The Volvo Ocean race ranks as one of the most demanding ocean races ever. This nine month race is due to finish in Galway this July, after passing through various ports including Cape Town, Abu Dhabi and Miami.
In celebration of the Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo has introduced the Ocean Race Edition across four models. I test drove the XC60 Ocean Race Edition, priced from €46,757. It’s available in either Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, as part of the €3,000 premium over the standard ES variant. For the extra spend your XC60 is treated to a plush interior with soft leather upholstered seats complete with sail embroidered logos. Whilst the outside has some Ocean Race emblems, silver roof rails and sits on 18” Argus alloys. There’s plenty of standard kit on offer too, with climate control, cruise control, adaptive brake lights and whiplash protection system all included.
The XC60 is now available with the D3 diesel engine combined with the reassurance of all-wheel-drive (AWD). This model is powered by the 2.4l diesel as opposed to the 2.0l that’s fitted in the front-wheel-drive version. The combination of this 163hp engine mated to a six-speed manual is one marriage that works successfully, the gear change is light and effortless to use. I’ve previously mentioned my admiration for Volvo’s five-cylinder diesel engines, they’re powerful, responsive, and best of all sound great. It’s extremely comfortable for both driver and passengers and I certainly enjoyed all my time behind the wheel. My only criticism is of the small information display screen for the satellite navigation, it’s somewhat lost in the large dashboard.
The Volvo XC60 is somewhat a cross between a 4×4 and an estate, it functions as both extremely well, and in my opinion looks the part, especially in this Ocean Race Edition.
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