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Volvo’s sportiest SUV

Volvo's sportiest SUV Volvo recently launched the XC60, the company's first compact SUV, that slots in between the very grown-up XC90 and the XC70 offroad estate. Now the already sporty XC60 range has received a sportier model still: the XC60 R-Design.

Volvo’s sportiest SUV
Volvo’s sportiest SUV — photographed for Leisure Wheels

On the outside it is easy to recognise the typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim mouldings and décor trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke Cratus aluminium wheels are also unique for the R-Design models. In standard form they measure 18 inches but there is also the option of a stunning 20-inch.

The R-Design chassis is stiffer, features stronger damping and has more distinct driving properties – without impacting too much on ride comfort. All passengers can still enjoy a long and pleasant ride on any type of road surface. Further, the fact that the chassis has not been lowered ensures that the Volvo XC60 R-Design maintains its ground clearance for off-road capability.

The interior has also been give a more sporty feel, with features such as embossed sports seats, aluminium sports pedals and a R-Design sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather.

The Volvo XC60 R-Design will make its first appearance in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

It never felt like it was working hard, and after 2 400 kilometres, neither did I.

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