We drove: Volvo XC60 can overcome an obstacle on its own during emergency braking

Few people know that the XC60 is one of the best-selling Volvos overall, as it is currently credited with 30% of all Volvo sales, and as a result, it is the best-selling car in its segment. In numbers, this means almost a million customers have chosen it in just nine years. But given that Volvo relies heavily on technological advancements and, above all, safety, this is hardly surprising. The crossovers continue to sell well, and if the car is a little different from the established classics, but at the same time offers something more, this is a great package for many.

Nothing will change with the new XC60. After the new XC90 and S / V 90 series, this is the third Volvo of the new generation, featuring elegant design, state-of-the-art auxiliary systems and only four-cylinder engines.

Four-cylinder engines are more convenient for designers

The new XC60 is a logical development of the new design philosophy introduced by Volvo in the new XC90. But, according to the designers, and as you can ultimately see by looking at the car, the XC60, while smaller than the XC90, is much more compact in design. The lines are not as graceful, but they are much more emphasized, and as a result, the whole phenomenon is more pronounced. The designers also benefit from the fact that Volvo only has four-cylinder engines, which are clearly smaller than six-cylinder ones, while at the same time they are located transversely under the bonnet, so the body overhangs or bonnet can be shorter.

Scandinavian design even more

The XC60 is even more impressive on the inside. Scandinavian design has been taken to an additional level from what has been seen and known so far. There are new materials to choose from, including new wood that probably forms one of the best car interiors. In it, the driver feels great, and nothing worse happens to the passengers. But more than a nice steering wheel, a great center console, large and comfortable seats, or a nicely designed trunk, the thought of getting into a safe car will warm the hearts of many drivers. Its designers claim that the XC60 is one of the safest cars in the world, and with it they are certainly on track to meet their commitment to no more seriously injured or dead people in their car by 2020. car accident.

The vehicle can overtake an obstacle during emergency braking.

As such, the XC60 introduces for the first time three new assistance systems for the brand to help the driver avoid potential hazards when needed. City Safe system (thanks to which in Sweden it is found that 45% fewer rear-end collisions) have been upgraded with steering assist, which is activated when the system determines that automatic braking will not prevent a collision. In this case, the system will help by turning the steering wheel and avoiding an obstacle that suddenly appears in front of the car, which may be other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians or even larger animals. Steering assistance will be active at speeds between 50 and 100 kilometers per hour.

Another new system is the Oncoming Lane Mitigation System, which helps the driver avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle. It works when the driver of a Volvo XC60 inadvertently crosses the center line and the car is approaching from the opposite direction. The system ensures that the vehicle returns to the middle of its lane and therefore avoids an oncoming vehicle. It operates at speeds from 60 to 140 kilometers per hour.

The third system is an advanced blind spot information system that monitors what is happening behind us. In the event of a maneuver that could lead to an accident with a vehicle in the adjacent lane, the system automatically prevents the driver's intent and returns the vehicle to the middle of the current lane.

Otherwise, the new XC60 is available in all assisted safety systems already installed in the larger 90-series versions.

And the engines? Nothing new yet.

The latter have the least novelty, or rather nothing. All engines are already known, of course all four-cylinder. But thanks to a more compact and lighter car (compared to the XC90), driving has become more efficient, that is, faster and more explosive, but at the same time more economical. At the first presentation, we were able to test only two engines, a more powerful petrol and a more powerful diesel. The first with its 320 "horses" is certainly impressive, and the second with 235 "horses" is also not far behind. The rides are, of course, different. Gasoline loves quick accelerations and higher engine revs, the diesel feels more relaxed and boasts a little more torque. In the latter, soundproofing is noticeably improved, so the work of the diesel engine is no longer so tedious. The ride itself, no matter which engine you choose, is great. In addition to the optional air suspension, the driver has a choice of different driving modes that provide either a comfortable and elegant ride or, on the other hand, a responsive and sporty character. The body tilts a little, so turning on the road with the XC60 is also not an undesirable phenomenon.

Thus, we can say that the Volvo XC60 is an excellent equipment that will please even the most spoiled gentleman. However, for those who are less spoiled, the car will become a real heaven.

Sebastian Plevnyak

photo: Sebastian Plevnyak, Volvo