Merk Car World

Safe. A Volvo must be safe. It doesn’t matter if the subject of the safety wand is a big sedan, compact wagon,
or mid-size crossover like the 2012 Volvo XC60. Now gripped in Chinese automaker Geely’s chopsticks, the very-Swedish Volvo proves it has the spice and comfy rice that today’s youthful upscalers demand.

When Lexus, Acura, and others began introducing luxury crossovers, cautious Volvo wasn’t especially eager
to hurry into anything new. Its cars still looked like the boxes they came in and it was quite happy to keep producing the turbocharged station wagons for which it was renowned. A jacked-up V70 wagon became the Cross Country, the company’s first machine that could accomplish some semi-challenging offroading (I once blitzed a power easement with aplomb). The Volvo XC90 threerow crossover, based on its large car platform, showed forever more that Volvo could build crossovers as good as any without losing anything that made it a Volvo. On a little smaller scale is the Volvo XC60.

2012 Volvo XC60

2012 Volvo XC60 RSpec

I about dribbled my dungarees when I saw the voluptuous Passion Red RSpec XC60 roll into my driveway. That wasn’t because I was all a-gunk over its side-curtain airbags. Its mug and shoulders identify itself immediately as one of the Volvo pack, but dressed up with 20” alloy wheels, grey ground affects, and taillamps that follow body curves from roof to bumper looking as ready for the track or Manhattan club
as a convention of corporate health and safety managers. Some of Volvo’s classic design cues were melted for modern, but one can still recognize the 2012 Volvo XC60 lineage from a continent away.

Interior design continues themes set by the S40 and S80, which is to say very Swedish. Major controls are wrapped around the driver, a thin centre control stack clears room behind it for small items, and the climate control can be adjusted with a clever “seated human” chrome accent. The Dolby Pro Logic II audio system with 12 speakers and 910 watts of drenching audio thumped the Glee version of “Teenage Dream” until
my partner threatened to ban the show in our home. Navigation, USB iPod input, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and stunningly beautiful blue analog gauges made travels easy. A full array of airbags also makes them safe.

2012 Volvo XC60 RSpec

Mother Mary herself must have invented Volvo’s seats. Soft as Martha Stewart’s down pillows, they perfectly
support the contours of your back while plushing your plushier regions. They’re also designed to protect you
in an accident with whiplash-reducing headrests. Heated cushions front and rear soothe in autumn and winter chills.

There’s also safety in performance. In our R-Design, the six-cylinder turbo engine stamps at the ground ready to storm off in a huff, only held back by the driver’s desire to avoid expensive paper from law enforcement. With the aid of a twin-scroll turbo, the power plant generates 300 HP and 325 lb-ft. of torque, enabling a 0- to 60-mph tear in 7.1s on the way to a 130-MPH top speed. A six-speed automatic transmission and torque-shifting all-wheel drive put all of that energy straight to the pavement. Using all of the powertrain’s mighty force will yield somewhat less than the stated 12/8.7 L/100 km city/hwy.

In a crossover the size of the Volvo XC60, three centuries of equestrian gallop is more than adequate to get your heart pumping. Speed-sensitive steering, sport-tuned suspension, and large disc brakes ensure the rest of the vehicle is up to the challenge laid down by its engine. At Interstate speeds, the turbo is in its happy place, generating torque and thrust like the government prints IOUs.

Fort Knox probably has a patent on the super-thick Volvo doors, but one feels like a stinger missile wouldn’t faze the XC60 from the moment they close. It’s how the president must feel riding inside his Cadillac beast. Working to prevent accidents are “BLIS” blindspot warnings, rotating headlamps to follow curves, rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive radar-enabled cruise control, and electronic stability control. Volvo’s new City Safe crash avoidance technology uses a laser to detect slow-moving traffic. The brakes are pre-charged when danger rears, and if you don’t respond the vehicle brakes automatically. Your momma loves you no more.

Built by a Chinese-owned automaker, the XC60 eats with Swedish cross-sticks. What’s most important is
that it is every inch a Volvo ready for a more youthful and style-setting driver. And, safe, don’t forget safe. Price as tested came to a touch over $48,000, making it competitive with the Mercedes GLK, BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, and Lincoln MKX.

