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New Volvo XC60 Released
The introduction of Volvo’s new XC60 heralds the beginning of a new era for the Ford owned, Swedish brand. Breaking new ground with the standard inclusion of Volvo’s City Safety low-speed crash avoidance system on all models, Volvo’s new XC60 is set to woo buyers with its functionality and drive experience. The Volvo XC60 offers the benefits of a spacious, cleverly designed wagon combined with the balance and performance of an all wheel drive car – as well as a passenger-pleasing ride, good fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. It blends a characteristic SUV shape with a dynamic new style language for Volvo. The raised ground clearance and wheel-at-each-corner stance are offset by a high 'waistline' and a lower roofline than some SUVs. The pronounced, plunging-V frontal aspect with LED parking lights is counterbalanced by the rear end that displays a wide, 'muscular shoulder' line and high-set, micro optic LED taillights. The XC60 is available in three models: the 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel, the turbodiesel D5 LE and the three-litre six-cylinder T6. The five-cylinder, 136 kW D5 turbodiesel combines efficient 8.3 litre/100 km fuel economy with low exhaust emissions and surging acceleration, while the refined and powerful six-cylinder turbocharged petrol T6 produces 210 kW, enabling the XC60 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Both the D5 and T6 engines are matched to Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, offering the choice of manual gear selection and can be set, if required, in a more responsive “Sport” mode on the T6. Power is distributed between all four wheels by Volvo’s All Wheel Drive system with fourth generation Haldex Instant Traction. On take off, the system engages all wheel drive, and then directs 95 per cent of drive to the front wheels for efficiency, while constantly monitoring the grip available to all four wheels. As conditions change, up to 50 per cent of the power can be directed to the rear wheels, and when cornering, the system channels power back and forth to provide sharp turning and greater stability.
Combined with a finely tuned chassis and responsive electro-hydraulic steering, the XC60 is endowed with sports car handling and road holding to ensure maximum security on and off the road. Inside, the XC60 features an interior that steps up Volvo’s practical design, combining passenger comfort with voluminous cargo-carrying capacity. From a practical, load-carrying viewpoint, the new XC60 is pure Volvo. It boasts the widest rear opening in its segment, giving access to the commodious 490-litre luggage compartment. Versatility is assured with the provision of 40/20/40 split-fold rear seating that can be configured in three-seat or one-seat form, or as a two-seater with a large centre armrest. Each section folds away neatly (including the front passenger seat) to provide a completely flat luggage platform that further extends the load-carrying ability of the XC60. Featuring Volvo’s floating centre console, inclined towards the driver for ease of operation, the interior remains true to Scandinavian design offering a clean, functional feel. The Volvo XC60 features leather seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob, electrically operated driver’s seat, electronic climate control with cabin filter, rear park assist, two-stage integrated booster seats in the rear, auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in compass and retractable rearview mirrors with puddle lights just some of the features common to all models. The D5 LE is fitted with larger, 18-inch Mantis alloy wheels, Nordic light oak inlays in the doors and centre console, Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, panoramic sunroof, rain sensor windscreen wipers and front and rear park assist in addition to the D5 standard equipment list. The 3.0-litre T6 version of the XC60 gains active bi-Xenon headlights, water-repellent glass on the side windows as well as standard Hill Descent Control (HDC).
The XC60 features safety items such as Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Trailer Stability Control (TSA), Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), flashing Emergency Brake Lights, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, Side Impact Protection (SIPS) along with SIPS front-seat airbags, Inflatable Curtain (IC) airbags and the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), Pre-prepared Restraint System and laminated windows all round. In addition, the Volvo XC60 has another feature: All models are equipped with Volvo’s new City Safety technology that rates as one of the most significant safety innovations seen in recent years and plays a part in making the XC60 the safest Volvo ever. City Safety is expected to bring dramatic reductions in the incidence and severity of car collisions in urban environments with impact speeds of up to 30 km/h – the speed range at which 75 per cent of all accidents occur. City Safety works by continuously monitoring traffic up to eight metres in front of the XC60 via a laser sensor fitted behind the windscreen. Should an impending impact be detected, and the speed differential between the two vehicles is 15 km/h or less, the system brakes the car and therefore avoids a collision altogether. If the speed differential between the two vehicles is above 15 km/h, the system will brake the car and significantly reduce the collision severity.
The implications of City Safety, not just for passenger well being but also for vehicle repair costs and insurance premiums, are significant. “We are tremendously excited about the new XC60,” says Volvo Car Australia’s Managing Director, Alan Desselss. “I don’t think there has ever been a more accomplished crossover. It offers stunning style, outstanding functionality and brilliant on-road performance – and sets a new safety benchmark not just in its segment, but for the overall new-car market.”
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