2012 Volvo XC60 R-Design - SUV temptation?

[@twocvbloke]

That moment when you remember a 62 plate is from 12 years ago, flippin' heck.......... :S

[@69Phuket]

Time stops for no Man.

[@clivet3252]

Yes I was thinking it wasn't very HubNut but it is 12 years old.

[@AK.2425]

Also the XC60 first came out in 2008, 16 years ago!

[@Wagons-Rule]

I went from being a big Citroen fan for years to being a big Volvo fan. I’ve fallen deeply in love with my 14 year old D5 XC70, it is dreamy, and you must succumb.

[@indecisiveauto]

Weirdly enough I'm the same! 😄

[@Candisa]

Hah, I went the other way around. I've had a few Volvos ('89 740, '92 940, '01 V70), actually considered this model XC60 but bought something completely different, then bought a 2CV as a temporary investment and to enjoy one or two summers... but despite doing very few miles with her I can't let her go, and now I'm seriously thinking about getting a hydropneumatic Citroën when it's time to replace my current daily despite the fact that would be a much older car than my current one.

[@tomupward9012]

I just love my 2009 XC70 D5 Lux Prem. Oyster grey, has the rare “contemporary” light wood interior and brown leather electric seats. Fanciest car I’ve ever owned. Mr Hubnut, if you’re ever in Scarborough you’re more than welcome to review it!

[@damonrobus-clarke533]

⁠​⁠@@Candisahydropneumatic Citroens are lovely, admittedly they are complex and different, but nothing like them!

[@enpeemac]

At last, been waiting for you to 'do' a D5 for ages! I'm currently 4 and a half years in with my 2012 XC60 D5 SE LUX and have pretty much loved every minute. The R-Design specced cars had slightly stiffer springing than my SE LUX which is super comfy and compliant whilst still very controlled. Mine is one of the slightly less common manuals, cheaper tax and better MPG; I average around 40 on a shortish, rural commute, with almost 50 possible on a long, gentle run. Not bad for an old, 2+ ton, 215BHP diesel barge!

[@conradharcourt8263]

Really love the headlamp washers; can't decide whether they are from 'Das Boot', 'Thunderbirds' or The Teletubbies😊

[@TheCounty90]

Das Teletubbies are go! Used to love the German version.

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

A very practical car, I must be getting old writing comments like that. As for Kitch, well, we all know he is the Jack Dee of car reviewers. 😂

[@davidhinkson8856]

I'm amazed at how roomy and practical this car is, and its styling still looks fresh.

[@99yorkshirelad]

The 2.4 D5 is my favourite diesel of all time, sounds amazing, pulls well and can go on for 100’s thousands of miles

[@aitchworld4620]

The 2.0 D4 5 pot that Volvo put in the V50 for a couple of years was even better.

[@chrisjames2109]

My wife has had a 2014 XC60 2.4 D5 R-Design in metallic bronze for about 3 years. I have to say, it's a cracking car.

[@snoopy10411]

We've got a 2011 one in the SE LUX trim spec and a manual and its a great car. Ours has done 190,000 miles and stil drives well. The last few MOT's have been advisory free. We've got used to the size now and fancy changing it for the XC90 for more space.

[@Naredogg]

My v60 d3 is nearly on 230k and just keeps going, the most pratical well put together car I have owned, i do 100 miles a day in it and other than general wesr and tear items its just uber reliable. Best mpg ive had is 54.6 but around town it does drop to 51. I love the things

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Out of the SUV's Volvo seem to be the ones that make nice examples, wonder if the engine can be traced back to a 2004 S60 as I had a S60 D5 and what a joyous noise it made like this XC60. Never realised this example was Sion's. An excellent review as always Ian.

[@indecisiveauto]

Even more confusingly it was mine...then I sold it to Siôn...and then I bought it back 18 months later 🤣🙈🇸🇪❤️

[@paultucker1272]

We used to have a D5 XC90, great car as we needed the 7 seats (Mrs was a childminder). We now have a V60 D3 as the family car.....only FWD and not as powerful, but it's got all the power it really needs. However, it's the comfort and practicality I love, and it's pretty well built. A Volvo won't set your pants on fire, but they are extremely comfortable, something far too many cars miss now as they try to be "sporty".