The new 2011 Volvo XC60 offers a choice of two engines for North America: the base 3.2-liter V6 which produces 240 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and the turbocharged T6 which produces 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The base 3.2 trim level and 3.2 R-Design both come standard with front-wheel drive, and have available all-wheel drive. Opting for the range-topping T6 will give you AWD automatically. The 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 will return 18 city, 25 highway in FWD trim, and 18 city, 24 highway with AWD. The more powerful T6 AWD is rated at 17 city and 22 highway mpg.

The 2011 Volvo XC60 is equipped as standard with Volvo’s All-Wheel Drive with Instant TractionTM to guarantee the best possible road grip whatever the situation. With the help of an electronically controlled clutch, the AWD system automatically distributes drive between the front and rear wheels. The Instant Traction function shifts power from the front to the rear wheels at lightning speed, for instance when starting from standstill on slippery or loose surfaces. There is also the new DRIVe version, that is front-wheel driven to further cut fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.



2011 Volvo XC60 ES

The ES model comes with all the features you would expect from Volvo. Beyond the innovative City Safety technology, 17" alloy wheels and RSC (Roll Stability Control) system, the ES offers electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, roof rails and rear spoiler. Interior details include electronic climate control, floor mats, passenger airbag cut-off switch, information centre, cruise control, leather steering wheel with remote audio controls, aluminium trim and performance sound audio system with aux input and CD player.

2011 Volvo XC60 SE

The SE is further enhanced with a rain sensor, rear park assist, power operated tailgate and autofolding power door mirrors with ground lights. Added luxury includes Eriksberg T-Tec/Textile upholstery, Bluetooth® handsfree system, autodimming rear view mirror and a high performance audio system with USB input and 8 speakers.

2011 Volvo XC60 SE LUX

Our most luxurious variant is the SE Lux. Above and beyond SE specification, the SE Lux has leather-faced upholstery, power adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, active bending lights with headlight cleaning system and 18" alloy wheels.

2011 Volvo XC60 R-DESIGN

A unique power steering system and 18" Cratus alloys wheels together with the R-DESIGN chassis enhance the handling of this model. Visual presence is complemented with silver matt door mirrors, unique rear exhaust pipes, together with R-DESIGN leather-faced upholstery, front sport seats with side support, R-DESIGN leather steering wheel and unique aluminium interior trim.


2011 Volvo XC60 PREMIUM

The Premium model is the ultimate upgrade. The combination of leather-faced upholstery, satellite navigation system, high performance audio system and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio is designed to complement the existing high level of specification whichever model you choose.

2011 Volvo XC60 DRIVe

The DRIVe badge is given to cars in the Volvo range that have the best environmental performance. The D3 DRIVe model is equipped with a conventional diesel engine and manual gearbox optimised for extra-low fuel consumption as well as being tailored specifically for low rolling resistance and reduced air drag. With CO2 as low as 154 g/km and fuel consumption of up to 47.9 mpg on a combined cycle, this makes the D3 DRIVe an attractive choice without compromising on driving pleasure. (DRIVe is not currently available as a geartronic.)

2011 Volvo XC60 ES On The Road Price

DIESEL
D3 DRIVe (163 PS) ES(i) : £26,795.00
D5 AWD (205 PS) ES : £29,295.00

2011 Volvo XC60 SE On The Road Price

T6 AWD (304 PS) SE Geartronic £35,295.00
T6 AWD (304 PS) SE Geartronic Premium £37,295.00

DIESEL
D3 DRIVe (163 PS) SE £28,795.00
D3 DRIVe (163 PS) SE Premium £30,795.00
D5 AWD (205 PS) SE £31,295.00
D5 AWD (205 PS) SE Premium £33,295.00

The concept 2011 Volvo S60 exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new 2011 Volvo S60. On the inside we’ve been even more daring there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future in the slightly longer perspective,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. The front of the S60 Concept naturally sports the enlarged iron mark in the trapezoidal grille. The grille itself has a somewhat new appearance with structured horizontal vanes adding refinement to its form.


The All New 2011 Volvo S60 boasts Volvo’s most dynamic sedan design yet. The exterior of this four-door coupe features a fast silhouette and new lateral “double wave” character lines it’s aggressive, sporty, and unique. Meanwhile, the interior was inspired by a Belgian racetrack, with a dramatic, continuously flowing line centered around the driver-oriented controls. Our high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail deliver the exclusive feel that will entice your customers and keep them spellbound.


