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By
EWAN KENNEDY
1 January 2007
Interesting advanced information from Volvo has given us a look
at the new XC60, a vehicle that’s yet another crossover between a car
and a 4WD. One with a distinctly sporty bent if the shape is anything to
go by.
Enthusiasts of the Swedish marque will be aware there's a big
clue to the intent of the new vehicle in its name. Because XC60
means Volvo regards it as being more car than wagon (wagons get an
odd number, cars an even one).
This is an important distinction as it places the upcoming
Volvo into much the same class as the new Mazda CX-7 and the
established Nissan Murano. That is, they are aimed at the sports
hatch market more than that of the 4WD or SUV. Expect the Volvo to
be about halfway between the Mazda and Nissan in size.
It is still a concept at this stage, but the final production
version of the Volvo XC60 may be little changed when it arrives in
2009. Let's hope so, because the big grille and low roofline and
tapering side glass combine to make this Volvo a long way removed
from its oh-so-practical, but somewhat-boxy, ancestors.
The interior also takes some brave new directions in styling,
including a further workover of the ‘floating’ centre console
introduced on the S4 and V50 range.
Details have deliberately been kept sketchy as Volvo wants to
feed further information to buyers to keep interest up prior to
the launch of the car. At this early stage, the company is pushing
strongly on primary safety technology, announcing details of an
advanced braking system that can even work automatically should
the driver’s attention be somewhere other than on the road
ahead.
Stay tuned for more information as it comes to hand.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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