Volvo XC60 crossover

All that looks set to change when the Volvo XC60 crossover goes on sale in 12 months’ time. It will join the C30 as part of a new generation of models aimed at appealing to people’s hearts before their heads. To find out what’s in store, we jumped behind the wheel of this sensational concept – which points the way to the final production version. Lining up next to the upmarket Volvo XC90, the Volvo XC60 will be a lot more than a scaled-down version of the larger car.

The shape of the lower front grille is similar to the Ford Kuga’s while the way the light plays over its carefully sculpted flanks is reminiscent of a BMW X5 – a car with which the Volvo XC60 shares some of its gearbox and engine technology. The aggressive design combines with the 20-inch wheels to give the lower half of the model a beefy, aggressive look. In profile, the sleek top half is akin to a coupé. This concept isn’t only significant for portraying the looks of the all-new SUV. It shows how the firm will transform the rest of its range, too. The front badge is larger, and rather than being set in a square box, is embedded in the grille.

The back end also features a novel tailgate arrangement. It expands on the idea of the C30’s glass bootlid, this time it’s split in two. However, rather than hinging at its base, the bottom section lifts out and up over the top segment. This means that opening the entire tailgate doesn’t require as much space as a traditional single-piece hatch. Beneath the bonnet, the XC60 features Volvo’s 3.2-litre engine. But this has been converted to run on bioethanol, the fuel that’s 15 per cent petrol and 85 per cent ethanol. It reduces CO2 emissions by 80 per cent and mar­ginally increases performance, while retaining the same refined exhaust note you associate with Volvos.

Swept-back headlights emphasise the distinctive V shape of the bonnet, but the best bit is saved for the rear. Here, the traditional vertically stacked tail-lights follow the flare of the shoulder line in a good curve.

From behind the wheel, all-round visibility is good, while the panoramic glass roof adds to the airy feel of the light, leather-clad cockpit.

As this car is based on the platform of the firm’s V70 and S80 models, it will feature the same four-wheel-drive system and Hill Descent Control. However, bosses are adamant that anyone wanting to buy a Volvo off-roader will go for either an XC90 or XC70. So the handling of the XC60 has been tuned for tarmac driving. Even though it’s a precious concept and we were limited to relatively low speeds, body roll through corners was barely present.

Volvo’s floating centre console is still present, but traditional buttons have been replaced with touch-sensitive ones, giving it the look of a giant iPod control. And the seats are as comfortable as you would expect from a Volvo, despite the long slot that runs the full length of the seatback for improved ventilation. Sadly, as with the exterior lines, which will be altered slightly for production, the interior of the showroom-ready Volvo XC60 is unlikely to be quite as adventurous. Hope that Volvo doesn’t tone things down too much.

Do you agree with our opinion? Also read about Ford F-650

source: autoexpress

Tags: Volvo, Volvo XC60

Category: SUV Car Reviews