Possibly Volvo’s sleekest offering yet, the new XC60 is a torchbearer for the brand, and offers some eerily wonderful safety technology

Nitish Ramanujam
 

It wasn’t very long ago when Volvo sold cars like the 240 and the 850, safe and likeable automotive boxes that pretty much defined how people perceived the brand. Even though we have modern cars like the svelte C30 and S80, safety, and not style, is still the buzzword when someone mentions Volvo. And that is reason why Steve Mattin - designer of the new XC60 – emphasises it as being the boldest crossover so far, with more emotional appeal than any previous Volvo. While we didn’t exactly go weak-kneed on seeing it, the XC60 is definitely a breath of fresh air in a segment crowded with increasingly similar-looking cars.

You can see hints of the handsome XC70 on the outside, but the subtle curves and flowing lines make for quite a feminine exterior, and possibly, Volvo’s sleekest model yet. The distinctive front end features a big Volvo badge, along with newly incorporated unique DNA lamps flanking the grille. Move your gaze across the slightly sporty greenhouse and to the rear, you see an attractive behind, adorned with nice big LED taillights that are typical of the car maker.

Step inside, and you’ll realize how far Volvo has progressed with its interior design which, still not Audi über-cool, is stylish and contemporary. Like IKEA furniture. Nice colours and contrasting textures grace a driver-centric cabin, along with the characteristic floating centre stack. A dynamic, asymmetrical theme is evident throughout and well complemented by dark wood panels and cold aluminium inserts. A laminated glass panorama roof also helps add to the impression of space and airiness.

The load opening is the widest in the segment and the luggage compartment swallows 480 litres. As in the V70 and XC70, the rear seat is a three-piece 40/20/40 split/fold unit. Each section folds down easily to create a totally flat luggage platform for maximum flexibility.

With most car manufacturers teaming up with big name audio specialists these days, Volvo is no different, partnering with Dynaudio to come up with three different audio systems. The highest level, Premium Sound, features 12 Dynaudio loudspeakers and an amplifier with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround delivering 5x130 watts. An optional digital subwoofer under the floor in the load compartment provides an additional 260 watts for those tub thumping moments. All audio levels provide an auxiliary input for connecting the owner’s own equipment, such as a portable MP3 player. A USB port (on the two highest levels) makes it possible to plug in an iPod, MP3 player or USB.

The XC60 wouldn’t be a Volvo unless it had some really neat tricks up its sleeve; in order to give allergy sufferers an even better in-car climate, the crossover can be equipped with Clean Zone Interior, a system that is based on electronic climate control and the interior air quality system. When the car is unlocked with the remote control, the passenger compartment is automatically ventilated for about a minute if the outdoor temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius. While the interior trim materials and other details have been selected to give off minimum levels of dangerous substances, Clean Zone Interior has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

The XC60 is offered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 engine, producing 285hp and 400Nm of torque. The six-speed automatic transfers power to all four wheels and, with peak pulling power available from a lowly 1500rpm, most chores are handled with ease. The AWD system, by the way, gets a Haldex-sourced feature called Instant Traction, whereby an electronically controlled clutch aids the system to automatically distribute drive between the front and rear wheels. The function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels rapidly, for instance when starting from standstill on slippery or loose surfaces. Other ingredients of the alphabet soup include a further improved Dynamic Stability and Traction control system, Trailer Stability Assist, Roll Stability Control and Hill Descent Control, along with an active chassis system that uses sensors to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour - it must be said that the XC60 handles pretty well for a crossover that weighs close to 2 tons.

But the big news is this, the unique City Safety feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself. We put the claims to test at the Dubai Autodrome and yes, it feels pretty weird at first, but it does work.

Another nifty feature is BLIS or the Blind Spot Information System that uses camera-based monitoring and a yellow light beside the door mirrors to warn the driver of cars and motorbikes in the blind spot. Activated by a switch in the centre console, the system works any time of the day, but offers reduced functionality during times of poor visibility. It worked like a charm throughout, but the question is whether such intelligent tech will make us less responsible drivers.

We think the XC60 is a very nice alternative to established German brands, offering contemporary style, space and loads of innovative safety tech. Volvo says the crossover is aimed at a target group that places high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products, but we think it will as well suit a young family taking the kids for a weekend of fun and adventure.