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For most car buyers, buying a car comes down to fuel economy, ground clearance, and a bit of style. But for Thomas Mwania, a Nairobi-based professional, the decision is guided by something more fundamental: safety.
“For me, buying a car isn’t just about comfort or looks—it’s about security. And no brand says “safety-first” quite like Volvo. Volvos are built safety-first, and that’s exactly what I prioritise,” he says.
Mwania has been a Volvo fan since the start. He started with a Volvo Sedan before upgrading to the 2018 Volvo XC60 a family-friendly SUV that combines luxury with everyday practicality.
The XC60 is a 2.0L diesel SUV. The 2018 model earned a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), excelling in all crash tests.
For Mwania, those credentials translate into everyday confidence, especially on Nairobi’s unpredictable roads.
“My daily commute is mostly on highways, and this is where the XC60 feels most at home. The 2.0-litre diesel engine is a beast—powerful yet surprisingly quiet. It handles the open road with an effortless grace that makes driving a pleasure rather than a task,’’ he adds.
According to him, what sets the car apart are the intelligent safety features working silently in the background. The standard “City Safety” system uses cameras and radar to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals, automatically braking if a collision is imminent.
Mwania adds that the safety features help drivers to steer away from a potential accident, which comes with an incredible sense of confidence.
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XC60 Fuel Economy
According to Mwania, this machine is not just about safety, as it is also fuel efficient.
“On the highway, this machine is impressively efficient, giving me about 14 kilometres per litre. In mixed city and highway driving, that figure averages out to a respectable 11.8 km/l. For a vehicle of its size and weight, that’s a win in my books. Even with the rise in fuel prices, diesel remains relatively at Sh171 per litre – about Sh15 lower than petrol,” he explains.
Service and Maintenance
European cars often carry a reputation for expensive upkeep in Kenya. But Mwania’s experience has been reassuring.
The XC60’s recommended service interval is a long 29,000 kilometres, though he opts for a more cautious 10,000 km cycle given Nairobi’s dust and driving conditions. He explains that a standard service, including engine oil, filters, and a deep clean, costs him around Sh17,000.
Spare Parts: A Mixed Bag
Availability of spares is the lingering worry for many luxury car owners in Nairobi. According to Mwania, the basics—brake pads, filters, plugs—are easily sourced from dealers and specialised shops.
But rare components can pose challenges. After a minor accident shattered his side mirror, he found no local replacement, forcing him to import directly from Sweden.
“I scoured the usual spots, but a replacement was nowhere to be found locally. I ended up importing the part directly from Sweden. It was a bit of a wait, but the process was smoother than I expected. It’s a small trade-off for the superior build quality and safety that the car offers,” he recalls.
Mwania advises anyone looking for a smooth, safe, and efficient SUV to go for the XC60 if they have the budget.
“It’s luxurious without being flashy and economical without feeling underpowered. And while the upfront cost may be a little higher, I believe that when it comes to safety, there’s no price tag on peace of mind,” he remarks.
