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Veiligheid, gemak, spasie en gebalanseerde ryvernuf. Dit is begrippe waarmee die splinternuwe Volvo XC40 goed opgesom kan word. Tydens die loods van die model in April het ons dit al bevestig en na ‘n week met die voertuig, kan ons dit nét beaam. Die XC40 is ‘n voertuig wat goed bo sy eie gewig slaan en meer bied as wat verwag word.
What’s it about? Volvo have got canny with presenting a big SUV with a small 2litre, 4-cylinder engine and making it so stylishly desirable and fantastic to drive that you’ll want one… if you’re happy to pay the hefty price tag that is. We tested the T5 Inscription, an upper power level version of the new XC90 and were suitably impressed.
So it’s finally holiday time and you’re off to the coast with your boat to visit the in-laws. Or perhaps your daughter got a new horse for Christmas? In both cases you have our sympathy.
Jokes aside though, here’s our little list of cars that can tow big loads, arranged by number of models and total weight. Please note that we based this list on manufacturer’s figures and advise that you confirm any data with your local retailer.
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.
I’ve made a huge mistake. Desperate for clever ways to start my recent reviews, I encouraged readers to remember certain vehicles. Now I’m staring at the Big Daddy of most people’s motoring past and feel a bit sheepish using the same angle: do you remember the old Kombis?
Volkswagen het onlangs twee van hulle meer semi-handelsvoertuie meer gesinsvriendelik gemaak met ‘n paar veranderings aan ratkaste, enjins en afwerking.
No more than two decades ago, if you wanted to buy a family car you would choose between an estate (station wagon) or a Kombi (microbus). Thanks to the advent of SUV’s, cross-overs and niche cars, those days have long gone. I find this a real pity as I’ve just spent some time with Volvo’s excellent V60.
“Are you testing every Volvo on the market?” asks a friend when presented with my latest test car, a Volvo S60. The sarcastic undertone of his enquiry carried a sprinkling of truth though… with so many new Swedish models on the market I feel duty-bound to test as many as possible and report back to you.
Today I bring you more inside news. The Volvo V40 and its many models is the car I’ve reviewed most in 2013. Happily, the V40 is one of my favourite cars right now and I’ll gladly review every single one. The topic of this review is the top-of-the-line, muscular T5 R-Design.