2014 Volvo XC60 R design has played second fiddle to more powerful and efficient competitors in the past, but this excellent new D4 engine propels it right back into contention. It’s smooth, quiet at low speeds and unlike the V60 Drive E we tried abroad comfortable, too. For now, this D4 is the best XC60.The Volvo XC60 R Design is the top spec model in the compact SUV range, and we’ve had the chance to drive it with the new D4 diesel engine. There’s lots of equipment as standard on all XC60 models, and the R Design car we tried has plenty of stylish extras, such as 18 inch alloys, smart scuff plates and badges.Big, heavy SUVs are usually the worst offenders when it comes to CO2 emissions.This is the first time we’ve tested a car with the efficient new drivetrain in the UK, and on paper it’s not only cleaner than any of its premium rivals, but also more powerful. All the Drive E engines share the same 2.0 litre capacity, yet the D4 produces an impressive 179bhp and 400Nm of torque, which is sent to the front axle.

2014 Volvo XC60 R Design

That means it’ll go from 0-62mph faster than any of these rivals in eight seconds flat despite being cheaper to run as a company car.The secret behind this impressive efficiency is that the all-aluminium engine uses Volvo’s i Art injector system to carefully monitor the amount of fuel needed for every combustion cycle, resulting in a big drop in consumption and emissions.Out on the road, what really stands out is the muscular in-gear performance. Push the throttle and you’re met with a broad spread of torque, and the engine is very smooth and refined at low revs and tickover.However, as the revs build, the diesel soon becomes noisy and strained, intruding into the cabin. Smooth, steady driving gets the best out of the XC60’s dynamic set up, too this is a pleasant car to drive as long as you’re not too demanding. And with the engine spinning at below 2,500rpm, it’s an excellent motorway cruiser. But that’s not to say it’s perfect expansion joints sending jolts right through the steering column and seats, while the steering is rather slow and vague.

2014 Volvo XC60 R Design Interior

New optional digital dials help lift the overall design, and you can choose between different themes varying from sporty to elegant. Still, as the all new XC60 will combine this diesel with the looks of the XC Coupe.Volvo’s R Design trim already takes care of the visual primping required of a performance vehicle. The R Design package enhances things with color-matched lower body moldings; a silk metal finish trim on the side mirrors, door moldings, skid plates and twin tailpipes and the largest set of wheels available for the XC60 20×8 inch Cratus five spoke alloys at least a Polestar badge somewhere, either on the grille, front fender or rear liftgate, but the only badging other than Volvo’s own logo is the R Design badge on the grille.

2014 Volvo XC60 R Design Review

Other models that carry the Polester Performance Package get a blue, square badge affixed to the left of their engine identification on the rear of the vehicle, but the S60 and XC60 are the only two models with available R Design trims, and Volvo doesn’t seem to have an answer yet for how the branding of these two performance packages will co exist.Much like the exterior, the inside of this XC60 R Design is the same as it was before anyone began talking about Polestar.That’s far from a bad thing, though, as we’ve long been fans of the XC60′s unique, elegant and functional interior design. While we wouldn’t call the cabin warm and cozy, the modern design is attractive and communicates a sense of premium quality. Lacking a touchscreen, inputs must be made via a single knob on the center console.

2014 Volvo XC60 R Design For Sale