Volvo XC60 T6 AWD
Maxabout Review
Volvo's Answer To Q5 & X3
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Volvo XC60 is this Swedish manufacturer's first compact SUV. XC60 shares elements of its basic design with Volvo's V70 and XC70 station wagons. Distinctive elements include a new wedge-shaped nose with redesigned Volvo badge, new headlights that accentuate the bonnet's V shape, a beltline that rises towards the rear of the car, plus LED rear lights that help enhance the now-classic Volvo 'shoulders'.
And design is an important part of the XC60's appeal: this is a car that will appeal to a relatively affluent, urban middle-class buyer who wants something safe to transport the family, with premium quality. The back end also features a novel tailgate arrangement. It expands on the idea of the C30’s glass bootlid, but this time it’s split in two. However, rather than hinging at its base, the bottom section lifts out and up over the top segment. This means that opening the entire tailgate doesn’t require as much space as a traditional single-piece hatch.
From behind the wheel, all-round visibility is good, while the panoramic glass roof adds to the airy feel of the light, leather-clad cockpit. Volvo’s floating centre console is still present, but traditional buttons have been replaced with touch-sensitive ones, giving it the look of a giant iPod control. And the seats are as comfortable as you would expect from a Volvo, despite the long slot that runs the full length of the seatback for improved ventilation.
Volvo is the carmaker whose USP is safety. It was the first to install three-point seat belts, the first to introduce a laminated windscreen and, in recent years, it has fitted side impact protection, whiplash protection and blind spot systems to its cars. The available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.
Standard is Volvo's new City Safety accident-avoidance feature, which automatically activates the brakes at low speeds to avoid or reduce the severity of an imminent rear-end collision. Leather upholstery and power front seats are standard. An optional Climate Package includes heated front and rear seats, heated windshield washer nozzles, and rain-sensing wipers. The Technology Package includes an uplevel audio system, navigation system, and rearview camera.
The Collision Avoidance Package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and Volvo's Collision Warning, which readies the seat belts and maximum braking force if sensors detect an unavoidable crash. The Convenience Package includes a power tailgate and front- and rear-obstacle detection. As this car is based on the platform of the firm’s V70 and S80 models, it will feature the same four-wheel-drive system and Hill Descent Control. Volvo India is planning to launch the XC60 by the end of this year to compete with the likes of Audi Q5 & BMW X3.