What Car? Review October '11.....

[madman1]

...pitches the 4-door Evoque (2.2 SD4 Pure) against the XC60 (2 D3 DRIVe SE), Q5 (2 TDI 170 Quattro SE) & BMW X1 (xDrive23d SE).

My expectations weren't too high on the basis that, yet again, this is another review where the Volvo is the only car without 4WD and is comparatively under-powered relative to its peers.

Appreciate that isn't the only consideration and it's fair enough when price-band is the qualifying criteria I guess, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that relative performance is going to look weaker, which it does by some margin.

Nevertheless, the XC60 fairs pretty well overall (the magazine have always rated the car highly) and is ranked 2nd behind the Evoque (which, on paper, looks pretty impressive). Audi is 3rd, X1 last (not sure why the X3 wasn't featured, probably price - results may have been different had it been).

From a selfish perspective I'd like to see any reviews where the D5 variant is pitched against equivalent rivals - never have, so if anyone has seen such a review a pointer would be appreciated.

[davidash]

I have 5D AWD and after owning a number of vehicles that are regarded as good performers, the Volvo leaves them standing. I think the difference is the "grunt" from the diesel which you miss in a petrol vehicle. A friend has the V8 XC90 which I drive quite regularly. My wife has a V50 T5 which is regarded as a quick vehicle. Give me the 5D XC 60 any day!