CAR REVIEW: We drive Volvo's updated XC60

Volvo has officially launched the updated XC60 in South Africa, and Melinda Ferguson took it for a spin in the Cape Winelands.

The rivals for this midsize mild hybrid SUV in our market would be the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, she says.

However, Volvo has a different feel though to these classic German cars, Ferguson says, with its Nordic design setting it apart.

RELATED: 'Plug-in hybrids the perfect solution for SA where full EV uptake is slow' - Volvo MD

With the new-look XC60, Volvo promises refreshed styling, an advanced user experience and enhanced comfort.

Ferguson highlights a reworked grille, 'very sexy' diamond cut alloy wheel design, and two new colours - Forest Green and Aurora Silver, alongside the Mulberry Red introduced recently with the updated XC90.

She also loves the addedstorage space in the cabin and the repositioning of the wireless charger, which means your phone no longer slips out when cornering.

The car also offers generous boot space of 468 litres, and 1395 litres with the seats down.

The refreshed Volvo XC60 is available as a mild hybrid - the B5, and a plug-in hybrid - the T8, with Core and Plus options available for both.

The B5 is fitted with a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine, delivering combined outputs of 183 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It returns 0–100 km/h acceleration in 'a very nippy' 6.9 seconds.

The more powerful T8 PHEV delivers 340 kW, with 709 Nm of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

Both models come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It's a beautiful, quiet and very safe-feeling drive, says Ferguon.

Her one disappointment with the XC90 is that it provides just 80 km of pure electric range.

"This is one area where the Swedes and the Germans need to catch up a bit... The Chinese manufacturers are giving you about 150 km pure electric just on the PHEV."

As a result, Ferguson gives the XC60 a still sterling rating of 8.5 out of 10.

Pricing starts at just over a million for the entry-level B5 Core – R1,058,400, reaching R1,500,700 for the top-of-the-range T8 PHEV Ultra.

To listen to Melinda Ferguson in conversation with Sara-Jayne Makwala King on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: