The new Volvo XC60 issues mid-sized SUV challenge
Volvo XC60: Continuing Volvo's Safety Tradition
Volvo XC60: New levels of chassis development and performance add to driving excitement
Volvo XC60: New visual volume outside, pure Volvo inside

The new Volvo XC60 issues mid-sized SUV challenge

The introduction of Volvo's exciting XC60 heralds the beginning of a new era in the Australian luxury cross-over segment.

Breaking new ground with the standard inclusion of Volvo's City Safety low-speed crash avoidance system on all models, Volvo's stunning new XC60 raises the bar for mid-size prestige crossover vehicles and is set to woo buyers with its brilliant functionality and rewarding drive experience.

Beautiful to behold, but an entirely practical SUV at the same time, the Volvo XC60 offers the benefits of a spacious, cleverly designed wagon combined with the dynamic balance and performance of an all wheel drive sports car - as well as a passenger-pleasing ride, excellent fuel economy and low exhaust emissions.

It blends a characteristic SUV shape with passenger-car and coupe forms, revealing a fresh and dynamic new style language for Volvo. The raised ground clearance and wheel-at-each-corner stance are offset by a high waistline and a lower roofline than many other SUVs.

The pronounced, plunging-V frontal aspect with LED parking lights is counterbalanced by the rear end that displays a wide, muscular shoulder line and high-set, micro optic LED taillights.

The XC60 is available in three models: the 2.4-litre five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel, the luxuriously equipped turbodiesel D5 LE and the powerful three-litre six-cylinder T6.
The five-cylinder, 136kW D5 turbodiesel combines efficient 8.3l/100km fuel economy with low exhaust emissions and surging acceleration, while the refined and powerful six-cylinder turbocharged petrol T6 produces a sparkling 210 kW, enabling the XC60 to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a swift 7.5 seconds.

Both the D5 and T6 engines are mated to Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, offering the choice of manual gear selection and can be set, if required, in a more responsive "Sport" mode on the T6.

On the road, the Volvo XC60 stuns with its superior ride quality, combined with accurate, pin-sharp handling and maximum road grip.

Power is distributed between all four wheels by Volvo's All Wheel Drive system with fourth generation Haldex Instant Traction. On take off, the system engages all wheel drive, and then directs 95 per cent of drive to the front wheels for efficiency, while constantly monitoring the grip available to all four wheels. As conditions change, up to 50 per cent of the power can be directed to the rear wheels, and when cornering, the system channels power back and forth to provide sharp turning and greater stability.

Combined with a finely tuned chassis and responsive electro-hydraulic steering, the XC60 is endowed with sports car handling and road holding to ensure maximum security on and off the road.

Inside, the XC60 features an interior that steps up Volvo's peerless reputation for appealing, space-efficient, clever and practical design, combining passenger comfort with voluminous cargo-carrying capacity.

From a practical, load-carrying viewpoint, the new XC60 is pure Volvo. It boasts the widest rear opening in its segment, giving access to the commodious 490-litre luggage compartment. Versatility is assured with the provision of 40/20/40 split-fold rear seating that can be configured in three-seat or one-seat form, or as a two-seater with a large centre armrest. Each section folds away neatly (including the front passenger seat) to create a completely flat luggage platform that further extends the load-carrying ability of the XC60.

Featuring Volvo's floating centre console, inclined towards the driver for ease of operation, the interior remains true to Scandinavian design offering a notably clean, functional feel.

Passenger-pampering luxury and convenience is a given in the Volvo XC60, with leather seats, steering wheel and gearshift knob, electrically operated driver's seat, electronic climate control with cabin filter, rear park assist, two-stage integrated booster seats in the rear, auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in compass and retractable rearview mirrors with puddle lights just some of the features common to all models.

The D5 LE is fitted with larger, 18-inch Mantis alloy wheels, Nordic light oak inlays in the doors and centre console, Interior Air Quality System (IAQS), electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, panoramic sunroof, rain sensor windscreen wipers and front and rear park assist in addition to the D5 standard equipment list.

The 3.0-litre T6 version of the XC60 gains active bi-Xenon headlights, water-repellent glass on the side windows as well as standard Hill Descent Control (HDC).

