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2010 Volvo XC60: Sporty XC crossover design highlights contemporary Swedish safety
 Volvo’s new XC60 comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine and plenty of safety features. SPECIAL TO THE POST-DISPATCH
The Volvo XC60 is the first vehicle in a new generation of the contemporary cross-over concept. It is a combination of a traditional city vehicle and an XC vehicle aimed for young, professional urban people with an active life. Volvo XC60 is a sporty and dynamic car with tasteful exterior and interior design and versatile functionality. Pricing starts at $37,200. Volvo XC60 has a characteristic XC design language, with a blend of passenger and coupe-like car shapes - including a touch of well-known Volvo design elements. The formula-drive stance, with big wheels “in the corners”, lifted visual platform and a very high waistline - all contribute to a sturdy and robust impression. The V-shape design, i.e. front spoiler, LED lamps, bonnet, goes all the way to the rear. The rear design is characterised by the tail lamps with micro optics and LED technique. The lamps, distributing light in a special way, give a characteristic “Volvo” design impression. The roof rails provide a solid and tight impression. They are available in two versions - Charcoal (standard) or Silk-Metal - and built into the car at the factory. The interior is driver oriented and designed to create a dynamic feel. The lines on panels and surfaces connect different interior panels with each other to create a harmonious style with “loops.” Thick and thin lines contribute to the XC profile. The characteristic and floating centre console gives a dynamic and sporty impression. The centre console is slightly angled towards the driver to enhance the driver dynamics. The visual “X” in the seats and backrests enhances the dynamic appearance. The loading area has a lockable load floor covering two storage areas, one for personal items and another for soiled or wet items. The load cover extends over the entire loading area. The rear door prevents the floor hatch from being opened when the car is closed and locked. Two different wood inlays are available: Classic Wood and Nordic Light Oak. The standard base theme is called Charcoal, and another inlay theme is called Brushed Aluminium. The optional power tailgate can be opened automatically in three ways - via the remote control, by a button in the light panel or by opening the tailgate with the handle. The automatic opening feature is very convenient if you approach the car loaded down with shopping bags. The 3-liter, six-cylinder turbo engine is transversely mounted and very compact. The engine delivers 285 horsepower. The turbo-six provides a high level of driving pleasure, with quick throttle response at all speeds, ideal for quick passing, for example. All Wheel Drive is an electronically controlled system that distributes engine power between the front and rear wheels quickly and automatically, depending on which wheel pair (front or rear wheels) has the best grip at the moment. The system helps enhance stability and reduces under/over steering, and contributes to increased driver control and a comfortable ride. The system is equipped with PreTension which improves take-off speed and delivers higher traction on slippery surfaces. City Safety is a function that senses if vehicles ahead are moving slower or standing still. By measuring the car’s speed and distance to the vehicle ahead, City Safety is able to calculate the braking force needed when approaching the other vehicle. In a situation where the calculated braking force needed reaches a certain level, and the driver has not reacted, the City Safety function senses that a collision is imminent. The function is a standard feature that is active if the car’s speed is below 19 mph. In situations where the difference in speed between two vehicles is 9 mph or less, a collision can be avoided completely. In a potential collision situation in which the difference in speed between the vehicles is between 9-19 mph, City Safety alone cannot prevent a collision. However, the consequences of the impending collision can be mitigated considerably because the system will intervene to reduce speed when the collision occurs.
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