[@arieplomp8906]

Lovely car Ian , warms my Volvo heart ❤️ ! Love the sound of the 5 cylinder engine ! Always gives you a smile when you put de paddle down! I had an first gen S60 2.4 t , and enjoyed every second when I took place behind the wheel! And now I drive a 2008 V70 t6 AWD , has also a lovely sound and gives also a smile from ear to ear when I put it in sport mode and put the paddle to the floor! Thanks for taking us along in this lovely car! 👍🏻👍🏻 🆙 🫶

[@owensteele1645]

I thought 62-plate was a new car before realising that it's 12 years old. That XC60 is a really nice car. Maybe a bit posh for HubNut, but it's fast, safe, comfortable, reliable and reasonably economical transport for the whole family, so go for it.

[@tristanpage6805]

Had a V50 D5. Great engine. Look forward to the next.

[@leehayes70]

Just got our xc90 V8 2007. Just ace.

[@MigV40]

We have 3 Volvos at the moment, 2 V40s, and a 2015 XC60 D5 AWD Geartronic SE Lux Nav in Seashell metallic with the beige interior. It’s a lovely car

[@valtraone]

Great review. A lot of these mk1's on the road, and having owned 4, I'm not surprised. My current 2012 D3 AWD manual has 183,000 miles on the clock, and drives as if it has 50,000. Also does 45/50 mpg with considerate use of the go pedal. I think they were introduced in the UK for the '58 plate, and certainly a fair few '59 plate cars in the used car ad's. Very safe, practical, durable, and a pleasure to own. But needs regular maintenance to keep at It's best.

[@daniellee9015]

Absolutely brilliant video ian ❤👍what a lovely car love that engine noise brilliant

[@Alexander-rz4br]

I think SUV inspired estates are the perfect halfway house personally. Volvo V90 Cross Country, VW Alltrack. I have an Insignia Country Tourer myself. Wonderful cars

[@markcompton6750]

I have one, well my wife does. It’s just about perfect for our needs 👍

[@mtozzy11]

We were very anti SUV for years, then came the need for a car to tow 2 - 3T as well as daily drive it. We ended up with a 2017 VW touareg 180kw V6 tdi premium spec. Absolutely love it. Great on twisty roads, goes like the clappers, great on fuel considering its 2200kg Average 1200km a tank, and ultra comfortable and refined and doesn't sound like a diesel, I'd be hard pressed to buy anything else now. And we had a lot of Aussie V8 Holden's. It's a big car but it never feels, it has firm air suspension but it's not rough.

[@Buffalobulltofta]

I still root for that a good late model year P2 V70 would the perfect HubNut family transport!

[@garyreid7865]

love em

[@thisiszaphod]

This one did consider one of these, but decided to go the whole hog with the XC90. Love/d it! Now in my step-daughter's hands because of reasons!

[@shieldaigbencher]

These are really good. Proper solid. Better than the newer version.

[@23chilled]

Have to bring my 2.5T S60 P2 out for a spin up to a show near you at some point as not that far away. The S70 2.5 20v still needs more sorting but working on that over winter for next year. Both Manual aswel.

[@aitchworld4620]

I've had 6 Volvos, 2 of them XC60s. Lovely cars.

[@minimalistandfree]

Love this XC60 with a straight six engine. Best looking generation!

[@alansmith1770]

Great Video Ian. Loved the Volvo sounded glorious.

[@TW-80]

I own a 08 plate mk4 Mondeo with a 2.5 turbo 5 cylinder petrol engine and my dad owns a 58 plate Volvo V70 with the 2.4 turbo 5 cylinder diesel engine and I love them both. That top engine mount is the same in both of our cars

[@nakoma5]

The thing about first gen XC90 and XC60 was that Volvo put pride and effort in their creation rather than cobbling up something quickly to fill niches. I recall there was alot of fanfare when the XC60 debuted, with a very in depth and inspiring sub website and dealership event.