As you would expect from Volvo, the XC60 features an impressive safety repertoire, with all models featuring the following active and passive safety systems as standard: Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Roll Stability Control (RSC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Trailer Stability Control (TSA), Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), flashing Emergency Brake Lights, dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, Side Impact Protection (SIPS) along with SIPS front-seat airbags, Inflatable Curtain (IC) airbags and the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), Pre-prepared Restraint System and laminated windows all round.

In addition, the Volvo XC60 has an impressive trump card: All models are equipped with Volvo's new City Safety technology that rates as one of the most significant safety innovations seen in recent years and plays a part in making the XC60 the safest Volvo ever.

City Safety is expected to bring dramatic reductions in the incidence and severity of car collisions in urban environments with impact speeds of up to 30 km/h - the speed range at which 75 per cent of all accidents occur.

City Safety works by continuously monitoring traffic up to eight metres in front of the XC60 via a laser sensor fitted behind the windscreen. Should an impending impact be detected, and the speed differential between the two vehicles is 15 km/h or less, the system brakes the car and therefore avoids a collision altogether. If the speed differential between the two vehicles is above 15 km/h, the system will brake the car and significantly reduce the collision severity.

The implications of City Safety, not just for passenger well being but also for vehicle repair costs and insurance premiums, are significant.

Volvo Car Australia has already attracted the attention of insurance companies - including NRMA Insurance, SGIO and SGIC - that have recognised this industry-leading safety initiative by offering reduced premiums to XC60 customers.

"We are tremendously excited about the new XC60," says Volvo Car Australia's Managing Director, Alan Desselss. "I don't think there has ever been a more accomplished crossover. It offers stunning style, outstanding functionality and brilliant on-road performance - and sets a new safety benchmark not just in its segment, but for the overall new-car market."

VOLVO XC60 - RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICING

Option Packs

(inc. Lane Departure Warning with Driver Alert Control, Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning and Auto Brake function, Blind Spot Information System)

(inc. Volvo Navigation System, Park Assist Reversing Camera, Active Bi-Xenon Headlights, Bluetooth)

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Volvo XC60: Continuing Volvo's Safety Tradition

City Safety: Another Safety Innovation from Volvo
The Volvo XC60 has been equipped with City Safety as standard in all markets globally.

This world first technology, developed in-house by Volvo, aims to avoid low-speed collisions in city traffic and in major route traffic jams.

Surveys indicate that 75 per cent of all reported collisions take place at speeds up to 30km/h, and in half of these cases, the driver has not braked at all primarily due to driver distraction.

City Safety is designed to make a crucial difference: It brakes the car automatically if it is about to collide with the vehicle travelling in front, either avoiding a collision altogether or significantly lower the severity of the impact, reducing both vehicle damage and the risk of injury to passengers.

City Safety is a step in the right direction to help Volvo realise its Mobility 2020 vision, which states that no person should be seriously injured or fatally injured in a Volvo by the year 2020. It's a bold statement, and a challenge no other manufacturer has taken.

City Safety works by continuously monitoring traffic up to eight metres in front of the XC60 via a laser sensor fitted behind the windscreen, and is designed to react to vehicles ahead that are either stationary or moving in the same direction.

Measuring vehicle speed and the gap to the vehicle ahead, the system makes 50 calculations a second to determine what braking force would be needed to avoid a collision. If the calculated braking force exceeds a certain level and the driver hasn't responded, the system determines that a collision is imminent.

Where the speed differential between the two vehicles is 15 km/h or less, the system brakes the car and therefore avoids a collision altogether. If the speed differential between the two vehicles is above 15 km/h, the system will brake the car and significantly reduce the collision severity. Should braking by City Safety occur, the emergency flashing brake lights are activated to warn drivers travelling behind.

The implications of City Safety, not just for passenger well being but also for vehicle repair costs and insurance premiums, are significant.

Demonstrating City Safety to insurance companies and government agencies recently, Matthew Avery, who is technical adviser for the British Thatcham organisation (The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre), said Volvo's system "impressed everyone with its autonomous function and because it intervenes at the last possible instant and can completely avoid a collision."

In Australia, the system has received similar praise.

NRMA Insurance estimates that there are about 50,000\* rear-enders on NSW roads each year, with driver inattention, usually to blame.

"According to our claims data, rear-enders cost NSW drivers and insurers almost $200 million\* a year and this figure doesn't take into account the emotional and physical distress of the collisions," said NRMA Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald. "We believe this technology is a practical step forward in tackling the problem of rear enders," he said.

