A six speed manual transmission is standard or customers can opt for Geartronic transmission whereby it can be used as either a full automatic or as a clutch less manual. By using the Sports button allows higher revs before each gear change and sharpens kickdown. The speed dependent power steering provides extra assistance at low speeds thus perfect when needed for manourvers yet tightens up beautifully for the open road.
The XC60 comes with ABS that includes, Hydraulic Brake Assist that is an updated version of EBD, and Emergency Brake Assist which helps drivers stop in the shortest possible distance under emergency situations. Then comes Optimised Hydraulic Brakes to boost braking effect, Ready Alert Brakes that deploys if the accelerator is released or adaptive cruise control is registered and again aids braking response time and braking distances. Finally is Fading Brake Support used for long mountainous descents.
However, that is just the top of the iceberg for the safety features adorning the new XC60 are simply incredible. Volvo actually has an ambitious plan that by 2012, no one will be killed whist in a Volvo car. Making its world debut is City Safety standard across the range. With most common accidents occurring below speeds of 19 mph, this device will effectively stop you colliding with the car in front by braking for you in case you are distracted. A laser sensor fitted behind the rear view mirror keeps an eye of the traffic that is either stationary or moving in the same direction, while you admire other motorist’s say at traffic lights. If the car in front does not pull off and you think it has and start to go, the City Safety will kick in and simply stop the car. This works at speeds less than 9 mph so if you are travelling above that speed but below 19 mph City Safety will not be able to stop the car but will substantially reduce the severity of the accident.
That is on top of the improved child safety two stage booster seats, WHIPS, SIPS, crumple zones, pedestrian protection, Active bending lights collapsible steering column, numerous other airbags, Blind Spot Information system, lane changing warning and distance alert to the car in front.
As Volvo quite rightly claims, this is the safest car they have ever made and one step closer to their ambitious plans of completely wiping out road casualties whilst travelling in a Volvo Car.
Jackie Violet – Female First