Volvo XC60 is a compact crossover produced by Volvo. It is a repackaging of the Volvo XC90 midsize crossover which is the brands best selling model. After the launching of Volvo XC70 wagon and Volvo XC90 crossover, Volvo XC60 fits in as the only player of the brand as an entry level luxury crossover. Inspite of a size similar to a wagon, Volvo has chosen ¡°crossover¡± as its market. It gives a sporty performance and comes with numerous safety features. Volvo XC60 displays brilliant styling all over with a rounded theme unlike the usual Volvo cars.
Volvo XC60 is the one of the most groomed luxury crossovers available. On the exterior looks, the XC60 is all Volvo, with former XC90-like nose and clean uncluttered lines singled out using broad shoulders. Though it shares plenty of design cues with XC90, the smaller crossover pulls makes it competent in the entry level segment. The front also has strong-styling cues and bulging hood. The front grille with thin, slanted running lights on both sides looks stunning with the lighting effect.Also tall, slender taillights which is eye-catching with a slim line of LED. XC60 is equipped with an18- inch alloy wheels.
XC60 comes with Volvo’s 3.0-liter inline six cylinder T6 engine which is turbo charged. It delivers 281 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft of torque. The turbo engine has a six-speed, automatic transmission with clutchless-manual modes. It is a tight competitor in terms of power in compact luxury crossover. Another notable feature is the engine’s abundant torque at low rpm. The engine makes it feel strong at freeway speeds and makes it a quick crossover when accelerating hard from a standstill. XC60 provides greater punch from standstill when transmission is slipped into manual mode. It has standard all-wheel drive, and it is based on front-wheel drive. In terms of mileage, XC60 lies in the middle of the crossover section with around 18.2mpg in mixed driving.
XC60 offers sporty-handling capabilities with the suspension keeping body roll nicely controlled. European-spec model comes with firmer-suspension tuning than U.S. models. In US market, softened suspension improves the ride quality which enhances ?luxury-buyer expectations. On the ride quality, it is suitable for long drives, though its ride quality is stiffer than some of its competitors. It feels extremely stable at higher speeds and the steering firms up nicely at freeway speed enhancing smooth driving.
The interior features high quality, soft touch materials and some eye catching colour schemes. The slim, central control panel is what pulls the cabin together and gives a splendid appearance. The backseat is safe and gives comfort, but there is less leg space. Front seats have standard, power adjustment buttons, knobs, and HVAC controls are also pleasantly organized and easily reachable.This makes the cockpit one of the best. Volvo has also enabled a navigation system with a little switch package behind the steering wheel that made all the adjustment. Ineffecient sat-nav is probably the only downside of XC60. Both the input interface and software behind it are no where near the standards of BMW or Ford.
As usual, the XC60 has Volvo’s excellent safety features. It comes with a new collision control feature called City Safety. It is specially designed to reduce the severity of rear-end collisions. IF the driver is not making an effort to avoid a collision, it can automatically brake in an attempt to avoid it by detecting the barrier. Side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags to cover all door windows are additional safety features. It also has an electronic stability system.
Summing up, the XC60 definitely offers good value for the money. It is a very neat package even with excellent, power and road manners. It drives well, looks appetizing, has a warm and different, inviting interior and can boast of Volvo’s reputation for cutting-edge safety. The XC60 is a clear contender if you are ready to up size your aging wagon or downsize from a hulking SUV.
Source: www.nitrobahn.com