"Other collision mitigation systems currently available are usually part of the cruise control system and do not operate at common collision speeds. The technology from Volvo however is always operational and works for speeds up to 30km/h - the range at which the majority of collisions occur."

He said NRMA Insurance\*\* is a member of the international Research Council for Automobile Repairs (RCAR), which has been testing the Volvo technology for the past three years.

"We are very confident that the technology will reduce the likelihood of the XC60 being involved in a collision. This is set to be reflected in our pricing, and we would estimate that the cost of an insurance premium for this vehicle will up to 20 per cent cheaper than it would be if it didn't have the technology," added Mr McDonald.

City Safety is also augmented by other Volvo safety systems, including Collision Warning with Auto Brake, which works at higher speeds and monitors the distance between the vehicle travelling in front and alerts the driver if the distance suddenly decreases.

At the same time, Collision Warning with Auto Brake prepares for heavy braking and, if necessary, applies the brakes automatically with up to as much as 50 per cent of full braking power if the driver has not responded to the alert.

City Safety and Collision Warning with Auto Brake provide the driver with auto-braking assistance at all speeds.

"City Safety is yet another example of Volvo's ambition to tackle real-life traffic situations when developing solutions aimed at preventing accidents," says Jonas Ekmark, Manager of Preventive Safety at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Sweden.

City Safety works with equal effectiveness day or night. However the laser sensor is affected by prevailing conditions such as fog or heavy rain. It's important that the sensor area be kept clean at all times.

"City Safety does not relieve the driver of the responsibility for maintaining a safe distance to avoid a collision. The automatic braking function dopes not react until it calculates that a collision is imminent," he added.

City Safety is a cooperative system
The laser sensor used in the City Safety system also interacts with the on-board Pre-Prepared Restraint technology (PRS), controlling the deployment of airbags and the adaptive seat belt load limiters in accordance with the severity of the collision. PRS forges a link between preventive systems (the sensors) and the protective safety systems.

PRS is active at all speeds and is activated pyrotechnically. This means it is possible that City Safety can be activated without PRS if the collision severity is below a certain level.

Enhanced safety for children
The XC60 continues Volvo's commitment to safety for all passengers, employing an enhanced Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with a stronger body structure, extended inflatable curtains (60mm) and Volvo's height-adjustable integrated child booster seats.

First seen in the Volvo XC70 and V70, the second generation integrated booster seats in the rear can be set at two heights to provide the most effective protection for children. The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120cm and weighing between 15 and 25kg.

In Australia, the integrated child booster seat is a standard safety feature - the rear seat incorporating two booster cushions.

The adjustable booster seat means seat belt geometry remains optimum irrespective of the child's height. The integrated booster seat is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters.

They contribute to the best possible protective effect by restraining the child with just the right amount of tensioning force in a collision.

Like the XC70 and V70, the inflatable curtains in the new Volvo XC60 have been extended by 60mm which, in combination with the height-adjustable booster cushions and the strong body side structure, provides even more effective protection to children of all sizes in a side impact.

Improved SIPS functionality
To optimise side-impact protection for all occupants, the entire side structure of the XC60 is both strong and light thanks to a well-balanced combination of high-tensile steel of different grades (High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and the extremely strong Ultra High Strength Steel).

The various components and grades of steel interact to minimise penetration into the passenger compartment, working to move the entire car sideways away from the colliding vehicle.

The new side-impact airbag that was launched in the S80 model makes Volvo's patented Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) even more effective.

The side impact airbags have two separate chambers - one for the hip section and one for the chest.

Since the hips can withstand greater forces than the chest, the lower chamber inflates with up to five times more pressure than the upper section. The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the vehicle body's network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection.

Crumple zones using different grades of steel
The patented front body structure in the new Volvo XC60 is divided into zones, each of which has a different task during the deformation sequence. The outer zones are responsible for most of the deformation. The closer the collision forces get to the passenger compartment, the less the material deforms.

"With the zone system, we can exploit the material's properties to the very maximum for the best possible energy absorption," says Ingrid Skogsmo, Director Volvo Cars Safety Centre. "The aim is that the passenger compartment should be preserved in a predictable way in a variety of collision scenarios."

