Volvo release details and picture of new XC60 crossover SUV
The new XC60 - styling knocks BMW X6 into a cocked hat
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 20 February 2008
The new Volvo XC60 crossover SUV will launch at the Geneva Show in March as the ´safest´ and ´most stunning Volvo ever´.
That´s the view of Volvo CEO Fredrik Arp on the brand new XC60 - due to arrive in UK showrooms in Autumn.
The car falls into the new crossover SUV category - a segment that emphasises the sporty nature of a coupe with the stance and style of SUVs, with a dash of soft offroading ability into the bargain.
Amusingly, Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin claims the XC60 is ´literally turning up the visual volume´ and is recognisable from a distance of 200 metres. And while the compact SUV does not have a literal volume control, it´s certainly one of the best-looking entries into the new segment.
But safety is what Volvo is known for, and the raft of safety kit on the XC60 is impressive: the City Safety system helps avert rear-ending other vehicles in urban traffic by first warning the driver and subsequently braking if the driver does not respond.
The technology is standard on the XC60 - the first time such a system has been included as standard fit - leading Fredrik Arp to claim the XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever made.
“The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision."
But the XC60 is also breaking away from the image of Volvo cars as safe and reliable, but dull. Arp says that the new vehicle stresses design, brand integrity and high-tech content and will appeal to owners of the C30 and those with an active ´urban´ lifestyle.
The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: a turbocharged 282bhp T6 and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 163bhp and 185 respectively, while All- Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.
A front-wheel 2.4-litre Euro V diesel engine producing 163bhp and emitting 170g/km of carbon dioxide will be added in 2009.
Volvo plans to sell over 50,000 XC60s per year, with largest markets including USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.
The new XC60 will arrive in UK dealer showrooms in October, with prices likely to start at £25,000.
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