Volvo XC60 refreshed

There’s been a re-jig of the XC60 with many of the extra-cost options now fitted as standard to specific models. Should increase the take-up of those technologies.

``The XC60 continues to be our top-selling model and with the MY12 versions we had the opportunity to make it even better value for money so we did,'' says Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid.

The XC60 model line-up has been changed for MY12. Previously, option packages were offered with the XC60, but for MY12 these packages have been deleted and new models have been added with revised equipment. For example, instead of ordering a car and then adding the Teknik pack, there is now a Teknik version.

The R Design models now become the flagship version of each engine choice. The R Design model is now based on the Teknik version so incorporates all the extra equipment the Teknik models gain as well, not just the cosmetic and chassis changes they did for MY11.

The XC60 range now comprises 10 models and four engine choices. As with MY11 the T5 model opens the line-up and is priced from $54,990. The $840 price increase incorporates $2570 of extra equipment. More than that, the MY12 XC60 now boasts a rear camera standard across the range.

All XC60 models also now have the convenience of a power-operated tailgate as standard equipment. High performance multimedia is now standard in the T5, 3.2 and D5 models which replaces the CD player with DVD readability, increases the screen size from 5 inches to 7 inches while the T6 gains Premium Sound with 12 speakers and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound. The Bluetooth has been updated to include audio streaming.

As part of the XC60 updates the Teknik and R Design models gain Volvo's Blind Spot Information System as standard. This system alerts the driver if there is a car in the blind spot by way of a light on the side mirrors.

The 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine has undergone significant upgrades for 2012. These changes have increased power from 151kW to 158kW while torque jumps 20Nm to 440Nm. Despite the increase in both power and torque, fuel consumption has been improved by 10 per cent – now 6.9L/100km. CO₂ emissions have dropped from 201g/km to 183g/km.

Importantly, this upgrade means that the D5 models qualify as low emission vehicles and benefit from the recent changes to the Luxury Car Tax ruling. The new XC60 D5 now starts from $60,990, the D5 Teknik is $65,990 and the D5 R-Design is now the flagship model in the D5 range at $68,990. While this is $4340 more expensive than the previous D5 R-Design, the new model actually gains $13,770 worth of extra equipment.

The recently released T5 engine remains as the entry into the XC60 range. Powered by the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) engine the T5 produces 177kW at 5500rpm and peak torque of 320Nm. The new all-aluminium 16-valve engine meets the latest Euro 5 emissions standards and in the XC60 T5 has a combined fuel consumption of 8.7L/100km and CO₂ emissions of 207g/km. It propels the SUV from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds.

Achieving such low fuel consumption is, in part, aided by the new transmission with the GTDI engine mated to a dual clutch six-speed Powershift transmission that offers both extremely quick and smooth gear changes and improved efficiency.

The XC60 3.2 remains in the line-up powered by the naturally aspirated 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine. Power is unchanged at 179kW and torque remains the same at a substantial 320Nm. There are two models available with this engine – the XC60 3.2 and the XC60 3.2 Teknik. The 3.2 is priced from $58,990, and the 3.2 Teknik starts from $63,990.

Topping out the XC60 range is the T6. Under the bonnet is the turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine. Lauded as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2011, the 3.0- litre turbocharged six-cylinder T6 engine boasts 224kW of power and an impressive 440Nm. Fuel consumption remains unchanged at 10.5L/100km.

While the engine remains unchanged, the T6 Teknik and R-Design models gain extra standard equipment. Adaptive Cruise Control (which includes Pedestrian Detection) is now standard on all T6 Teknik and R-Design models. This option used to cost $4175 alone.

The third generation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) includes Queue Assist, Pedestrian Detection and Full Auto Brake to further increase safety. ACC allows drivers to automatically maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front using a radar sensor and digital camera integrated with the cruise control and for the third generation system introduced for 2011, it offers full braking capability.

If the vehicle in front suddenly brakes and a collision is likely, the system alerts the driver with a flashing red light on the windscreen and an audible signal. If the driver fails to react and a collision is imminent, the system immediately applies full braking force and stops the vehicle.

In slow moving city traffic up to 30km/h, the new Queue Assist function allows drivers to simply press a button and the cruise control automatically adapts your speed to allow you to smoothly tail the vehicle in front.

This third-generation collision avoidance technology also warns you if a pedestrian unexpectedly steps out in front of your car with a flashing red warning light on the windscreen and an audible alarm. If the driver fails to react the system will automatically apply full braking force and stop the car.