ZONE FOR DEFORMATION AT LOW SPEEDS
The front bumper is structured around a cross-member made of aluminium. The attachment points at the body's longitudinal beams are designed as collapsible "crash boxes". They help absorb incoming low-speed collision forces without damaging the rest of the body's beam structure and, in turn, lower repair costs.

ZONE FOR DEFORMATION AT HIGH SPEEDS
The straight sections of the longitudinal beams are made of High Strength Steel, a very tough grade of steel that is optimised for high energy absorption. This zone accounts for most of the deformation.

ZONE FOR BACKUP
The beam section that curves out towards the A-posts serves as a barrier protecting the passenger compartment and also as a backup to reduce deformation. Its shape also helps minimise the risk of the front wheel penetrating into the passenger compartment. Instead, the wheel helps absorb the collision forces. This section is very rigid and is made of Extra High Strength Steel.

THREE-POINTATTACHMENT
A rigid cross-member links the two A-posts and the lower side-members so that they form a particularly sturdy three-point attachment on each side. This design is particularly effective at protecting the passenger compartment in a severe impact.

The Volvo XC60: Protecting all road users
Generally, a traditional passenger car's bumpers and body structure are in a lower position to that of an SUV. This means that the passenger car's deformation zones may not be fully utilised in a collision. Like all of Volvo's XC vehicles, the front cross member of the XC60 has been designed to match the height of a regular passenger car, so that the safety systems of another vehicle involved in an impact with a Volvo XC60 are able to function effectively.

Roll Over Protection
Dynamically, the XC60 features the full suite of Volvo electronic safety systems including the Roll Stability Control (RSC), which is an active, stability-promoting system that uses a gyroscope to determine the risk of a roll-over. If the system determines that the risk is imminent, engine torque is cut and a certain amount of brake force is applied to one or more wheels to counteract the roll-over movement.

If a roll-over cannot be avoided, the occupants are protected by the interior safety system that includes safety belt tensioners and Inflatable Curtains (IC). In addition, the extremely robust safety cage around the occupants contributes to reducing the risk of the cabin being compressed.

Second-generation WHIPS system
Volvo's system for avoiding neck injuries - Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) - is one of the most effective on the market. In the event of a rear-end collision the front seat backrest accompanies the passenger's initial body movement and dampens the incoming force.

The new XC60 features the same generation of WHIPS mechanism launched on the S80 model. This generation was further developed to ensure that the damping motion is gentle, while providing good contact between the head and head restraint throughout the impact sequence.

The Volvo XC60 has scored the highest rating for whiplash protection in EuroNCAP's first ever assessment of the protection offered by passenger cars in the event of rear-end collisions.

A total of twenty-five cars were tested in the initial round. The XC60, with Volvo's unique Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), received the highest rating as one of only five cars to receive a 'good' grading.

Advanced information systems contribute to better driver control The new XC60 is also equipped with Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS).

IDIS is an electronic information system that helps prevent the driver from becoming distracted by irrelevant information in busy situations. By continuously monitoring certain functions in the car such as steering wheel movements, the movement of the accelerator pedal, turn indicator usage and brake application, IDIS can assess the complexity of the current driving situation. The information is processed and at a certain level of complexity, any information that is not essential to safety is delayed, for instance incoming phone calls.

In addition, the XC60 can be specified with Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

Using cameras integrated into the door mirrors, BLIS registers whether another vehicle is in the blind spot to the rear of the car. If there is a vehicle there, a lamp lights up at the relevant mirror to alert the driver and increase the chance of making the appropriate decision.

Personal Car Communicator with heartbeat sensor provides enhanced security
In an increasingly insecure world, it is important to have control over what happens in one's immediate vicinity, not least when you park your car. This is a matter of both preventing theft and avoiding situations that may involve personal risk.

Volvo's Personal Car Communicator (PCC) is an optional feature of the XC60. By simply pushing the 'information' button on the remote control, PCC can tell the owner - via coloured LED lights - whether the car has been unlocked, has had its alarm triggered, and can even alert the owner to the presence of someone in the vehicle via a highly sensitive heartbeat sensor in the car.

The information is available and up-to-date as long as the distance between the PCC and the car is about 100 metres or less.

Laminated glass all round and automatically locked storage unit in the luggage compartment
In order to make break-ins more difficult, the new Volvo XC60 can be specified with laminated glass in all windows, including the rear side windows and the tailgate. This means that the luggage compartment too gets effective protection.

