Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Volvo XC60 D5 auto SE Lux: Test Drive
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Volvo XC60 D5 auto SE Lux: Test Drive

Date: 13 March 2009   |   Author: Tristan Young

Category: Small 4x4
P11D price: £30,185
Key rival: Audi Q5

Just prior to ordering our new long-term Volvo XC60 we thought it best to test the one option we'd not yet driven in the XC60 range - the automatic.

As well as adding £1400 to the price of the manual D5, the Geartronic automatic gearbox also comes with a few other penalties - like almost all autos, the Geartronic in the XC60 also worsens CO2 and mpg figures.

On fuel, the car drops to 34.0mpg from 37.7 for the combined figure, while the CO2 increases 20g/km to 219g/km. The result is an increase of four benefit-in-kind bands to 34%.

However, auto gearboxes offer advantages, too, and the XC60 is no exception. In Geartronic form it's even easier to live with, while all XC60s come with an electronic parking brake - operated by an out-of-sight button - making the auto more attractive because of never having to worry about rolling backward on a hill, something which automatics don't do.

But possibly the biggest reason for choosing the auto is the Volvo's cleverest item - its City Safety function. City Safety works by stopping, or doing its best to stop, the car if it believes a crash is imminent. If activated, an auto won't stall, whereas a manual will.

So it's a simple equation of cost versus comfort, and for fleet - and our long-termer - we prefer the cost savings of the manual.

Volvo XC60 D5 auto SE Lux
P11D price£30,185
Model price range£24,250-£33,740
Fuel consumption34.0mpg
CO2 (tax) 219g/km/(34%)
BIK 20/40% per month£171/£342
Service interval18,000mls
Insurancegroup 14
Warranty3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max)495/1455 litres
Engine size/power2400cc/185PS
Top speed/0-60mph127mph/9.4secs
On sale now
Score7/10
VerdictAuto option is desirable
but it comes with a
costs penalty


Verdict


Auto option is desirable but it comes with a costs penalty
7/10

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