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Cars can be so boring. In our hectic modern lifestyles, where automobiles have simply become a mundane means of traffic-jam-infested transport, it breaks my heart to see hordes of lofty 4×4’s and bland hatchbacks. Why? They simply don’t make my soul sing like a powder blue Volvo XC40 with white wheels.
So you live in Outjo but work in Gobabis?
Don’t fear, we’ve made a list of cars that can go the furthest on one filling of the tank. You know, when the attendant does that whole click-click nozzle trick. Of course we need to remind you that these figures are based on claimed consumption and tank figures, your results may vary and depend on driving style, load and prevailing conditions. If you’re a high miler though, this list is a good start.
Volvo is known for building safe, reliable family cars and their big seven-seater XC90 SUV has always typified this. While the outgoing model was still a great car, a wave of fresh design and new technology is sweeping through the Swedish manufacturer with this brand-new XC90 at the pointy end.
What you need to know: The Volvo XC60 is a mid-size luxury SUV whose mould is similar to a BMW X5 or Audi Q5. Available with your choice of four engines, two gearboxes, four trim levels, front- or intelligent all-wheel-drive (certain models only), this stylish Swede easily matches its competitors for variety.
Add a big Diesel engine to a small car, tweak it with a turbo, raise the suspension a wee bit, clad it in a bit of plastic and voila – a spunky softroader is born. Volvo, what have you done?
I recently had the pleasure of test-driving Volvo’s face-lifted XC60 with a new engine. Not being a huge fan of mummy-mobiles (as so many of these medium to large SUV types can be called), I was naturally skeptical about my latest ride. However, I can honestly state that my flag is still flying for Volvo – I found the XC60 every bit as enjoyable to drive as their V and S range (I’ve not had the pleasure of any of the C-types yet).
Up to now, I’ve only ever tested the Volvo S60 with a petrol engine. Just like the rest of their range, Volvo’s medium-sized executive sedan is available with a choice between six engines, two gearboxes, front- or all-wheel-drive and four spec levels. This right here is the middle-child D4 turbo-diesel.
To many people, the name Volvo conjures up images of solid, staid, somewhat pricey reliability and safety. The ubiquitous family estate car stuffed with irritable children, or the somewhat unimaginative but comfortable sedan being driven by a harried businessman. Few people would have associated words like dynamic, cutting edge design, innovation, funky, cool or chic with a Volvo. But that has all changed and Volvo’s new 60 series is an affirmation of this impressive change of association.
People. That’s who Volvo alleges their cars are made for. Until dogs or potted plants learn to drive, it may be a painfully obvious statement but, together with their hashphrase #MadeForYou, it does evoke warm fuzziness that this isn’t just another cold-hearted maker of mass transport.