Volvo R-Design T5 is a beaut!

The clever Swedes have binned their previous engines and replaced them with two four-cylinder units, one diesel and one petrol, both linked to a new eight-speed transmission designed to save weight, perform better and be more frugal. Built in Sweden, the new engines can be configured to meet the power and output needs of all Volvo vehicles. They are force-fed by a turbocharger and a supercharger and can be linked to either an eight-speed auto box or a six-speed manual transmission.

We recently spent time in the latest XC60 T5 R-Design (model year 2015), one of the first to get the full benefit of the new R-Design, as well as the new engine-transmission combination. It is powered by a 2.0-litre engine that kicks out 180kW and 350Nm which Volvo says is good enough for a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.2 sec and a top speed of 210km/h. The maker also claims a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.7L/100km.

Zesty new look

With its stand-out sporty looks and snazzy interior, this vehicle will probably attract a fair number of younger, non-traditional Volvo buyers.

The brand shed its boringly fuddy-duddy image a while back and in recent times there has been a zesty new look and feel across most of its range - not an easy task to sustain, particularly when faced with the boxy shape of this five-door XC. But with the R-Design T5 XC60, it has produced an SUV which has all the potential of shaking the cages of veteran contenders such as Nissan Murano, Audi Q5, Subaru Forester and BMW X3.

The living quarters of the jazzed up R-Design T5 is particularly attractive, thanks to perforated leather sport seats and a Pandora's box of fancy features, too numerous to discuss in detail here, but includes Lane Keeping Aid, Park Assist Pilot, Active High Beam Control, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection technology, City Safety, Cornering Lights, Enhanced Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Alert, Road Sign Information and an array of Bluetooth functions.

Connected Service Booking App

However, one new feature is worth having a closer look at: it's called Sensus Connect and it's a brilliant, fully connected infotainment system with a number of innovative features. The system's cloud-based services find restaurants, stream your favourite music seamlessly, has an option of having text messages read out loud and also has a Connected Service Booking App that indicates when a service is due, based on the car's mileage, vehicle age or engine hours, and it even asks whether it can go ahead and start the workshop appointment booking process!

On the outside too, the R-Design T5 is sculpted to attract attention with eye-magnets such as a new stainless steel tread plate with a bright blue 'R' in the emblem, frameless black grille badged with R-Design emblem, a road-hugging stance, rear diffuser with aero fins, bazooka tailpipes and tough-guy, 20-inch black-and-chrome wheels.

On the road, and particularly through the twisties, the stiffened R-Design chassis, tweaked springs and anti-roll bars dish up a firm, confidence-inspiring ride, in spite of its high body profile, ground clearance and weight. The improved grip package is ably assisted by what Volvo calls corner traction control, as well as the brand's renowned all-wheel drive system - a combination which improves control and provides a sporty, road-gripping drive.

Volvo vehicles have never really been high up on the list for sharp steering but in this model there is a noticeable improvement and now has a set-up which is much better suited to its naughty SUV's character than on previous versions.

Three levels of power assistance

The Electrical Power Assist Steering (EPAS), available with the all-new Drive-E engines, uses an electric motor to support the steering rack and the driver can choose between three levels of power assistance, with high mode being the ultimate setting for the enthusiastic driver and it's very much in line with the XC60's dynamic character.

The eight-speed shift also is a particularly pleasant new feature, seamlessly smooth, whether left to do its own thing in full auto mode, tap-tapped in Sport manual mode or when being flicked though the cogs with the aid of à la Formula 1 flappies on the steering wheel.

One disappointing feature, particularly for the more enthusiastic driver, is a rather small and silly vertical rev indicator, slightly obscured to the right of the speedometer. Fortunately, the simple and clear layout of the other gauges, as well as the array of switches and knobs, are all fairly driver-friendly.

Strong segment contender

Volvo says its new, lighter, smaller, better performing engines are more frugal which is probably true if you drive it as though you are taking granny to the church, but on short, fairly light-footed stints around town and in commuting traffic, I averaged way above that. But in fairness, this will obviously improve dramatically on longer stretches of highway travel at consistent speeds... although this is the type of car that asks to be driven enthusiastically and in a way which is destined to blow claimed consumption figures out of the window.

With this newly designed, extras-rich, much sportier T5, Volvo has produced a really strong contender in this segment of the market. Quite frankly, it is a beaut and way ahead of many other contenders when it comes down to sexy looks, safety, luxury features and driving pleasure.

As is the general trend these days, buyers have a wide choice of optional extras. Our test vehicle was also fitted with a Design Plus package (R20,500) that includes powered passenger seat, heated front seats, power operated tailgate, lockable wheel bolts, load holder and grocery bag holder, keyless entry, front and rear park assist, paddle shifter, interior theatre lighting and 20" Ixion II matt black wheels, as well as a sunroof (R8,375) which pushed the vehicle's standard price of R539,400 up to R568,275 which is steep, although it does include a five-year/100,000km peace of mind maintenance plan.