BY Mabuyane Mabuza
It’s that time of the year when things begin to slow down – a time for reflection. I have witnessed the rapid changes in the motoring industry this year, particularly the introduction of Electric Vehicles (EVs). And, there’s a lot more in store for 2024. However, I am taking this moment to revisit one of my favourite drives – the Volvo XC60 T8 AWD, an impressive hybrid that is a perfect fit for the current South African energy climate.
I have a confession, the older I get the weirder I become.
Like most people, I used to love music in fact, I used to blast it in my car (or test cars) many years ago. But I find myself enjoying listening to discussions on the radio more than music. Well, a big event happened in my life a little over four years ago and has changed my relationship with music, it could be temporary.
I am giving you this background because, in these four years, I have only really listened to music a few times. Here is the strange thing, I listen to music in cars that I extremely like and have a strong connection with. So, the car has to touch me, and I feel compelled to listen to music.
The moment I hopped into the Volvo XC60 T8 AWD, I felt the excitement building up.
The T8 AWD is the flagship model of the XC60 range and spots a few body kit features that make this car more attractive, take the 21-inch five-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels for instance.
This Swedish princess is a plug-in hybrid with an output power of 340kW/709Nm, this power derives from both the 2.0-litre supercharged petrol engine and the electric motor.
I have a soft spot for hybrids, as opposed to full-electric vehicles. Hybrids give motorists flexibility. This is South Africa; we need that flexibility until we can have a reliable source of energy. So, I am already for this car.
With these hybrid models that Volvo has on offer, they are trying to encourage South Africans still reluctant to make the switch, according to the company.
From where I am sitting, I don’t think the Scandinavian car maker needs to work extra hard to encourage South Africans to make the switch.
Volvo’s new design language communicates a clear message of sophistication but is relatable at the same time. It’s been a few years since Volvo introduced their “new” generation infotainment system and the 360-degree system, but they are not about to age.
Safety is Volvo’s cornerstone and its biggest selling point.
Some of the standard equipment in the XC60 T8 AWD include the likes of Intellisafe Assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection), and front and rear collision warning (with fully automatic braking) to name but a few.
The 2.0-litre supercharged engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox giving seamless acceleration. Our test model also came blessed with air suspension and pilot assist for maximum driving experience.
Another confession, the XC60 is not my personal favourite in the Volvo brand but boy the T8 left a good impression.
Back to my emotional connection with the Volvo, I played my favourite jams, and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system did not disappoint.
For R1 278 900, this looks like a sensible luxury car purchase you could make this year.
