Thursday, May 5, 2011
2011 Volvo XC60 is a stylish family hauler
2011 Volvo XC60 is a stylish family hauler, but it doesn’t sacrifice function for fashion. The XC60 even wins extra points for its comfortable, family-friendly cabin and good performance with its available turbocharged engine. A perfect example is the 2011 Volvo XC60."
The most outstanding one is Volvo’s City Safety system, which can sense impending collisions at slow speeds and stop the XC60 without any driver input. Like the XC60, the Q5 is also a “Top Safety Pick.” The SRX only starts at about $1,500 more than the Volvo XC60 does.
The Volvo XC60 comes in three trims.
Volvo launched an all-new entry-level crossover back in 2009 called the XC60.
We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume.," said Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. The base 3.2 trim level and 3.2 R-Design both come standard with front-wheel drive, and have available all-wheel drive. The 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 will return 18 city, 25 highway in FWD trim, and 18 city, 24 highway with AWD. The Volvo XC60 comes standard with City Safety, as well as ABS, daytime running lamps, dynamic stability and traction control with anti-skid, an intelligent driver information system and more for safety.
Optional safety features include Xenon headlamps, collision warning with auto brake and adaptive cruise control.
In terms of technology and entertainment features, the XC60 comes standard with power everything, cruise control, electronic and heated mirrors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, Bluetooth, HD Radio, iPod interface, Sirius radio and more.
The station wagon is a Volvo staple, yet as of late even Volvo has shown signs of abandoning traditional wagon designs in favor of taller utility vehicles.
Key Takeaway
The 2011 Volvo XC60 offers top in-car tech and luxury features, in a secure package that's big enough for small families.
Sporty T6 models get a turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six, now making 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet. The XC60's crossover shape provides lots of passenger comfort, and a cargo-friendly setup as well. Up front, the driving position is nice and upright, but there's a little less support from the bottom cushion than Volvo seats normally deliver, and the passenger footwell feels a bit narrow. Overall, the XC60's interior speaks of quality trim and textures, with lots of upscale finishes like available real oak veneer. In addition to all the conventional safety features, and good safety ratings, the XC60 offers a few active-safety tech features you won't find everywhere. City Safety wraps together the sensors used in various other high-tech safety aids in the XC60, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Alert Control, Distance Alert, and the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).