If you’re keeping up-to-date with our reports on the long-term Volvo XC60, you’ll know we’ve not been able to improve the fuel economy much through gentle driving.

Our average is sitting at 32.1mpg.

We recently discovered there are two official tyre pressure settings. One of which is labelled ‘eco’.

Having adjusted the pressures accordingly – i.e. pumped them to 39PSI – we’ve since used three tanks of fuel on mainly motorway driving. The average for those three fills was 34.3mpg, so a 7% improvement. Worth it, but not a great leap.

The question is then, why not just have this pressure as standard?

Volvo claims the increased tyre pressure means the only payoffs are a slightly harder ride and lighter steering. We’ve noticed the steering change and aren’t fussed, but we have yet to feel any negative effect on ride comfort.

Volvo XC60 2.4 D5 SE Lux manual
Mileage 5111
Claimed combined
consumption
37.7mpg
Our average consumption 32.6mpg
P11D price £28,785
Model price range £24,250-£33,740
CO2 (tax) 199g/km (30%)
BIK 20/40% per month £143/£287
Service interval 18,000mls
Insurance group 14
Warranty 3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max) 495/1455 litres
Engine size/power 2400cc/185PS
Top speed/0-62mph 127mph/9.0secs
Why we’re running it Volvo’s new baby 4×4 is
the best in class and l
oaded with hi-tech kit
Positive Comfort, practicality,
safety kit
Negative Early fuel figures,
turbo lag