The CAR QUEST team tested the New XC60 with the assistance of the Volvo Cars South Africa demonstrator, Dolf Smuts. They were extremely impressed by the New City Safety feature.

Source: All Best News

Add new tag · Africa · Autos · Makes and Models · Recreation · South Africa · Volvo · Volvo Cars · Volvo XC60

Positioned as Volvo’s entry to the “small premium utility segment” the Volvo XC60 being releasing late Feb 2009 will take on the likes of Audi Q5, BMW X5, Acura RDX, and the Infiniti EX35. Building upon its “safety first” tagline, the company has added a variety of features that maximizes performance, safety and fun to its newest model. It emphasizes high-tech content, style, and unbeatable capability.
Luxurious Styling on the Inside Out
The Volvo XC60 being released on late Feb 2009 reflects the company’s new design goals. Sporting a larger logo, a broader shoulder line, and a grille, the XC60 presents a bold and muscular appeal. Yet, despite its more pronounced styling, the new automobile cannot be mistaken for anything but a Volvo. It integrates traditional styling cues that the company is renowned for. The exterior of the XC60 is eye-catching but it would be a mistake not to look into its interiors.
The vehicle’s interior features the slim center stack which was first introduced in the S40. It is furnished with your choice of brushed metal or matte wood. The seats are upholstered with the X-theme, a two-tone leather stitched pattern that provides a choice of “cross county”, “cross city”, and “cross over”. As is expected from Volvo, the seats of the XC60 not only provide sufficient support, it is very comfortable as well.
Using a contrasting mix of materials including wood, brushed metal, soft-touch plastics, and leather, the surface inside the cabin is undeniably luxurious and appealing. There is plenty of headroom in all seats as well as sufficient rear legroom. In addition, the Volvo XC60’s rear tailgate opening is designed to be the widest in its category. If the second row upright, the model provides a generous 30.8 cubic feet of cargo. And if it is folded flat, you will have enough space for almost anything you need to haul to and from your home.
Power and Performance
Sharing the basic architecture with its XC70 and S80 cousins, the Volvo XC60 being releasing late Feb 2009 has an engine that is transversely mounted as well. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine has a six-speed automatic transmission, an available sport mode, and the capability to produce 281 hp. The 295 lb-ft of toque provides plentiful power in the rev engine. Acceleration is expectedly smooth and flawless.

Read the full story on Engine Folder

Acura RDX · Audi Q5 · Automatic transmission · Autos · BMW X5 · Makes and Models · Volvo S80 · Volvo XC60

If you’re in the market for a new car, you really should look at the Costco Auto Program – it’s super easy and can save you a ton of money. 

Through January 4, 2010, Costco and Volvo are running a promotion for significant savings on all 2010 XC60, XC70 and XC90 models. In addition, if you purchase a vehicle and complete a survey, you’ll receive a $500 Costco Cash Card.

Source: My Coupons

Automobile · Autos · Makes and Models · Money · Recreation · Volvo · Volvo V70 · Volvo XC90

The SUV class continues to grow unabated, though the wait continues for a truly outstanding example of the ‘soft-roader’ breed.

Lexus’s latest-generation RX350 was the only contender in this year’s category that failed to secure a single vote despite its outstanding standard equipment, excellent build quality and refined V6.

Some cheap-looking interior details not befitting a circa-$100,000 vehicle was one of the RX’s undoings, though judges were also unimpressed with the average dynamics and fidgety ride.

Ride quality continues to be persistent Achilles heel for any Audis not wearing the sporty S or RS badges, and niggly progress over the test route proved to be a key negative for the A4-based Q5.

The $59,990 Q5 at least made the most of its firm suspension on twisting roads to prove it is one of the best-handling SUVs on the market. Its sweet-revving 2.0-litre turbo four also packs plenty of punch.

Less endearing to the judges, however, was a firm rear bench, oversized driver’s side mirror that obscured vision, and a cabin that seemed sparsely equipped without delving into the Q5’s list of expensive options.

Volvo’s XC60 rated highly for its family-friendly cabin (including clever integrated child booster seats) and safety (including the world’s first low-speed crash avoidance technology as standard), though the Swedish soft-roader secured a 6-3 majority by gaining plaudits in areas the company doesn’t normally excel.

Judges praised the interior’s distinctive design with its touches of Scandinavian flair, and recent updates to the D5 model’s suspension and diesel engine have also improved the XC60’s overall package.

Source: Car News Articles

Audi Q5 · Autos · Lexus · Lexus RX · Makes and Models · Recreation · Sport utility vehicle · Volvo XC60

The Volvo XC60 D5 has been voted the best SUV over $40,000 ahead of the Audi Q5 TFSI and Lexus RX 350 Sports Luxury with its standard City Safety feature taking out the Safety Innovation award.

According to judges the Volvo XC60 D5 ‘rated highly for its family-friendly cabin (including integrated child booster seats) and safety (including the world’s first low speed crash-avoidance technology)’.

It also gained ‘plaudits in areas in which the company doesn’t normally excel’.

“We are absolutely delighted that the Volvo XC60 D5 – and its City Safety technology – has been acknowledged as a leader in its class,” said Alan Desselss, managing director of Volvo Car Australia.

“It shows that Volvo is challenging the competition in all areas, not just in the realm of safety.”

[Source: The auto channel ]

Audi Q5 · Autos · Lexus RX · Makes and Models · Recreation · Sport utility vehicle · Technology · Volvo XC60