Why Volvo

The 2010 Volvo XC60 and the 2009 Audi Q5 are similar midsize crossovers with identical MSRP pricing: $37,200. Similarities and safety features are two very different ways of judging cars. With similarities, it’s a matter of holding the clipboard straight and checking them off. With safety, it could be a matter of checking out.

The 2010 Volvo XC60 and 2009 Audi Q5 compete in one of the fastest growing automobile market segments—the compact premium crossover. When comparing the two, it would seem the two brand’s engineers did battle over the same computer network. Feature-for-feature, they are closely matched. Look closely and there are important differences, ones that could be matters of life.

It’s no surprise that the 2010 Volvo XC60 showcases world-class safety. Continuing Volvo’s quest as a pioneer and leader in vehicle safety systems, the XC60 introduces a new world’s first. City Safety is a driver support system aimed at preventing or mitigating collisions occurring at speeds up to 18 mph. It utilizes a closing velocity sensor to help determine whether a collision is likely. Depending on the closing speed, City Safety will either pre-charge the brakes or automatically brake the XC60 to help avoid a rear-end collision or lessen its impact. You won’t find anything remotely like it on the Audi Q5.

Perhaps this is the reason Audi describes the Q5 as a “crossover vehicle for luxury car buyers who otherwise might have considered buying the Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.” Audi may believe it is better to avoid direct comparison with the Volvo XC60.

Why Volvo XC60

1. Audi’s first attempt at a crossover (unknown quality)
2. Volvo provides more bang for the buck. For a comparable Audi add $10,000 to the MSRP.
3. Volvo Provides better emissions, fuel economy.
4. Higher clearance: Volvo 9.1inches Q5 7.9 inches.
5. Volvo’s advanced Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC)
6. City Safety System!!!!!<
7. Space utilization, XC90 has 67.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 57.3 cubic feet in the Q5.

Volvo’s E85 Flexifuel engine just got some HP.  The new five-cylinder 2.5-liter Flexifuel engine, dubbed the 2.5FT gains 30hp over its predecessor the 2.5F.  With the 30hp gain, the engine also cuts fuel costs by 5-6% ,depending on transmission.

“This technical advance shows that we can give buyers of our larger cars an attractive combination of enhanced driving pleasure and better environmental properties. Few, if any, of our competitors can match our ever-wider and more efficient green-car model range,” says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Product Development at Volvo Cars. He adds: “The new 2.5FT variants will be a particularly attractive choice for company car customers. Since the hike in torque gives far better pulling power, driveability in both the Volvo S80 and Volvo V70 gets a real boost. At the same time, fuel economy is noticeably better. Fuel consumption will drop most significantly among cars that cover long distances on the highway and motorway.”

The 2.5FT will be available in June on the S80 and V70 models.