The new Volvo S60, V60 and XC60 will go on display for the first time at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. The expected arrival in South Africa will follow the European launch, which takes place in July and August, and as always we will receive our vehicles three months later; meaning we can expect arrival late in the fourth quarter of this year.
The main changes to the new Volvo S, V, XC 60 models will focus on new Scandinavian design that endeavours to remove any unnecessary clutter; class-leading fuel consumption of 4.0 L/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 106 g/km in the most frugal Volvo S60 D2; and even more comfortable seats to go with Volvo’s ‘Sensus Connected Touch’ system which will debut for the first time.
The fuel consumption of the 84 kW, four-cylinder D2 diesel in the new Volvo S60 with a manual gearbox has been improved to a class-leading 4.0 L/100 km (EU Combined, preliminary figures), translating into CO2 emissions of only 106 g/km. The corresponding figures with the automatic gearbox are 4.1 L/100 km and 107 g/km (preliminary figures).
Speaking of the whole range, “This is the most extensive development of existing models in our company’s history. Each of the enhancements is designed around our customers’ needs. We have focused on quality and attention to detail in order to give these dynamic models a major boost and sharpen their competitiveness,” says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy & Vehicle Line Management at Volvo Car Group.
“The S60 and XC60 are our best-selling models in several important markets, and the innovative V60 Plug-in Hybrid has got off to a flying start. We have been listening very carefully to our customers in order to make improvements that ensure that we make these successful cars more attractive.”
Other examples of the attention to detail in the new models include little alterations like the previously visible washer nozzles that have been relocated out of sight under the bonnet. The radar cover has been painted gloss-black, which makes it disappear in the grille. The chrome frame around the grille has been removed and the new, bigger ironmark badge enhances the new cars’ self-confident look. Not exactly revolutionary stuff when it comes to our consideration of modern car design.
“To enhance the visual appeal of the car, customers can now specify their S60 or V60 with expressive 19-inch wheels and keep the same profile height as 18-inch ones, so they don’t lose any comfort,” says Patrik Widerstrand. The XC60 is available with 20-inch wheels while keeping the same tyre profile height and ride comfort as the 19-inch wheels.
Both the S60 and V60 both get tweaked with a new front design that emphasises the cars horizontal lines at both the front and rear. Together with details such as a wider grille, daylight running lights and a new LED light guide on the tail lamps, the clean surfaces and contours give it a very simple, Scandinavian feel.
The versatile Volvo XC60 gets a more urban twist with redesigned front features and a new bonnet shape to portray the extra confidence. The XC60 also benefits from an interior upgrade. The new features include new wood inlays, a new headliner, textile B-pillars and the silk metal frames around the air vents and light controls. Corner Traction Control now comes as standard along with the All-Wheel Drive system. The optional Hill Descent Control boosts this capability by automatically controlling the car’s speed when driving down steep slopes.
A three-spoke steering wheel can now be accompanied with paddle shifters for cars specified with automatic transmission and new Active High Beam Control eliminates the need to switch between low and high beam.
All in all we have to say is you’d be hard pressed to discern these S60, V60 and XC60 models from the current models. Not a totally confidence inspiring trait when you consider the speed with which modern automotive technology and design is evolving.
