We all know Volvo axed its estates in the UK because there just wasn't the demand, with that instead going to SUVs. No surprise there. And Volvo's biggest seller worldwide is the XC60, to which I'm quite partial too, despite being an estate fangirl.
One of my good friends, Sophie, lives in a corner of leafy Hertfordshire-a Volvo enclave if ever there were one - and is now on her second XC60. It's a safe bet that Sophie, her husband and their two children are the exact demographic that Volvo (and most car brands) hope to appeal to - relatively young, affluent and with that active lifestyle we're always being shown in adverts - so I decided to ask her about it.
"Hello, friend. You're one of the people who has caused the demise of the beloved Volvo estate! Did you ever consider buying one?"
This story is from the May 15, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 15, 2024 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The riddle of the sands
Dacia is hoping to crack the Dakar Rally first time out with Prodrive and a star line-up. DAMIEN SMITH finds out more
25 FOR 25
What is going to happen in the year ahead? Here are 25 cars, events, racing stars and big stories to keep an eye on
FORD CAPRI
Does new electric crossover live up to its name more in rear-driven form?
SKODA ELROQ
One of the best crossover EVs arrives in a smaller form
An alien encounter
The Tesla Cybertruck looks like it has come from outer space. Aversion and confusion naturally abound. MARK TISSHAW musters the courage to make first contact
Damien Smith
Always beware hype in motorsport. Still, at the dawn of 2025, I find myself irresistibly drawn by a tractor beam of anticipation. So here goes: I haven't felt this pumped about a forthcoming Formula 1 season for years.
SOLID-STATE BATTERIES SET TO GO MAINSTREAM
New, lighter battery tech boosts range and is close to making production
URBAN CRUISER RETURNS AS EV TWINNED WITH EVITARA
Toyota’s new Volvo EX40 rival will be built beside Suzuki sibling in India
ALL-NEW CLA SIGNALS STEP CHANGE FOR MERCEDES EVS
We ride shotgun in the car set to usher in what Merc calls its 'EV 2.0' era
AMG'S NEW SUPER-SUV TO PACK OVER 1000BHP
Electric GT SUV will use advanced tech to take on Eletre and Cayenne EVs