Volvo XC60: Swedish Compact AWD

Motoring Channel Staff - 7/March/2008

Geneva, Switzerland — Exhibiting a sleek new look, you are staring at what could be one of Volvo's best selling cars.

Launched at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, big things are expected of this new model.

Though it won't come to Australia and America until early 2009, the Belgian-built luxury SUV will be released in Europe in the second half of 2008 and will back up the trendy C30 hatch as one of Volvo's top selling models.

"I would like to emphasise that with the XC60 project as with the C30, we are aiming primarily at lifestyle rather than age," said Fredrik Arp, the CEO of Volvo. 

"We are broadening our model range to primarily attract more customers with an active, urban lifestyle. The XC60 will be equally important as the C30 in our planned sales volume expansion," added Arp.

As these images show, the new model has many similarities with the XC60 Concept that was shown at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show and is expected to significantly boost Volvo sales in American and European markets.

Volvo is calling the new XC60 the safest and most stunning Volvo ever. "It's not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it's also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?" says Volvo Cars president and CEO Fredrik Arp.

Three engines will be offered: the turbocharged T6 which produces 209kW (285hp); and two variants of the D5 turbo diesel, producing 136 (185hp) and 120 (163hp) kilowatts respectively. Expect the T6 model to be a real performer.

"During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km," reveals Fredrik Arp.

Volvo hopes to sell around 50,000 XC60 units per year, and its major markets are expected to be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.

Compact SUVs are big business today and premium models are becoming increasingly sought after. 

While the Volvo XC60 is no BMW or Audi, it is considered upmarket but will carry a less intimidating sticker price, broadening its appeal.

It's major rival will be the Volkswagen Tiguan, while the BMW X3 and upcoming Audi Q5 will also factor as competitors.

Based on the same platform as the new Freelander, the Volvo XC60 is expected to share some components with the British 4x4, including gearboxes and possibly suspension.

Being a Volvo, the Swedish compact AWD will also be very safe. 

Volvo says that on top of the usual range of safety features - a secure passenger cell, airbags, stability control - it's new City Safety mechanisms can sense if a collision is likely to happen. In such an instance and at low speeds, the car will one of two things. Either pre-charge the brakes to help the driver avoid an accident or apply the brakes automaticallywhen the system senses that a collision is unavoidable.

"The technological solutions for avoiding low-speed collisions represent a major breakthrough. We call this system City Safety," said Volvo chief Fredrik Arp.

City Safety is active at up to 30km/h and if the relative speed difference between the two vehicles is below 15 km/h, the system can help the driver avoid the collision entirely. Volvo says that between 15 and 30km/h, the focus is on reducing speed as much as possible before the impact.

Related articles:
- Volvo ReCharge Concept (2007)
- Volvo V70 (2007)
- Volvo XC60 (concept)
- Volvo Bioethanol 'Flexifuel' Cars (2007)
- Volvo C30 - The Turbocharged Troika (2006)
- Volvo C30 (2007)
- Volvo S80 (2006)