Friday 12 August 2011

Volvo XC60

                                                            Volvo XC60
                                                         Rs 3,950,000* - Rs 3,950,000






The production vehicle was first unveiled by Volvo at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show and the crossover became an instant hit when it hit the European markets. The XC60 shares technology with the Land Rover Freelander of 2007, using a modified version of the Volvo Y20 platform. The XC60 is a compact crossover and this works to its advantage when it comes to competing with cars like the Nissan X-Trail, Freelander 2, Mitsubishi Montero and the Audi Q5. The design, technology and safety features in the car speak volumes about the efforts and the thought process that has gone through in the making of the car. With a host of safety features, the Swedish car manufacturer has yet again proved that its car is the safest on road.

Design 

There has been no compromise in any departments when it came to the making of this crossover. Design being among the foremost of the lot, the 5-door compact crossover SUV has the sculpted lines when viewed from the side. The car's shoulders are exceptionally broad. The large wheels, the bulged wheel arches and the darker livery rocker add to the muscular effect. The design of the car is so that it will instantly appeal a relatively affluent, urban middle-class buyer who wants something safe to transport the family, with premium quality. The rear design is characterised by tail lamps with micro-optics and LED technology. The lamps distribute their light in a special way thereby enhancing the characteristic "Volvo" design. The range of wheel rims has been extended with a new 18-inch version with six double spokes.

The interiors of the XC60 too compliment the exteriors and it is this mix that gives the car its originality and uniqueness.  The interior is driver-oriented and has been ergonomically designed. The characteristic floating centre console gives a dynamic and sporty impression. The centre console is slightly angled towards the driver to enhance driver dynamics. The optional power tailgate can be opened automatically in three ways - via the remote control, by a button in the light panel or by opening the tailgate with the handle. 

The three-split (40/20/40) rear seat and backrest offer two separate seats with an armrest in the middle, or three seats with safety belts for each occupant. The seat cushions are fixed and the backrest(s) can be individually folded. The XC60 also gets a manual height adjuster for both the driver and the passenger seats which is really a boon when it comes to some tall people wanting to drive the car. The rear seats too enhance the comfort of the passengers seated there as the rear seats get an armrest and additionally cup holders make life simpler for the co-passengers. The XC60 can be hence said to be an overall comfort car as it ensures that the people who are in the cabin are not only safe but also enjoy the long rides comfortably. 

Drivetrain

The Volvo XC60 comes with the well-established 2.4-litre D5 diesel, but its displacement has been reduced with a shorter stroke to optimise fuel consumption. It produces 205bhp of power and 420Nm of torque. The ARAI mileage figure is 13.5kpl. The injection system has a different type of piezoelectric fuel injector compared with the D5 engine. These injectors minimise consumption with exceptionally rapid and precise injection pulses under high pressure. This promotes extremely efficient combustion.

The Volvo XC60 being a complete CBU, will have AWD as a standard fitment. All-Wheel Drive is an electronically controlled system that distributes engine power between the front and rear wheels quickly and automatically, depending on which wheel pair (front or rear wheels) has the best grip at the moment.

Safety

Even if you go to the Volvo website and browse through the features of the car you will see that even in the dropdown provided safety is right on top. That is how important the Swedish car manufacturer deems safety to be. The Safety features of the XC60 can hardly be compared to any of its competitors. Though it’s got the traditional Volvo safety features like a whiplash protection system, side impact protection system, roll stability control, dynamic stability and traction control, inflatable curtain airbags, hill descent control, collision warning with brake support, active bi-xenon lights, and patented front, side, and rear structures. The XC60 will also be the car in which Volvo will introduce its new technology feature named City Safety. The system is a driver support system with the goal of preventing or mitigating vehicle-on-vehicle collisions below 30 kph. It uses the closing velocity sensor that helps determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the speed, if a collision is likely, the Volvo's computer system will either prepare the car to brake or automatically brake the vehicle to avoid a rear-end collision. 

The list continues with features like the Tyre Pressure Monitoring system which helps you keep tabs on inflation pressure. Tyre pressure monitoring technology uses sensors mounted in each tyre valve. At speeds from 30 km/h and upwards, you will be alerted if the pressure in one or more of the tyres is too low. Also the Roll Over protection system (ROPS) prevents the car from of course, rolling over. Volvo's ROPS is activated by a gyroscope that monitors the vehicle's leaning angle. The safety belt pre-tensioners are activated at every seat to help keep occupants more securely restrained. At the same time, the inflatable curtain (IC) deploys and remains inflated for several seconds to help provide extended protection. Extra protection is provided to the driver with the collapsible steering column. The steering column is an advanced part of the safety system, with the upper and lower sections giving way in a controlled manner in a frontal impact to reduce the risk of injury to the driver. It also works with the airbag to provide optimum protection.

EuroNCAP evaluated the XC60 in 2008 and gave it a perfect score for adult occupant protection. The XC60 scored 16 of 16 points in the front test and 16 of 16 in the side test. The car received 2 of 2 points available in the pole test and an additional 3 points available for seat belt reminders. The XC60 received a total of 37 of 37 points and therefore five stars (33-37) in EuroNCAP's evaluation. 

Dimensions and Weights
Overall Length (mm)
4627
Overall Width (mm)
1891
Overall Height (mm)
1713
Wheel Base (mm)
2774
Ground Clearance (mm)
230
Front Track (mm)
1632
Rear Track (mm)
1586
Boot Space (liter)
495
No of Doors
5

Fuel Economy
Mileage Highway (km/liter)
12
Mileage City (km/liter)
9

Capacities
Seating Capacity (person)
5
Fuel Tank Capacity (liter)
70

Performance
Maximum Speed
210 Km/Hour
0-100kmph
9.1seconds

Engine
Engine Type/Model
2.4D
Displacement cc
2400
Power (PS@rpm)
205PS @4000rpm
Torque (Nm@rpm)
420Nm @1500rpm
Valve Mechanism
Bore (mm)
81
Stroke (mm)
93.1
Compression Ratio
:1
No of Cylinders (cylinder)
5
Cylinder Configuration
Valves per Cylender (value)
Fuel Type
Diesel
Fuel System

Transmission
Transmission Type
Automatic
Gears/Speeds
6Gears
Clutch Type
Final Reduction Gear Ratio

Suspensions
Front Suspension
Rear Suspension

Steering
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Standard
Minimum Turning Radius (meter)
5.9

Brakes
Front Brakes
Disc
Rear Brakes
Discs Ventialte

Wheels and Tyres
Wheel Type
Alloy Wheels
Wheel Size
17 Inch
Tyres
235 /65R 17

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