Already acclaimed as a ‘game-changer’ for Volvo, the excellent XC60 ‘Crossover’ has received a technology injection for the 2012 model range.
Price rises are modest (now starting at $54,990), but there’s lots of extra kit which more than compensates ($2,570 worth on the entry-point T5 and $13,770 worth on the D5 R-Design).
Volvo has also simplified its sometimes overwhelming list of models and options so, for example, instead of ordering a car then adding a ‘Teknik’ pack, there’s now a ‘Teknik’ version of each model (T5, 3.2, D5 and T6) and a sporty R-Design model for D5 and T6. All much more transparent and easier for customers.
T5 is the starting point for the Volvo XC60 lineup. The alloy, 16-valve, 2.0-litre is a GTDi (gasoline turbo, direct-injection) with 177kW/ 320Nm and combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.7l/100kms.
Volvo’s diesel choice for the XC60 remains the D5, but look out for significant technical upgrades in the twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre. Power is up to 158kW and there has been a massive gain in torque – now up to 440Nm.
Despite that extra grunt, fuel consumption for the Volvo XC60 D5 has been slashed by 10 per cent to 6.9l/100kms.
Volvo XC60 3.2 is a continuation of the existing naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine good for 179kW/320Nm.
Range-topper is the T6 (awarded one of the ‘World’s 10-Best Engines 2011’ by America’s Ward’s Autonews). The turbocharged, in-line, six-cylinder petrol engine delivers 224kW/440Nm and returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 10.5l/100kms.
Looking at the techno improvements – all models score a standard reversing camera (a proven safety device), power tailgate and upgraded multimedia system.
Extras for Teknik and R-Design models include satellite navigation, Active Bending Lights, Adaptive Cruise Control with Pedestrian Detection and Queue Assist, plus keyless entry.
The Car Showroom team members have long been massive fans of Volvo’s sporty R-Designs – in this case the XC60 R-Design gains exterior enhancements including 18-inch alloy wheels, firmer, lowered sports suspension and interior upgrades including beautiful leather-trimmed sports seats, watch-dial instruments and racy, leather-wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel.
The full range is:
T5 $54,990
T5 Teknik $59,990
3.2 $58,990
3.2 Teknik $63,990
D5 $60,990
D5 Teknik $65,990
D5 R-Design $68,990
T6 $67,990
T6 Teknik $72,990
T6 R-Design $75,990
