What's the news?
Volvo has revealed the new XC60 in Geneva and Volvo Ireland has confirmed that its crucial new crossover will go on sale here in July, in time for the 172 number plate, with a starting price of €53,950 for a D4 Momentum model.
The new Volvo XC60 shares its 'SPA' platform with the larger XC90 and the S90 saloon, and it could become the biggest-selling Volvo model yet. The outgoing XC60 accounted for 30 per cent of Volvo's global sales last year, in spite of being an older design, so the high-tech new car should do better again.
Exterior
Style-wise, we reckon the XC60 looks very much a shrunken XC90, although it is of course a strict five-seater, and it will compete with the likes of the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
"We have a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest in technology. The new XC60 will be no exception. It's the perfect car for an active lifestyle, and it represents the next step in our transformation plan," said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Car Group.
Interior
Inside, again, it lifts much from the XC90, including the big central touchscreen, but there are some subtle design differences, so at least the XC60 looks more like its own model.
Mechanicals
The new XC60 will launch in Ireland in July with 190hp D4 and 235hp D5 diesel engines, and a range-topping T8 plugin hybrid producing 407hp yet CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km.
The biggest safety advance is a new active steering system that works with the autonomous emergency braking, which can swerve you around obstacles in the road, or which can pull you back into your lane on the road to avoid a head-on collision. It'll also work with the blind spot monitor to stop you pulling out on top of a car in another lane.
Anything else?
"The XC60 is an SUV not designed to look down on others but to drive. The exterior has an athletic sculpture with a subtle, timeless quality. The interior is a masterful composition of well-resolved architecture, beautiful materials and the very latest technology - all perfectly blended together. The XC60 provides a true Scandinavian experience, which will make our customers feel special," said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design at Volvo Car Group.