Volvo is seeking out corporate sales opportunities this year and the XC60 DRIVe will be one of its strongest fleet sellers.

Kevin Meeks, Volvo UK’s network and business development director, told AM there was a big opportunity to grow corporate business as companies that have held out over the recession now look to replace their cars.

As a result, Volvo has increased its fleet team to help dealers increase their corporate sales business.

CAP recently upgraded its residual value predictions, estimating the trade price of a 2.4D DRIVe SE at 40% (£10,525) of its new price after three years and 60,000 miles. Add roughly 15% to the trade value and you have a retail value which would be an estimated £14,600.

With the DRIVe model fitting in neatly below the crucial 160g/km tax band at 159g/km, its benefit-in-kind and vehicle excise duty credentials are stronger than the standard model. A 20% taxpayer will pay less than £100 per month (£97.83) and a 40% taxpayer £195.75 per month. Annual road tax is £150.

Half of all XC60s are sold with the DRIVe derivative. Volvo sold 3,920 in 2009. Fleets will account for 35% of total sales this year and 60% of those will be DRIVe, in keeping with Volvo’s efforts to try and ramp up corporate business.

Dealers should highlight that all XC60 models come with the City Safety system as standard, which helps drivers to avoid low-speed collisions, reducing the risk of injuries such as whiplash and keeping bodywork repair bills to a minimum.

For such a big car, the amount of miles you can get out of the tank is actually quite impressive.