2010 Volvo XC60 Review and Specs
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VOLVO XC60
A San Francisco Intro
By Steve Purdy
TheAutoChannel.com
Detroit Bureau
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Meant to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes’ new GLK and Acura RDX this stylish 5-passenger people hauler measures up well in this fast-growing and intensely competitive market segment. The XC60 comes only in all-wheel drive configuration and includes more standard technology than most of the competition.
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The only transmission available is the Geartronic 6-speed automatic with manual mode. Slide the shift lever to the right into the manual gate and it will automatically switch to a sport shift mode allowing higher rpm between shifts. Then push it forward or pull it back and you’re in manual mode and can determine the shifts yourself. The tough Generation 4 Haldex all-wheel drive system is a unit shared with Land Rover LR2, and Saab CUV. It has no off-road pretentions, though, in spite of over 9-inches of ground clearance and optional hill descent control.
Suspension and steering are of conventional design - fully independent, of course. The suspension tuning finds a good balance between firmness for control and gentility for the luxury feel. It may be a tad too firm for those who prefer the old-fashioned definition of a luxury ride, or prefer the feel of a minivan over the European (which has become the standard) feel. Steering is precise and predictable, if not particularly tactile. We spent many of our California test miles on tight and twisty roads which became a bit tedious after a while. After all, this is not a sports car. But the XC60 never caused concern even under enthusiastic motoring. We could drive it like a sports car if we wanted.
Volvo’s traditional claim to fame, of course, is safety. They invented and promoted three-point seat belts and many other safety innovations over the years. This new XC60 is the first car to include as standard equipment a feature they call City Safety. A set of laser beams scan the area just ahead of the car and with the application of sophisticated algorithms can determine closing speed with objects in its view. Brakes are precharged (pads brought right up to imminent contact with the rotors), or actually applied, to help prevent or mitigate crashes. The system works between 2 and 19mph since the majority of rear end accidents happen in that speed range.
A full compliment of other safety stuff is standard or available as well, like air bags at all seating positions, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, drowsy driver warning, Distance Alert, automatic braking on impending collision, whiplash mitigating seats, trailer wag control, and all the stuff the others have. You still can’t beat Volvo for safety innovations.
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A high-performance sound system - with CD player, HD radio, AUX and USB inputs, MP3 capability, 160-watt amp and 8 speakers - is standard. Bluetooth phone capability and Sirius Satellite Radio with 6-month subscription is also standard. A premium sound system and navigation system with DVD map data and remote control are available as options.
Also optional are a raft of technological systems called Collision Avoidance Package which includes adaptive cruise control, collision warning with automatic brake activation, distance alert warning, driver alert warning, and lane departure warning.
So, now let’s talk about the overall experience of the XC60. I’ve been a fan of the Volvo styling and design themes since they got away from the sharp-edged box designs in the early 90s. This XC60 follows the new theme beautifully. It appears and feels larger than its market segment would imply, but it does feel as premium as that implies. Sliding into the shapely leather seats is a pleasure. They are generous and stylish, 8-way power adjustable, with a two-tone ‘X’ design reflecting the XC “Cross Country” moniker. We don’t find anything particularly notable about the dynamic feel of the vehicle, though it is certainly pleasant, capable and quick.
Pricing has just been announced. MSRP is $37,200 inclusive of the City Safety system, leather seating, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and panoramic sunroof.
I find it especially nice to look at. Its dimensions, stance and quality make it stand out. The 18-inch standard tires on “Mantus” alloy wheels are striking and compliment the whole car.
Were I in the market for a premium, small CUV this one would certainly be high on my list.
© Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions, All Rights Reserved
MORE: 2010 Volvo XC60 Unveiling at 2008 Geneva Auto Show - Video Enhanced
MORE: Volvo Announces 2010 Volvo XC60 Pricing
MORE: Additional Volvo XC60 Articles and Video