External
features of the new Volvo XC60
This new Volvo XC60 SUV is 44mm longer, 11 mm wider
and 14mm shorter than its predecessor.
The vehicle has a ground clearance of 230mm.
The moment you see the XC60, it’s déjà vu all over
with the all too familiar design element. The car looks sporty and dynamic and
everything about its design is very bold and uber. Be it the large grille with
the vertical slats and the Volvo logo bang in the middle of it, the integrated
roof rails, the mesh front, coloured sills and bumpers with branded
Inscription, coloured door handles which come with illumination and puddle
lights and not to miss the large LED headlamps or should I call it the Thor’s hammer DRLs which become even bolder when you turn
on the indicators.
Not to be missed are the fog lamps at the very
bottom in the front spoiler and the headlight high pressure cleaning which is
standard feature in the D5 Inscription. The smart looks in the front are
carried forward gradually through a sloping body line culminating in a very
well crafted rear with large and exquisite looking tail lamps. One can notice a
lot of chrome finishes all around the exterior, adding to the good looks of the
car. Then there is this large panoramic sun roof that brings in an element of
sporty and fun. The car sits on smart 235/55/R19 Michelin tyres which are
wrapped around gorgeous looking 10-spoke diamond cut alloy wheels. The vehicle
comes with a lower profile temporary spare wheel of 125/80R18, something which
I feel is not right for a country like India. It’s always good to have a full
size tyre as a spare.
Internal
features of the new Volvo XC60
Once you step inside the new XC60 it’s a world
etched in luxury. The quality of seats, the touch and feel of the dash area,
the design elements all speak of high levels of sophistication. Volvo has not
compromised a wee bit on the comfort and practical elements and those seated
inside this car can soak into a pampered world. Driftwood decor inlays, leather
upgrade on dashboard and the front and rear doors, leather gear lever knob, nappa
leather upholstery, ventilated front seats which are power adjustable and come
with memory, power adjustable side and lumbar support, power cushion extension
driver and passenger side, back rest massage for the front seats, power fold of
rear seats, power fold of rear head rests, ample storage areas and decent
charging points, cigarette lighter, power operated tail gate, 12V outlet in
luggage area, all this go to make the car so top notch that it can put to shame
some of the products its competitors are offering.
The car comes with 15 speakers, 1100 watt premium
Bowers and Wilkins audio system.
Engine and
Performance of the new Volvo XC60
The story of the new Volvo XC 60 does not start and
end with its comfort and smart design elements. The car has a lot to offer on
the go. This diesel SUV is powered by a 1969cc engine which produces 235hp and
a peak torque of 480Nm. The engine is mated to an automatic 8 speed AWD
transmission.
Before one assumes that it is a diesel vehicle and
could be a little clumsy on the take, let me reiterate that this car is powered
by a D5 power pulse engine which in essence means that this technology reduces
turbo lag to a great extent, so much so that its power output is so seamless,
yet so strong and linear. This car has to be bought to be driven yourself and
if you are one of those high browed unlucky blokes who has a driver to take you
around in this car, then all I can say is that you are missing out on a lot of
fun. This is a driver’s car and offers so much sophistication shrouded in
safety that you admire its engineering capabilities.
There are several drive modes to choose from like
Eco, Comfort, Off-Road, Dynamic and Individual settings. Full air suspension
ensures that the car soaks up uneven surfaces. The car’s body height is
adjusted according to its drive mode and speed. In Comfort or Eco drive mode,
the body is lowered 10-20mm at higher speeds. In Dynamic mode the car body is
lowered by 20mm in order to enhance handling and road holding. I tried driving
on all modes and even with the paddle shifts and the manual D mode, each had to
offer its own level of excitement and comfort.
And when it comes to safety and convenience, the car has to offer a
whole host of support systems, besides features like safety airbags, inflatable
curtains etc.
Acceleration comes easy in this new XC60 D5
Inscription model. So does braking. Then there are things like adaptive cruise
control, pilot assist, lane keeping aid, and graphic head up display, a 360deg
camera, hill start assist, hill descent control, blind spot information system
with cross traffic alert, etc. I was particularly impressed with the radar
enabled car which assists you to keep to your marked lanes at speeds between
40kmph to 160 kmph. The moment you try
to change lanes without giving any indicator, the steering shudders gently and
kind of coaxes you to get back. The car is like a teacher telling you to behave
while driving. I guess this is one feature all cars in India should have!
Verdict
I want to emphasise is that the new XC60 brings out
the rich legacy of Volvo, i.e. safety and mixes it perfectly with
sophistication, fun and adventure. If I had to describe the car in one word, I
would simply say “Wow”. At Rs 55.90 lakh, ex showroom, it’s value for money to
the fullest.