The rear storage system under the luggage compartment is now locked automatically and conveniently when the tailgate is closed and locked.

Safety beyond stars
In 1927, Volvo's founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson set down the basic principles that would guide the company in the future with the statement "Cars are driven by people. Therefore the guiding principle behind everything we maker at Volvo is - and must remain - safety."

Since then, Volvo has introduced many ground-breaking safety technologies, including the V-type three-point safety belt, invented by engineer Nils Bohlin in 1959 that has proven to be the single most effective lifesaver on the roads.

Over the years, Volvo cars have included an ever-expanding list of safety elements from crumple zones, safety cages, airbags and whiplash protection to systems that enhance dynamic stability and driver control.

However it is the interaction between systems that determines overall safety, rather than any individual element. This holistic view has been the cornerstone of Volvo's safety philosophy from day one - and remains so today.

The establishment of Volvo's Traffic Accident Research Team in 1970 saw the gathering of an enormous amount of data on real-life accidents that continues to be a vital element in designing ever-safer vehicles.

Since then, Volvo's accident research unit has collected data from more than 36,000 accidents, making an invaluable contribution both to the company's own safety work and to traffic accident research in general.

Volvo cars regard it as essential to ensure that safety systems cover occupants of all sizes across a wide range of speeds and a broad spectrum of collision circumstances.

The company performs as many as 120 crash tests at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre in Gothenburg during the development of each new model. When in the design stage, several thousand crash tests are performed with virtual simulators. The facility opened in 2000 and is among the most advanced of its kind.

Additional protective safety solutions

• Collapsing steering column which, upon deformation, moves horizontally for the best possible interaction with the airbag
• Pedals with a function that limits the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment
• Airbags with two-stage function
• Seat belt pre-tensioners for all five seats
• Seat belt reminders for front seats with rear seat belt detection for left, right and middle seats
• Force limiters for the front seat belts
• Reinforced, transversely fitted tubular beam between the A-posts
• Strong SIPS tubes in the seats and a sturdy magnesium bracket in the middle of the car
• Diagonally fitted beams of Ultra High Strength Steel in the doors
• Compact transverse engine
  

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Volvo XC60: New levels of chassis development and performance add to driving excitement

The new Volvo XC60 is a step forward in designing and building cars that deliver a rewarding driver experience along with a passenger-pleasing, comfortable ride.
"The new Volvo XC60 is designed for customers who impose high demands on the driving experience. Irrespective of whether the car is used in the city, on the motorway or to negotiate tight curves in country lanes. That is why we have focussed on finding exactly the right balance between sportiness and comfort, for the chassis and for the car as a whole," says Lars Blenwall, project director for the XC60.

With a high level of torsional rigidity, a sport chassis and optimal weight distribution between the front and rear axles, coupled to Volvo's All Wheel Drive with Instant Traction from Haldex, the XC60 offers a truly sporty, balanced driving experience.

Using coil over strut front suspension incorporating anti-dive and anti-lift geometry, along with a multi-link independent rear suspension and responsive, accurate electro-hydraulic steering, the new Volvo XC60 is ready to treat the driver with nimble, responsive handling and tenacious road grip, while passengers revel in the comfortable ride and overall sense of dynamic security.

Speed-dependent power steering, with varied levels of power assistance increasing at parking speeds to allow easier manoeuvring and decreasing at higher speeds to optimise road feel, is optional on all XC60 models.

The sophisticated speed-sensitive steering system offers the choice of three levels that can be individually selected via a menu in the XC60's car information system.

Large 17 or 18-inch light alloy wheels and a generous 230mm of ground clearance make the XC60 a capable performer off-road as well. In addition, the all-independent suspension contributes by maintaining wheel contact on rough tracks.

Two highly efficient turbo engines power the new XC60
The Volvo XC60 offers the choice of transversely installed five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel or six-cylinder T6 petrol turbo power.

The 2.4-litre D5 turbodiesel uses an electronically controlled turbocharger, twin overhead camshaft, four-valve technology, advanced multipoint fuel injection and a powerful engine management system to produce a muscular 136kW along with a massive 400Nm of torque.

This provides rapid accelerator response in all driving conditions yet minimises fuel consumption to an average of just 8.3 litres/100km.