[@SuperFIFTHGEAR]

I would say that you need to try an 850 or V70 TDi when you mentioned the LT but then remember the video from years ago with the 850 TDi auto. I now own two Volvo TDis (850 saloon manual and 1997 V70 manual)...great cars.

[@3800scgp]

Bought a 15.5 T6 AWD earlier this year- hadn't even considered Volvo until I started looking on various auto listing sights, and several popped up in my budget. Loving it so far- it gets out of it's own way, brakes well, and handles fine, for what it is. Next test will be how it does in the snow! One thing that stuck out to me on the one you drove, is the lack of a sunroof. Seems like every one I looked at online had one. Though I was specifically looking for a 2014-2015.

[@MrJustme1961]

Here in Australia I am driving 2012 Volvo xc60 T6. here call them a crossover, SUV Wagon style, Great ground clearance, T6 engine 3L straight 6 a Volvo/Ford design build engine a interesting design being a east west set up straight 6, its made in Wales the engine. Rear lights here we call them tear drop, Inside so modern with lots high tec, just like a modern new vehicle, Best bit surround sound stereo big woofer on the dash board, Just a great vehicle. for the money..

[@matterhorn1975]

Ian, why on earth haven't you reviewed a dacia duster and even bought one, you can buy a 2016 one for under 2k!! Even with the 1.5dci Renault engine which is brilliant

[@chrisbolton5461]

Great review. Love my V50 T5 AWD, even though thirsty.

[@disleyade5470]

Ian, have you tried a fourth generation Suzuki Vitara? I have a 2019 one with just two wheel drive, the 1.4 four cylinder turbo engine and sixspeed auto box (which I think is similar to the one in your test Volvo). You get the same upright driving position, pretty good performance and good practicality but also fairly good economy. It still has a proper handbrake too!

[@gaufrid1956]

I had a 2016 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 three door in Australia before I went to the Philippines in 2017. It was a good car. Dual range, automatic transmission, ladder frame chassis, proper off-road ability, and easy to drive because it had a shorter wheelbase than the five door version. The Vitara is of course the smaller crossover vehicle that Suzuki sells. It can be front wheel drive or AWD. I've seen a few of them here in the subdivision where I live in Mindanao Philippines.

[@barryhumphries4514]

I do love a 5 cylinder engine sound! 👍

[@2tone209]

AY UP MR HUBNUT

[@rupertorgan7749]

A great review and spot-on about this car. Before I moved to rural Finland I hated SUVs. However, the need to tow a boat, transport two dogs and drive around on potholed, snow and ice-covered roads made me reconsider. I acquired my XC60 D3 AWD three years ago. It's was a facelift 2014 version with 115k and full Volvo service history in Sweden. It now has 155k on the clock, which includes two road trips back to the UK. The D5 engine in mine only packs 183bhp, so acceleration is not quite as instant as the Polestar version, but I do regularly get over 40mpg on summer tyres. The AWD transmission sends 90% to the front wheels in normal driving, but when things get slippery, power gets transferred rearwards. On icy roundabouts I can feel the power move rearwards and as long as you don't lift off (=understeer), the Haldex AWD system will sort out where to send the power and get you round safely and surprisingly quickly! The car is supremely comfortable for long trips, with loads of thoughtful design touches as you pointed out. These D5 engines are good for at least 300k if serviced regularly, but I sense that the transmission in mine may need some major expenditure before then. ABS sensors can also fail. I think I might trade-in for a later non-hybrid model next year.

[@jefferyfurness4939]

Was a shame miss hubnut was not with you for this test drive would have been nice to get her view on it Ian, otherwise exemplary video

[@davidjack825]

its not a charade so she wouldnt like it

[@michaelstaunton1632]

Good content for the channel 👍👍👍

[@philipcook9772]

I am on my 3rd XC70 D5,prior to these I had V70 D5,goes like a train and good mpg.🇸🇪

[@igormac88]

as a car journalist I could test one of the last of those already with the Ingenium 4 pot turbo engines and they are a blast to drive (not combining the troubles of owning one Ingenium engine). I'm really fond of one older, probably with a petrol 6cyl and proper autobox, running from the terrible dual clutch. I came quickly to write about you forgetting the rear wiper review, but in the final seconds.. 😄

