Volvo XC60 takes safety technology to new level

 

The XC60 is Volvo of Sweden's first foray into the compact crossover segment, the same niche that includes the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

The XC60 was officially brought in by Volvo Car Malaysia Sdn Bhd in June. It is available in two variants and both with a 3.0 litre turbocharged six-cylinder T6 engine.

The two variants are called the XC60 T6 LE and the XC60 T6 SE.

The XC60 slots below the XC70 wagon and the XC90 crossover, finally giving Volvo a player in the lucrative entry-level luxury crossover realm.

Packaging

The XC60 is arguably the best looking cross utility vehicle (CUV) available. It also has a warm, inviting interior and comes with Volvo's reputation for cutting-edge safety.

Volvo stakes its reputation on safety and the XC60 meets that mission with a raft of new features.

One is City Safety, a world's first unique safety technology to help avoid low-speed collisions in city traffic.

If the XC60 is about to drive into the vehicle in front at 20km/h or less and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

Former VCM president Robert Norrman said City Safety is another example of Volvo's leadership in automotive safety, similar to the three-point safety belt used in all cars today.

"Fifty years ago, Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt. From 1959 to this very day, the three-point safety belt is the single most effective lifesaver on the roads," Norrman said.

City Safety uses cameras and sensors to detect imminent impacts with vehicles in the lane ahead and is standard on the XC60 and its sensors occupy a not-so-small chunk of the windshield behind the rearview mirror.

It is joined by standard anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, the usual airbags and an optional set of lane-departure and blind-spot warning systems.

That makes for lots of buttons, bleeps and blinks. If you are not used them, it takes a while to get used to piloting the XC60.

Mechanical

The XC60's 3.0 litre turbocharged six-cylinder T6 engine produces an exciting 285 horsepower and 400Nm of torque from just 1,500rpm.

The engine is mated to a six-speed Geartronic auto. The six-speed automatic has a sport-shift mode that accesses the six's torque in abundant scoops.

On the road

Driving the XC60 along the straight and twisty trails for nearly four days was a rewarding experience, with plenty of cargo space to fit things and friends.

The XC60 tracked smoothly on highways and was equally fun to drive on twisted roads particularly when the transmission's sport-mode was engaged.

Handling and braking were a strong point for the XC60. The electric power steering was programmed with decent feedback and ride quality was well sorted. The brakes felt strong as well.