The D5 powerplant also uses clean-burn diesel technology including a particle filter to minimise tailpipe emissions. The maintenance-free particle filter traps about 95 per cent of soot particles.

The XC60's new, all-aluminium six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbocharged T6 engine has a twin overhead camshaft, 24-valve cylinder head with variable inlet valve timing. It develops 210kW of power and produces 400Nm of torque from as low as 1500rpm to provide invigorating and efficient on-road performance.

The T6's twin-scroll turbocharging system divides the inlet manifold into two three-cylinder sections, making for compactness and simplicity while providing accelerator response that can be compared with a twin-turbo system.

The T6 engine combines a high power output with low fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, and is capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h in a rapid 7.5 seconds.

Both the D5 and T6 engines are mated to Volvo's six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission, offering the choice of manual gear selection and can be set, if required, in a more responsive "Sport" mode on the T6.

XC60 All Wheel Drive enhances stability, capability
Power is distributed between all four wheels by Volvo's All Wheel Drive system with fourth generation Haldex Instant Traction. On take off, the system engages all wheel drive, then directs 95 per cent of drive to the front wheels for efficiency, while constantly monitor the grip available to all four wheels. As conditions change, up to 50 per cent of the power can be directed to the rear wheels, and when cornering, the system channels power back and forth to provide sharp turning and greater stability.

As well as providing added abilities on unsealed surfaces, the XC60's all-wheel drive system also aids security and stability on sealed roads in wet or slippery conditions.

The all-wheel drive system is supported by the further refined Volvo Dynamic Stability and Traction Control system (DSTC), now incorporating a roll sensor to detect and correct instability at the early stages. DSTC is of particular benefit in evasive manoeuvres, especially when the vehicle is subjected to high lateral forces.

The Volvo XC60 also features Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) that offers improved control when towing the likes of a boat or caravan.

TSA dampens the oscillations that occasionally occur when towing. It works in with the new DSTC system to stabilise car and trailer by braking one of more wheels while also restricting the engine's torque. TSA is installed when the vehicle is being fitted with a towbar.

Active chassis with FOUR-C
Volvo's FOUR-C active chassis technology is available as an option on the XC60. This is an advanced self-adjusting chassis system that uses a number of sensors to continuously monitor the car's behaviour. The dampers are able to rapidly respond to the immediate driving situation in a mere fraction of a second.

FOUR-C continuously modifies the damping rate to suit the car's speed. As vehicle speed increases, so too does the damping effect to achieve far greater chassis control over a wide range of speeds and varying road conditions. FOUR-C also resists the car's tendency to squat, dip or roll under firm acceleration, hard braking or quick steering manoeuvres.

The following three alternative chassis settings are offered:

COMFORT - sedate, comfortable ride quality
SPORT - controlled body movements, faster steering response
ADVANCED - firm damper control, maximum road holding

In an emergency driving situations, however, FOUR-C always responds by providing maximum stability to assist the driver.

Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control (HDC), which is optional on XC60 D5 models and standard on the T6, helps control speed when slowly descending steep slopes. HDC uses the anti-lock braking system and the engine's torque to maintain a steady crawling speed without intervention from the driver.

To engage HDC the driver selects first gear in manual mode and pushes the HDC button on the instrument panel. When it is functioning, HDC still allows the driver to raise the speed via the accelerator, or reduce it further via the brake pedal.

Power Parking Brake
To help when starting off on an uphill gradient, the Volvo XC60 is equipped with an intelligent electronically operated parking brake with auto release function. If the parking brake is engaged at a stop light, for instance, it is automatically released as the car moves off.

The parking brake is engaged by pushing a lever to the left of the steering wheel and disengaged by pulling the lever.

To ensure that the parking brake is applied when the car is parked, it is automatically engaged when the key is removed from the ignition switch or, if the car is equipped with Keyless Drive, when the door is opened. This function must be selected initially in the car settings menu.

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Volvo XC60: New visual volume outside, pure Volvo inside

The all-new Volvo XC60 joins the growing world-wide SUV market to redefine expectations of what a mid-size crossover should be.

Dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular SUV style with coupe-like charisma, the XC60 is not just the safest Volvo ever; it is also the most stunning.

According to Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin the XC60 is "The boldest crossover so far. This car is charged with more emotive form and far more energy than any previous Volvo model."

The design team had a very clear goal when drawing up the XC60.

