd stance, a FWD only version makes complete sense for the majority of uses to which such vehicles are put. Some US versions of 4x4 have been available in 2WD form for some time, again in recognition of their urban use. Maybe common sense is starting to assert itself, at last.
21 August 2009 19:43
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