[@RichardPhillips-qg8yz]

Cool car

[@Shane_Marsh]

Years ago I had a Fiat Marea Weekend with a 5 cylinder diesel. All the good sounds 🙂

[@wanderingorganist]

Wonderful pop-up headlight washers - really laughed😅

[@volvo480]

My V70 (same era) has the same system. It's hilarious 😂

[@mipmipmipmipmip-v5x]

6:49 The tiny screen on my 12 year old ford is giving exactly the information needed without distracting. Cars went downhill from 2010s when wet belts and EV made cars' projected lifetime smaller and to distract from that we just got bigger screens.

[@1171karl]

Likely to be my next car when the right one appears. After having SUVs for a few years including an XC90, I decided to go back to an estate with my current car, a BMW 525, and I do miss the space and ride height of an SUV. I'd did look at a XC60 R design, and I don't like the black headliner, its like sitting in a cave with those tinted back windows - definitely needs sunroof, but don't all cars :) Who is Kitsch Mr up and down vids by the way?

[@HubNut]

Kitch is my friend with this channel: youtube.com/@upndown?si=79mj-n02TigbxdbN

[@davidwilson2155]

Ive just got myself a 2016 D4 R Design, im using it as my private hire taxi, its gotta be the best move ive made, i had a Dacia Duster for 7yrs from new, but this Volvo is cheaper for road tax than a 1.5 dci duster, its amazing 8 speed auto box has got to be one of the smoothest ive had! its build quality is much better than its German counter parts any day of the week! You should try the D4 b4 you choose one of these, if you dont need AWD then the D4 will do the job you need it to do! :).

[@clivet3252]

Great looking car with a nice interior.

[@grrfy]

My dad liked his ,so had another afterwards,he did say that halfshafts were a bit fragile and a pain to change at the time,and the electric handbrake was sometimes troublesome if wanted change pads/discs yourself ,otherwise a nice place to sit, I always liked the floating dash and pale wood and leather, I think was an option.

[@jbenekeorr]

My Dad had one on a lease - I thought it was a really nice car overall. Still a great looking car inside and out in my opinion, although my Dad always hoped for a softer ride - having deliberately not ordered the sporty looking model with smaller wheels. Probably a lot to do with the compromise of being an SUV and being expected to drive well. It did have some major warranty work done when the engine slipped a piston ring at under 20,000 miles! It was a 2.0 diesel of some sort.

[@tonysargent7787]

I too have a Volvo a S40 lovely comfortable car another great video has always Ian and Carly miss/mrs hubnut and hublets and hubmutt 👍

[@NeilBarratt]

Interesting to watch a video featuring a car I wouldn't normally have the slightest interest in. I'm surprised how fuel efficient some these big cars are.

[@lesklower7281]

There is a particular design feature l do like in the interior the floating centre dashboard so nice

[@seancooke7332]

Having owned 2 5 cylinder Turbo Diesel V70s I can think of nothing bad to say about them. Great steering, great ride and awesome towing ability. The 2.5 Volkswagen engine is excellent but the 2.4 Volvo engine is the one to have its muscle will astound you and it really easy to service and look after. Why would anyone want a BMW anyway?

[@Hyberus]

I've now got a 2011 V70 with the same engine and transmission. And I do like it, despite having been a bit of an auto-sceptic.

[@lrochfort]

I have a D5 XC90. It's a strong engine, but really quite unrefined, and IMO the combination with the gearbox feels like it's underspecced for the XC90. Otherwise, though, it's great. Very comfortable and safe with good boot space, even with the seats up. The interior space isn't as well used an MPV, though.

