Which used Volvo V60 Cross Country is better: diesel or petrol?
Although the Volvo V60 Cross Country is no longer sold new in South Africa, there are a few examples in the used market. Which one should you consider, the diesel or petrol? We compare the two engine options for the 2016 model year and find out.
Not only is the Scandinavian wagon a stylish option but also a practical choice considering the conditions of local roads. With an increased ground clearance by 65 mm when compared to the standard model, the Cross Country combines a luxury driving experience with the ability to wander into the beautiful South African landscape.
Related: Volvo Cars reveal new V60 Cross Country – the ultimate getaway car
Both the petrol and diesel models were offered in two trim levels, Momentum and the higher specified Inscription. The most affordable option was the diesel D4 Momentum variant while the range-topper took shape as the petrol T5 Inscription model which was priced at R638 572 at the time of the launch.
The figures
The go-anywhere V60 Cross Country was introduced locally with only two engine options. Customers could choose between a diesel motor and a petrol offering, both coupled to an automatic transmission and providing power to all four wheels via Volvo's AWD system. Let us delve into the details to find out more.
| Volvo V60 Cross Country D4 AWD | Volvo V60 Cross Country T5 AWD | |
| Engine | 2.4-litre, turbocharged, 5-cylinder, diesel | 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, petrol |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Geartronic | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Power | 140 kW | 180 kW |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 350 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.9s | 6.8s |
| Top speed | 205 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 5.7 L / 100 km | 7.4 L /100 km |
Verdict
While both models offer the same safety features as well as the same size boot which is rated at 430-litres, the diesel variant offers an additional 100kg of towing capacity mostly due to the 70 Nm advantage of the 5-cylinder, turbocharged motor. The petrol model, however, offers a higher top speed and will achieve it quicker than the diesel model even if it means it is gulping down 1.7-litres of fuel more for every 100 km covered, on average.
This distinguishes the two models from one another a little more. Where the petrol model is great for that quick sprint and weekend away, the diesel offering is more focussed on the utilitarian user and those that are going to load the boot full more of the time. While for some it might still be a difficult decision for which derivative to go for, for us it is an easy one.
If it was our money, we would opt for the diesel option. Not only was it the cheaper model when the vehicle was originally launched but also still is the cheaper model when compared with a similarly specified and aged used model. But the diesel also offers a better average fuel consumption which will bring down the total cost of ownership over the vehicle's lifecycle.
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