"We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from a hundred meters away today, I'd say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance,' says Steve Mattin.

The Volvo XC60 blends two styles: The extended capability of an SUV with a strong, athletic body and a high ground clearance with large wheels. From the waistline up, the graceful, flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

"The XC60 is much more emotionally charged than most of its competitors in the segment. It is seductive and packed with thrilling contrasts. Sleek yet muscular at the same time. Large yet at the same time compact," says Steve Mattin.

Yes, I'm a Volvo
The bold, confident grille of the XC60 signals a more extroverted style of Volvo.
The distinct plunging-V front end with its LED parking lights, sharply defined wedge-shape bonnet, powerful grille and upswept headlights makes a distinctive statement.

The side view is described by Steve Mattin as "voluptuous." Its broad shoulders, bold wheel arches, large wheels and confident, flowing greenhouse assure that the XC60 is no shrinking violet on the road.

At the rear, the self-assuredness continues with curving, high-set micro optic LED lights, a sculpted spoiler incorporating brake lights above the rear window and bold Volvo lettering above the licence plate all making the XC60 as distinctive going away as when it is approaching.

The standard roof rails - available in Charcoal or Silk Metal - have for the first time been integrated into the roof, giving the car an unusually low and broad stance for a crossover.

Inside story
The new Volvo XC60 is packed with energy inside, too. All occupants sit comfortably on newly-designed, leather-trimmed seats, with the driver taking pride of place.

Volvo's iconic slim centre stack is angled slightly towards the driver and, according to Jonathan Disley, who headed the XC60's interior design team, the passenger compartment has been designed so that every detail looks as if it's in motion.

"The recurrent asymmetrical look gives the interior a self-assured attitude, brimming with self-confidence. This feeling is reinforced by the well thought out mix of contrasting materials, such as soft, warm, dark panels and hard, cold aluminium inserts," he says.

The stitched seams in the leather seats have a pronounced X theme, while passenger convenience has been carefully thought out in design features such as the curvature of the forward edge of the rear seat cushion that has been calculated to allow easier entry and exit.

From a practical, load-carrying viewpoint, the new XC60 is pure Volvo. It boasts the widest rear opening in its segment, giving access to the commodious 490-litre luggage compartment. Versatility is assured with the provision of 40/20/40 split-fold rear seating that can be configured in three-seat or one-seat form, or as a two-seater with a large centre armrest. Each section folds away neatly to create a completely flat luggage platform that further extends the load-carrying ability of the XC60.

The XC60 is also available with a power-operated tailgate offering three different function modes: Via remote control, via an instrument panel button, or via a button on the tailgate handle itself. The auto-opening function is convenient in various situations, such as when the driver is approaching, laden with shopping bags.

Australian XC60s have a leather interior in Off-Black or Soft Beige, with accent colours of Lemon Green/Off-Black, or Soft Beige/Espresso Brown as standard. The XC60 interior's standard inlays are in Charcoal, with Brushed Aluminium optional. Two wood inlays are also available: Classic Wood or Nordic Light Oak.

Heavenly views
Optional in the new XC60 is the new, panoramic tinted and laminated glass sunroof that is divided into two sections to offer a notably more airy, spacious feel than a regular sunroof.

The panoramic sunroof complements the airy, stylish feel of the Volvo XC60's cabin, bringing a sense of light and spaciousness.

Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) provides enhanced comfort
Volvo's new XC60 can also be optioned with Clean Zone Interior - a system that automatically ventilates the passenger compartment for about a minute when the doors are unlocked by remoter control and the temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius.

The system has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.

The XC60's interior also uses materials that have been selected to give off minimum levels of dangerous substances.

Audio dynamite
All XC60s boast high-quality sound systems, but at the top level, the optional Premium Sound audio provides a stunning, concert-hall experience.

It comprises 12 Dynaudio speakers with a Dolby Pro Logic II Surround system delivering 5x130 Watts, with an optional, under-floor digital subwoofer contributing an additional 260 Watts.

The sound can be optimised to concentrate in any of three different positions: driver's seat, both front seats or rear seats.

The Premium Sound and High-Performance Sound systems are MP3/WMA compatible, and feature a USB port enabling connection with an iPod, MP3 player or USB.

All Volvo sound systems in the XC60 provide an auxiliary (AUX) input for connecting personal equipment such as an MP3 player.

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