[@Candisa]

The first gen XC60 is probably one of the best SUVs out there. As a very anti-SUV person myself I actually considered buying a young used one myself, but all the reasons why I'm so anti-SUV eventually made me come to my senses and buy a Fiat Doblo instead. Yes, I compared a Volvo XC60 with a Fiat Doblo back in 2016 and chose the Doblo, I guess it's not a surprise I'm subscribed to your channel, haha. I think many of the reasons why people claim they like SUVs are simply not true: f.e. an MPV can be just as safe, hold as many or more people and stuff, have the same commanding driving position, with a lower floor, less intrusive wheel arches in the back, sometimes sliding doors in the back, often much better all-round visibility, and a much more efficient use of the space it takes up on the road. The honest SUV-buyer will tell you they just like that it looks cooler and more intimidating than an MPV or stationwagon, although that hasn't been true for a long while now since it seems there are more SUVs than anything else on the road nowadays.

[@Nino500]

I loved my Doblo. Probably the most practical vehicle I've ever owned and I've had a few vehicles; not so many compared to people like Ian and Kitch but counted it as 42 so far (That's just 3 and 4 wheelers; I think there have been more 2 wheelers).

[@stojadinsport]

I absolutely agree with you. I drive xc60 only reason is that fantastic relatable d5 engine. And I know that mpv and estate are more rational options but for me that two body shapes are ugly and deal-breaker.

[@damonrobus-clarke533]

@@stojadinsportnope, still rather have an mpv than a fat car!

[@s1914]

Before you got in I was really hoping it would be an auto, and it is! The wonderful D5 is so well suited to the autobox, please get one to replace Bella! Vera, perhaps 😄

[@powerswearingfluids]

I have been driving 90's and 00's manual transmission cars all my life on snowy estonian and finnish b roads but this 2014 xc60 d4 weirdly enough still a straight 5 polestar despite the d4 logo is my first automatic car and I have decided to pedantically run it as long as possible by changing oil every 6000 miles and rustproofing it by the help of krown specialists. This polestar setup with 17 inch wheels and stiff suspension is not what I really like but about my car but very ocasionally when i feel like having a tincy wincy bit of a blast on higher speed bumpy b roads this stiff suspension really starts working whilst finding quite an incredible amo6nt of grip and then the ride becomes smooth and thoroughly planted on bumpy medium to a bit higher speed tarmac. At lower speeds which I spend most of my time I really am yearning for 16 inch wheels, taller sidewall and much softer suspension which I hope to install if only these 2014 massive front brakes allow replacing for smaller wheels. Just sharing how satisfied I am with that vault on wheels

[@Dvlx1]

Very good looking car

[@johnf5817]

Also not a fan of SUVs here, but partner had a 10 reg XC60 2.4D e-drive for several years and it proved itself well, the only niggle being that cruising the European motorways in 6th (manual) it was so lean that the exhaust didnt get hot enough to do a DPF regeneration when required and we had to find a garage to do a forced one after it went into limp mode. Driven a bit harder, it was reliable, not as powerful as the one tested here but more than adequate to keep out of trouble. Partner sold it at 190,000 miles and is regretting it.

[@FourthDrawerDown]

They’re no longer boxy but they’re good 👍

[@jameswarden9136]

I have always loved the xc60, I remember when they first came out. I’d have the manual transmission.

[@oilburner225]

Very interesting video, anyone know how much the VED is on this vehicle?

[@Simonicusmaximus]

I was going to get an xc60 d5 great vehicle! Just didn't quite have the funds.

[@johntaylor4201]

Was very interested to watch this, I’ve had 10 Volvos over the years but not one of the suvs. Currently got a 5cyl diesel manual v60 which is basically that car but an estate. Now thinking an xc60 may be a good replacement in a few years 👍🏻 you can get a cross country version of the mk1 v60 which also may appeal to you 🤔

[@sarkybugger5009]

If it's anything like my V70, if the front wipers are on, selecting reverse turns on intermittent wipe on the rear screen. It's the little thoughtful touches like this that make me love Volvos.

[@HubNut]

My Berlingo does that. I think the MK3 Granada and Rover 800 fastback were some of the first cars to do it.

[@XXKXXKXX]

​@@HubNut I believe modern small SUVs are better than traditional estates - the former are big on interior space yet small enough to park easier than the latter. Reduced aero is a drag though. 🤓

[@XXKXXKXX]

I believe modern small SUVs are better than traditional estates - the former are big on interior space yet small enough to park easier than the latter. Reduced aero is a drag though. 🤓

[@julianroberts5407]

My mark one, Skoda Fabia, did that!!!!