You will find innovative technology throughout the All-New 2011 Volvo S60, from the cockpit instruments to the options and accessories! An entirely new Driver Control Interface features a 7-inch, high-resolution color display that puts information right where it’s needed. Drivers can
control audio, climate, and infotainment functions by an easily accessible thumb control on the steering wheel or the traditional knobs on the floating center control console.


Of course, there’s a rockin’ audio system with HD Radio and a USB/AUX input. MultEQ XT from Audyssey Laboratories (available with the Premium Sound System) removes distortion caused by the cabin’s acoustics, enabling crisp, clear sound with improved soundstage effects for everyone in the car. Available navigation with real-time traffic now includes voice recognition. Taken together, these features help the driver stay focused on what’s important the road. Standard City Safety and the available Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake are just two of the many groundbreaking technologies that demonstrate Volvo’s continued safety leadership.


We’ve amped up the “fun-to-drive” factor on the All-New S60 with: Powerful twin scroll turbo six cylinder engine with 300 HP Next-generation 6-speed Geartronic transmission Haldex electronically controlled AWD with Instant Traction Specially designed chassis that optimizes the driver’s control and road feel. Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) with Sport Mode Advanced Stability Control (ASC). Corner Traction Control with torque vectoring. The new steering gear is specifically designed for improved response: it’s 10 percent faster than any model, ever. The thicker steering column and stiffer bushings have increased the torsional rigidity by 100 percent. Talk about excellent performance and handling!

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the Volvo XC90, a mid size seven-passenger SUV.



Innovative safety features aside, the 2010 XC90 is merely adequate relative to the premium mid size SUV competition. Zestier performance is available elsewhere, as are more cavernous cargo holds. With more and more modern competitors measuring up to Volvo's high safety standards, the aging XC90 isn't the slam dunk for families that Volvo products used to be. It remains capable, though, and arguably safer than ever thanks to some new tricks.



The Volvo XC90 is available in two versions: 3.2 and V8. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, the 3.2 is the entry-level model and carries a 3.2-liter in line six-cylinder engine rated for 235 horsepower. Mileage suffers a bit on the XC90 V8, but the 311-hp 4.4-liter V8 provides strong acceleration, moving this 4,600-pound SUV to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. All-wheel drive is standard with the V8.



The 3.2 comes with five-passenger seating (with the third-row seat optional), while the V8 comes with seven-passenger seating. As this is a premium SUV, almost all major safety and convenience features are included, even on the base model. Major options include a rear entertainment system with dual screens, a DVD-based navigation system, a Dolby Pro Logic II surround-sound audio system and an interior air quality system, as well as an ultra-luxurious executive package for the V8 model.



Easily one of the safest SUVs on the market, the 2010 Volvo XC90 pioneered Roll Stability Control. This bit of technology uses a gyro sensor to identify every SUV owner's greatest fear, a potential rollover, and activates the stability control system to try to avert it. Another interesting feature is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which monitors images from a pair of cameras mounted in the side mirrors and warns the driver via an indicator light when another vehicle moves into the XC90's blind spot. Of course, the XC90 also provides staples like side curtain airbag protection for all three rows, anti-whiplash seats and an emergency communications system. Volvo crash safety is legendary, and indeed, this mid size SUV has scored well in NHTSA and IIHS testing.



we've found that the 2010 XC90 drives just as you'd expect a safe, heavy 2010 Volvo SUV to drive. Ride quality is smooth and the cabin stays quiet, while handling is competent but not particularly sporty. Equipped with AWD, the XC90 makes an excellent snow vehicle but isn't intended for serious off-road romps. V8-powered models are considerably more satisfying to drive than six-cylinder XC90s.Despite its advancing age, the seven-passenger



Volvo XC90 is one of our top recommendations for families shopping for an SUV. Although its on-road performance is merely average as luxury SUVs go, the XC90 still offers a winning combination of safety, solidity and style.

At the Shanghai Auto Show 2011 presents the Volvo Car Corporation, the extravagant vehicle study, Concept Universe. It is an impressive luxury sedan, which shows a new design language, but also the elegant lines of classic Volvo models considered.



The study Universe Concept was developed under the proviso to meet the highest standards of design, comfort and luxury. She glances into the future with a coupe-like roof line, while classical elements which reflect the history of Volvo.



The interior of the study is designed in a modern and comfortable ambience, everything is user friendly and easily interpreted in a refreshing way.