December 8, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Volvo Hopes Safety Advances Will Help Sell Its New XC60 SUV
By Neil Winton

LONDON, December 8, Graphic News:  What a time to launch a new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Not only are car markets in Europe crumbling as the new Volvo XC60 goes on sale, but the European Union is determined to outlaw bigger gas guzzlers, which it says, emit more than their fair share of carbon dioxide (CO2) and are therefore warming the planet.

It’s not only Volvo which is finding that a long-established model programme is falling foul of the malign combination of the credit crunch, and government regulation seeking to outlaw vehicles which fail to achieve acceptable fuel economy. Most of the major manufacturers have invested huge sums over the last couple of years to provide these big, high, rugged vehicles, just when ownership becomes economically and politically unacceptable.

The XC60, it has to be said, is a terrific example of the SUV genre. And the Swedish company’s deserved reputation for putting safety first may garner some sales. The XC60 is overflowing with safety aids to stop or mitigate the impact of accidents. There is the Collision Warning with Auto Brake, which contributes to braking at high speeds when the computer senses imminent danger. Pre-Prepared Restraint uses lasers to detect accidents and tightens the seat belts and primes the airbags. There’s a gizmo to let you know a vehicle is overtaking in your blind-spot. And it has a new device called City Safety. This also uses laser technology to either cut out shunts in traffic, or mitigate the impact. When the XC60 is in traffic between speeds of 2 and 20 mph (32 km/h) the radar technology senses an imminent collision and applies the brakes. Volvo says that 75 per cent of all automobile collisions occur at these speeds. Europeans using City Safety (and it is standard equipment on the XC60) will be able to negotiate a 10 per cent cut in their insurance premiums, according to Volvo.

Volvo describes the XC60 as a crossover, meaning that it has more in common with a car than a truck. It is a handsome looking machine and the rakish angle of the rear gives an exciting look from the side.

There is a choice of 3 engines – two 2.4 litre five cylinder diesels and a straight six-cylinder, 3-litre petrol motor. The 2.4D produces 163 bhp and the Diesel D5 185 bhp. Both are said to achieve an average 34.9 mpg-8.1 litres per 100 kms in six-speed automatic form.  Next year there will a front-wheel drive version. One day there may a hybrid too.

The suspension on the XC60 is first-class giving a regal, supple ride. The 6-speed automatic does its stuff unobtrusively. The car oozes luxury and feels a bit like a small Range Rover Sport as it gobbles up the miles.

Prices start at £24,750-€29,250.

Volvo is on shaky financial ground at the moment, and lost almost half a billion dollars in the 3rd quarter. Owner Ford has consistently denied it planned to sell the company, but said in early December it was “evaluating options” for Volvo.
/ENDS

Volvo XC60 Diesel D5 factfile

Engine – 2.4 litre, 5-cylinder diesel
Power – 185 bhp @ 4,000
Torque – 400 Nm @ 2,000 to 2,750
Drive – all wheels
Gearbox – six-speed automatic
Acceleration – 0-62-100 km/h 9.9 seconds
Top speed – 124 mph-200 km/h
Fuel consumption – claimed combined – 34.9 mpg-8.1 l/kms
C02 – 219 g/km
Insurance Group – 14E
Suspension – MacPherson/multilink
Warranty – 3 year/60,000 miles
Length – 4,628 mm
Width – 1,891
Height – 1,713
Wheel-base – 2,774
Weight – 1,990 kg
Competition – Audi Q5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-7, Land Rover Freelander, Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW X3, Jeep Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 4007, Citroen C-Crosser, Jeep Patriot/Compass, Dodge Nitro, Renault Koleos, Ford Kuga
Price from £25,750-€30,400 on sale now across Europe