[@stugill4513]

im on my 3rd aqnd will b looking for no4 in the new year

[@rhys_thomss7013]

A lot of us in our family have suv my favourite is the 2011 ford kuga!

[@indecisiveauto]

I had a feeling you might like it! 🤣❤

[@MigV40]

The XC60 came out in 2008 and was then facelifted in 2013, and was discontinued in 2017 when the new model came out

[@revolution1one]

I don't like SUVs either. Though, I wouldn't mind a 1st or 2nd generation Isuzu Trooper or an early Disco. Maybe an 80's Land Cruiser. A Gelandewagen, a 1st generation Pathfinder, a 1st gen Range Rover or a Rayton-Fissore Magnum! Ooh, a Jeep Wagoneer/Cherokee XJ. I got to drive one of those this Summer. I fell in love with it. I think I just don't like moderns. 'Tis why my two car solution consists of an '85 Pontiac and a '92 Volvo.

[@maxeluy]

There are good SUV'S and bad SUV'S, this one is a good one, is not just a big FWD car, is a proper SUV, some Sport characteristics and a lot of Utility (AWD, practical, lots of space).

[@edgarbeat2851]

Loads of them around where I live. John Clelend has a Volvo dealership Next town away. My friend wanted John Clelend to sign autograph his model Cavalier but wanted 50 quid. Classic case of don't meet your hero.

[@BernardSamson-hf6fc]

Your mate would probably sell the autograph, so why complain when have to pay for one.

[@edgarbeat2851]

​@BernardSamson-hf6fc No doubt. I've seen him at car shows the personality 😳. I was a big fan as a kid and got to see his Cavalier at the NEC in 2014. I'm not an autograph hunter but still to see him was cool. A hard nosed business man fair play.

[@pizzalover3]

Still very surprised a V70 D5 hasn't made its way onto your fleet. All boxes ticked... excellent economy, sensible road tax, great engine sound, great seats, great stereo. And go for a euro 3 one with manual and it'll get 55mpg+ too. Mine is from 04 and still no rust on it. That XC60 does look okay but I'm terms of handling is not representative of most horrible SUVs. A neighbour has an Audi Q3 and what a woeful thing that is.

[@richardghook]

I have a v60 phev. Love my version

[@lesterlesabre4326]

Kitsch must be throwing things at his screen watching this😊

[@johnnorth9355]

Surely a must have just for the headlamp washers ?

[@HubNut]

Still prefer wipers...

[@indecisiveauto]

@@HubNut That's fine you can lement the lack of wipers when you have a try of the old the 2.5T Volvo V70 🤣 - headlight washers are inferior I agree! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ChishanFipz]

I love your rucksack - what is it and where do i get one!?

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

My 406 Estate had a similar boot-floor strap. The only problem is that I only ever seemed to need to use it when the rear was full o double bass, amps, stage gear etc. I've often wondered whether there was a VBolvo estate out there that would suit me space-wise. This still looks a little too small on the inside, and too large on the outside (said someone that also drives a van).

[@Tinovodanovic]

Very nice car but the sound of it is just phenomenal.

[@mariopizzamanmario8563]

Upright driving position - should try my Ford Transit Custom van... with ~230hp... doesn't corner flat though

[@TOMLINBISH]

It's actually got a properly sized rear screen wiper instead of the little 'hippo tail' ones that a lot of other cars have! 😊

[@1010abcdefgh]

It's a long time since Volvos were considered boring but safe.. I have a T4 V40, such a sporty and quick car, would love the T5 though for the extra oomph...

[@eddiebooth9602]

I worked in an emergency service workshop as a mechanic for over 30 years. Volvo transformed high performance response vehicles with the 850 and latterly the S&V 70 T5. They were also the first in the early 90s to offer 100 thousand mile warranty, which we very rarely used.

[@IanM18]

I agree. I drove one of the first T5's on the Met Police fleet and was VERY impressed with both the power and sound.

