Volvo XC60 - will it repeat the success of its predecessor?
It is not easy to replace a model that finds more and more buyers every year. The first generation is aging like wine and a violin - last year it broke all records and accounted for as much as 30% of the Swedish concern's sales. So there is a lot of pressure on the second incarnation. However, he has plenty of arguments to fight for segment dominance with the Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and Lexus NX.
The XC60 is based on a new platform that has already been used in three models. SPA served as the basis for the XC90, S and V90. It is modular, which gives a lot of possibilities when designing new cars. As a result, the compact SUV has adopted the latest technology from its older brothers. He also looked like them in appearance. The front end with LED headlights has a large grille, a massive bumper and daytime running LEDs arranged in an inverted T shape. The rear end is reminiscent of the V90. An electric trunk lid requires a surcharge of PLN 2260. An additional hook (PLN 5090) folds semi-automatically. In addition, we have up to 15 exterior paint options and several aluminum wheel designs to choose from. We get 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. The largest 22-inch set with low-profile tires was priced at almost 20 zlotys. Their use on unsealed roads has a strong impact on comfort.
Cooperation with orthopedists benefited the Swedes. The well-shaped seats are ideal not only for the city, but also for long trips. They have sufficient lateral support, power adjustment with memory settings and a multi-stage massage function, heating and ventilation. They are listed in the catalog as sports and cost just over 7 zł. A lot of good things can be said about the second row, too. Compared with its predecessor, the second generation has a wheelbase increased by 9 centimeters. This parameter allowed us to find significantly more space in front of the knees. It also has no shortage at shoulder height and above the head. The 505-litre trunk loses out to the best in the segment, but is well shaped and has plenty of useful bag holders. Importantly, the loading threshold can be reduced by several centimeters. This is due to the optional pneumatics.
The premium class is recognizable by the details. The ones in Volvo were made with great care. The buyer can choose from brushed aluminium, wood and leather, which can be upholstered on the seats, as well as on the top of the cockpit. In the hybrid version, which will debut at the end of the year, the shift lever is made of Swedish crystal. The design of the dashboard is designed in a minimalist style. The vast majority of functions have been moved to the screen of the multimedia system. Sensus has a touchscreen display that controls four-zone automatic air conditioning, navigation, a set of cameras around the car, navigation and the Internet. Here you can check the prices at nearby gas stations, the current weather in selected locations and, among other things, the availability of parking spaces in your desired area. Volvo also uses popular apps and meets gadget lovers. Spotify gives you access to your favorite music, and movie formats let you play movies locally. If necessary, the XC60 can be retrofitted with 7-inch tablets attached to the headrests.
Among the power units, four-cylinder engines predominate. The smallest petrol engine is 1.5 liters and will only be available in certain markets. Much more interesting 2-liter turbocharged engines. T5 has 254 horsepower and 350 Nm. It accelerates to hundreds in 6,8 seconds and accelerates to a maximum of 220 km / h. T6 is his evolution. 320 HP and 400 newtons guarantee acceleration to hundreds in 5,9 seconds. Both models were developed in Scandinavia, equipped with 8-speed Aisin-branded torque converters and all-wheel drive. Due to this, losses during dynamic starting are minimal.
The compact SUV will debut with two diesels. D4 produces 190 hp and 400 Nm. We know the D5 from the S, V90 and XC90. It has a double amplification which makes the torque curve almost flat. This leaves few people complaining about flexibility. 235 horses, 480 Nm, all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic are enough for the first hundred to appear on the speedometer in 7,2 seconds, and the speedometer needle finishes at around 220 km / h. He does not suffocate not only in the city, but also on the highway. With three people on board and a lot of luggage, he effectively outruns truck columns. Adaptive suspension allows you to adjust the characteristics to current needs. In Sport mode, it hardens and sinks, and the power steering loses power. In high-speed corners rides confidently, the body does not shake sideways. However, the Volvo performs best on the straights. It effectively filters out bumps and up to 160 km/h guarantees peace of mind in the cabin. You can only hear the sound of the wind blowing over the body of the car. The only problems are lateral obstacles, especially with 21- and 22-inch wheels wrapped in low-profile tires.
The Volvo also handles decently over rough terrain. The gravel and sandy roads are a lot of fun to drive. A ground clearance of 21,6 centimeters helps with this. However, it is enough to buy air suspension for 10 4 to be able to increase the distance from the ground by another cm. On the other hand, on asphalt, the computer will reduce the ground clearance without the driver's command to ensure optimal stability.
Volvo XC60 is stuffed with electronics and modern technologies. Security systems detect an obstacle (car, person, animal) and, if the driver does not react, automatically apply the brakes in emergency mode. Radars and sensors will keep the vehicle in the lane and maintain a distance from the vehicle in front. New is the lane departure warning system. This will be especially useful on motorways where monotonous driving can put you to sleep. Before intervening, he will warn the driver with a light and sound signal. In addition, it is worth adding 5 stars in the Euro NCAP tests and the manufacturer's assumption of the complete exclusion of accidents involving pedestrians.
Compared to its predecessor, the Swedish SUV is more expensive from several to several thousand zlotys (depending on the version). It offers richer equipment and more options for personalization. A 190-horsepower D4 with a manual transmission cost PLN 184. D500 (5 km) requires an additional PLN 235. At the end of the year, the D9300 (3 hp and front-wheel drive) will be added to the offer. There are currently two petrol options. T150 (5 km) costs PLN 254 and T199 (000 km) costs PLN 6. Hybrid with 320 hp system power. will be in showrooms in a few months. It can travel 226 kilometers on a full battery and doesn't limit the XC000's practicality. You have to pay PLN 407 for this. In addition to the base D45, all engines are available with all-wheel drive and a classic automatic transmission as standard.
