Why Volvo

The Volvo XC60 R-Design gives this already sporty crossover ATTITUDE.  Something I believe was needed and I’m so glad they put it out YEAR 1.

On the outside it is easy to recognize those typical R-Design attributes: door mirror housings, trim moldings and decorative  trim in matte silk metal finish, skid-plates and twin chrome tailpipes. The five-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels are also unique for the R-Design models. In standard form they measure 18 inches but there is also the option of a stunning 20-inch. This dimension is new to the Volvo XC60 and is only available with the R-Design pack.

Another new feature is that the lower section of the car is now color-matched to the rest of the body on the XC60 R-Design, instead of the matte black execution of the standard model. This creates the impression that the car sits closer to the ground and gives it a more dynamic look – even though ground clearance remains unchanged.

Volvo XC60 R-Design – An overview

Exterior:

• Grille in silk metal finish with R-Design badge
• Front fog lamp decor in silk metal finish
• Door mirror housings in silk metal finish
• Five-spoke 18-inch aluminum wheels – (20 inch optional)
• Sill moldings in aluminum look
• Twin chromed tailpipes
• Color-matched lower body moldings.
• Chrome-plated rear skid-plate with black mesh
• Sport chassis
• 7 body colors to choose between including the R-Design unique color Passion red

Interior:

• Sport seats for great cornering support and comfort
• Unique upholstery in smooth leather with a choice of two color combination: off-black with soft beige inserts or vice versa
• Embossed R-Design emblem in the front backrests.
• Watch Dial instrument with blue gauges, unique to the R-Design model
• R-Design sports steering wheel trimmed in perforated leather
• Sports pedals in aluminum
• R-Design center stack trim with a unique decor pattern
• Gear selector trimmed with perforated leather
• Off-black sports mats

R-Design a success for Volvo Cars

R-Design was launched in 2007 to satisfy the immense interest among younger car buyers, in particular, who want to equip their cars with sporty, personalised options. With R-Design, they got access to tastefully composed options packages featuring exclusive design details and thrilling sport chassis.

Today R-Design is found across almost the entire Volvo product range in the C30, S40, V50, S80, V70, XC60 and XC90 models.

The purpose of the new Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) function is to dampen the oscillation tendencies that can arise when towing a trailer or caravan. In certain conditions, the rig runs the risk of swaying from side to side or “snaking” and it can be difficult for the driver to control this movement. TSA steps in and together with the further developed DSTC function helps stabilize the car and trailer by braking one or more wheels as necessary while at the same time reducing the engine’s torque. TSA operates on all road surfaces and is standard when purchasing a tow-bar. TSA is active at speeds above 30 mph.

Sometimes it can be very difficult to get out of a situation where a trailer has started wobbling, and in the worst case the trailer may even stray onto the wrong side of the road and roll over.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for this to lead to severe traffic accidents. These accidents usually occur during vacation periods when the roads are filled with towing caravans, trailers and boat trailers.

“It is not easy to single-handedly regain control over a trailer that has started wobbling. The basic rule is to always brake. With TSA, the wheels are braked individually, thus counteracting the trailer’s weaving tendencies. This is much more effective than the driver braking all the wheels at the same time. The other advantage of TSA is that it can activate much earlier to bring a situation under control, perhaps even before the driver notices what is about to happen,” concludes Per Ola Fuxin.

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.

There is a lot of hype about the 2010 Volvo XC60,  Volvo is pushing the crossover like no other vehicle in the past.  The XC60 is making it’s way around the US in the VOL Tour (with two dots over the “O” ).   The XC60 is making good use of social media. They have every XC60 event  being recorded on flickr.  They also have a Facebook and twitter account related to the New XC60.   Kudos to Volvo for pulling out all the stops.

THE XC60 T6 AWD BY THE NUMBERS

MSRP    $37,200

Destination Charge    $825

OPTION PACKAGES

Climate Package    $1,000

Heated front seats

Heated rear seats

Heated windshield washer nozzles

Rainsensor windshield wipers

Headlamp washers

Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)

Humidity Sensor

Technology Package    $2,700

Dynaudio® Premium Sound System,  Dolby Pro-Logic II® Surround Sound, 650-watt amplifier, 12 Dynaudio® speakers, rear seat headphone jacks, audio controls

Volvo Navigation System with Real Time Traffic, DVD map data and remote control

Rear Park Assist Camera

Collision Avoidance Package    $1,695

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Collision Warning with Auto Brake (CWAB)

Distance Alert (DA)

Driver Alert Control (DAC)

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

Convenience Package    $1,000

Grocery bag holder

12V power outlet in cargo area

Front and rear park assist

Power tailgate

Homelink remote garage door opener

OPTIONS

Black Sapphire Metallic    $525

Electric Silver Metallic    $675

Maple Red Pearl    $525

Barrents Blue    $525

Silver Metallic    $525

Lime Grass Green Pearl    $525

Savile Grey Pearl    $525

Terra Bronze Pearl    $525

Dual onboard two-stage child booster seats with adaptive seatbelts and power child rear door locks    $495

Dual Xenon with Gas Discharge Headlights with Active Bending Light    $800

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)    $695

Personal Car Communicator (PCC) with Keyless drive    $550

Nordic Light Oak inlays    $295

Panorama moonroof n/c

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