[@35dononeill]

You should try a Quasqai. As you liked the volvo, you might like it.

[@HubNut]

They don't make quite the same noises.

[@philwebb6464]

So the question is would you prefer that over a V70 with the same engine ?

[@HubNut]

I need to try one really.

[@dwegmull]

Hello from California where these cars are considered compact SUVs...

[@thesmallerhalf1968]

I find it interesting that some people can be so dogmatic about their preferences. I appreciate it that Hubnut is always willing to try something a bit different and talk about the pluses and minuses rationally. Yes, physical buttons have their appeal, but only when the design is good. A well designed screen has its advantages too. I have both in my cars, and the main issue is not either or, it is whether I can see the controls without my reading glasses. That is something designers seem not to be aware of as we all age. As for the SUV question and seating, upright or low have their own advantages. My only issue is that Sport Utility Vehicle is such a daft description for almost all the SUVs out there.

[@joespittle1]

As a Californian hubnutter - would be interested to know more about this cars stay over here and how the owner managed to import it and export it while keeping the various government agencies happy. Being a diesel it certainly didn't start life here so it was either imported (which in and of itself would be near on impossible with the 25 years law and various emissions regulations) and exported or it is perhaps an erroneous entry into the service log. Either way, still an interesting addition to a fantastic car

[@stephenkeen1384]

Yeah, I would say the chance of that car spending time in California are pretty close to zero.

[@MatthewBrannigan]

I've never seen a car in San Diego with UK plates but I did see one with German plates a few weeks ago. I'm wondering what you need to do if you are just temporarily in California, running a UK car, and how long they would let you drive around for, probably not long.

[@HubNut]

It wouldn't have been on UK plates but must have been imported, just as US military folk tend to import American cars when stationed in the UK. I used to live near a US airbase and you'd see all sorts of odd American stuff driving about.

[@joespittle1]

@@MatthewBrannigan If you do european delivery then you can leave those plates on the car, technically they aren't legal but that's how you get them. Not sure how it would have worked back then but nowadays importing a car to CA that wasn't originally sold in the US is quite difficult, hence why people register imports to PO boxes in Montana where there are fewer regulations

[@MatthewBrannigan]

Ah - I see! Just as a side note, in California you have to have a license plate on the front and the rear of your car, however in some other states, like Florida you only need one on the rear, so sometimes you will see a European plate at the front, put there purely for decorative purposes. I've seen quite a few UK plates that way.

[@hamishdunham]

Ian - Glad you enjoyed; however, could it be that you were admiring the yummy Volvoey goodness rather than the SUV aspect in isolation?🧐

[@HubNut]

Possible. A V70 might suit...

[@hamishdunham]

@@HubNut I'm with you on the XC60. I'm a certified Volvophile, so the XC60 would be my default choice if my life began to require an SUV.

[@Matthew-Fletcher]

So did you prefer the 5 cylinder petrol in the S80 or the 5 cylinder diesel in the XC60?

[@HubNut]

I think I'd have to go diesel. So much torque!

[@volvo480]

Tiny mistake in this enjoyable video: the T6 is a 3 litre straight six, the 3.2 is without turbo. Both engines designed by Volvo but built by Ford in Bridgend, Wales, when the factory was still in business. The D5 is one of the most desired engines in any Volvo, big 5 cilinder lump with loads of torque. Sadly, where I live you are paying tax through your nose for them. (€2460/year)

[@andyarmstrong1493]

A conversion?

[@AlfieTheHammer363]

You are Right ,it’s the Driving Position 👍🏻 The more upright the better ,can see more of the road obstacles etc , and way more comfortable and easier to get in and out , Volvos are nice ,Always wanted a 265GTE Estate back in the day , but funny enough Volvo drivers seem to be some of the worst 😂 They seem apparently to think The car can do the Thinking for them 🤣

[@Sid3300]

The XC90 and this one are some of the few SUVs I don't mind style wise, for an SUV they're not bad (not that the standards are very high). I'd still take a V70 estate over this probably because if I needed to go over rough terrain I'd buy a 4X4.