The Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a compact crossover SUV. It is designed to be a truly multi-purpose vehicle that offers something for everyone, and for the most part that is exactly what it is. Since its first release in 2008, it has been a very popular choice. It has been Volvo’s best selling model since 2009 and sales are continuing to grow. By 2011, over 97,000 had been sold, the majority of them in the US, but sales in European countries, like Sweden have also been strong. The car featured in The Twilight Saga: New Moon film, in 2009, further boosting sales.
The Volvo XC60 Range
Depending on where you live, there are five engines to choose from ranging from two to 3.5 litres. There are diesels as well as petrol versions with either a manual or a six-speed gearbox to choose from.
The Volvo XC60 features 20-inch alloy wheels and sweeping bodywork, which gives it a butch yet sleek look and feel. It handles like a dream on all kinds of road surfaces.
Using US metrics, the most fuel-efficient petrol model does 50mpg. The Plug-in Hybrid in all electric mode returns an equivalent of 105mpg. For such a big car this is astonishing fuel economy.
The XC60 takes safety to new levels. It features all of the usual Volvo safety systems including whiplash protection, but also has collision warning with brake support, dynamic traction and full airbags. On the AWD version there is even hill descent control.
The car is the first to be fitted with Volvo’s City Safety system. This is a special braking system to prevent low speed accidents. The vehicle is fitted with lasers that read road conditions up to six metres in front of the vehicle. Should the vehicle in front brake suddenly the system will brake too, thus avoiding a collision.
The Volvo XC60’s Award Winning Ways
In just two years, the Volvo XC60 has received over 40 awards from across the globe. The awards have come from Ireland, North America, Europe, China, India and many other countries, truly being a vehicle that everyone loves. Unsurprisingly many of these awards have been for safety. It has won several best SUV awards and won a technology award in India, in 2009.
