Certainly no newcomer to the crossover theme, Volvo has just unveiled its XC60, a coupe/SUV first for the Swedish manufacturer, combining Cross Country capability with the sporty charisma of a coupe.“The XC60 sets itself aside from its rivals through its honest, functional design that is ergonomically correct, and yet, at the same time, comfortable and beautiful. The XC60 will also distinguish itself through its substantial off-road capabilities, its roominess despite its smaller exterior dimensions and its class-leading safety features,” says Bram van der Reep, managing director of Volvo Cars South Africa.

According to Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars’ design director, “This car is charged with more emotive form and far more energy than any previous Volvo model.” The slanted contours of the headlamps and rearward flow of the front wings emphasise the bonnet’s classic V-profile, giving the front a wedge-shaped stance, while the large wheels (17, 18 or 19-inch), bold wheel arches and the darker livery of the body’s lower section enhances its visual appeal. LED taillights and a third brake light lend the XC60 a distinct look.

Two engines are available for the XC60, namely the turbocharged 3,0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine producing 210 kW and 400 N.m of torque, and the 2,5-litre, five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel that produces 136 kW and 400 N.m of torque. Both engines can be fitted with Volvo’s Geartronic automatic transmission, while the XC60 D5 is mated with a manual gearbox as standard.

The XC60 features Volvo’s All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction function. Using an electronically controlled clutch, the AWD system automatically distributes drive between the front and rear wheels, while the Instant Traction function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels ,for instance, when starting from standstill on slippery or loose surfaces. Other driver aids include a redeveloped Volvo Dynamic Stability and Traction Control, new Trailer Stability Assist, Roll Stability Control, adjustable three-level speed-sensitive power steering and Hill Descent Control – activated via a button on the instrument panel.

Among the XC60’s extensive list of safety features (standard and optional), are Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Distance Alert, Blind Spot Information System, Collision Warning, Active Bi-Xenon headlamps, Park Assist Camera, Emergency flashing Brake Lights. Volvo’s latest City Safety features also makes its debut in the XC60, which helps the driver avoid frontal collisions at speeds of up to 30 km/h, by preparing the brakes in order to reduce braking time to avoid the vehicle in front. If the driver remains inactive, the system brakes automatically and might avoid a collision entirely at speeds of up to 15 km/h.

In the unfortunate event of a collision, maximum passenger protection is still ensured by muitple airbags, pre-prepared restraints for the airbags and seatbelts, Side Impact Protection System, Whiplash protection system and laminated windows.

Volvo’s first class audio systems are also a part of the new XC60 experience. The highest level, the optional Premium Sound sytem, features 12 Dynaudio loudspeakers and an amplifier with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround delivering 5 x 130 Watt. An optional digital subwoofer under the floor in the XC60’s load compartment provides an additional 260 Watts. The mid-level High Performance sound system is standard equipment in the XC60 range in South Africa. It includes 8 High Performance loudspeakers, a 4 x 40 Watt amplifier and an integrated 6-disk front-loading CD player. Both feature MP3 and WMA compatibility, as well as an auxiliary jack and USB port for connecting an iPod, MP3 player or USB memory stick.

The new Volvo XC60, built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium, is expected to make a big impression in the segment for crossovers or compact SUVs in South Africa. “We are aiming at a segment share just short of 30% and a sales volume of about 60 XC60s per month,” says Craig Roberts, national sales operations manager of Volvo Car South Africa.

“This is where you have to stick your chin out and create a car that stands out from the crowd. The new Volvo XC60 does just that, with its unique appeal in the synthesis between a daringly sporty design, dynamic handling qualities and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents,” says Michelle Naudé, marketing manager of Volvo Car South Africa.

Prices:

Volvo XC60 3.0T R 515 000

Volvo XC60 D5 turbodiesel Manual R 469 000

Volvo XC60 D5 Geartronic R 481 000,00

Read a driving impression of the Volvo XC60 3,0T Geartronic.

Original article from Car