Assertive performance
In North America, a single powertrain will be available, at least initially. The 2010 Volvo XC60, which is set to arrive in showrooms in April, will use the same engine as the S80 T6 sedan and XC70 wagon, namely a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder producing 281 horsepower. Similar to other force-fed engines from Volvo, this one is pretty torquey, generating 295 pounds-feet from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. That's a lot of flexibility for accelerations.
While this compact SUV does not pretend to be a sports car, it never seems to run out of breath, as evidenced by a 0-100 km/h time of barely 7 seconds. On the other hand, fuel economy fails to impress (blame the turbo). During our brief road test on the coastal roads of Central California, we wound up with an average of 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers. At least we're talking about regular -- not premium -- gasoline.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and Volvo's latest-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system.
In future years, a new hybrid powertrain will join the lineup. Development is currently underway, with a post-2011 market release on schedule. As for a diesel variant, Canada's fate depends on the decision of our American neighbors. Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) executives claim the future of the XC60 indeed involves a diesel engine.
A new type of customer
Who is the new XC60 intended for? According to Chad Heard, spokesman for Volvo Canada, "buyers will be fairly young and, in most cases, first-time Volvo customers. Some will be looking for an upgrade to their C30, which is mainly designed for couples with no children. However, with a new baby comes the need for a more accommodating rear seat and room for a stroller."
The company expects the XC60 to steal sales away from the XC70, probably in the order of 15 percent, according to VCNA. "It's a small percentage, really. It just shows you that our midsize wagon attracts a different type of customer," explains Mr. Heard. People who buy an XC70 are usually older and less preoccupied with trends and fashion. In fact, many of them will purchase a second XC70 in their life."
In the end, considering that Volvo Canada plans to receive 1,000 to 1,500 units annually, it's pretty obvious that the demand will far exceed the offer due to the many attractive features and attributes of the XC60... even though pricing will be set between $45,000 and $55,000!
photo:Luc Gagné, Philippe Champoux
In North America, a single powertrain will be available, at least initially. The 2010 Volvo XC60, which is set to arrive in showrooms in April, will use the same engine as the S80 T6 sedan and XC70 wagon, namely a 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder producing 281 horsepower. Similar to other force-fed engines from Volvo, this one is pretty torquey, generating 295 pounds-feet from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. That's a lot of flexibility for accelerations.
While this compact SUV does not pretend to be a sports car, it never seems to run out of breath, as evidenced by a 0-100 km/h time of barely 7 seconds. On the other hand, fuel economy fails to impress (blame the turbo). During our brief road test on the coastal roads of Central California, we wound up with an average of 12.5 liters per 100 kilometers. At least we're talking about regular -- not premium -- gasoline.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed Geartronic automatic transmission and Volvo's latest-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system.
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| A single engine is available, namely a 281-hp T6. |
In future years, a new hybrid powertrain will join the lineup. Development is currently underway, with a post-2011 market release on schedule. As for a diesel variant, Canada's fate depends on the decision of our American neighbors. Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) executives claim the future of the XC60 indeed involves a diesel engine.
A new type of customer
Who is the new XC60 intended for? According to Chad Heard, spokesman for Volvo Canada, "buyers will be fairly young and, in most cases, first-time Volvo customers. Some will be looking for an upgrade to their C30, which is mainly designed for couples with no children. However, with a new baby comes the need for a more accommodating rear seat and room for a stroller."
The company expects the XC60 to steal sales away from the XC70, probably in the order of 15 percent, according to VCNA. "It's a small percentage, really. It just shows you that our midsize wagon attracts a different type of customer," explains Mr. Heard. People who buy an XC70 are usually older and less preoccupied with trends and fashion. In fact, many of them will purchase a second XC70 in their life."
In the end, considering that Volvo Canada plans to receive 1,000 to 1,500 units annually, it's pretty obvious that the demand will far exceed the offer due to the many attractive features and attributes of the XC60... even though pricing will be set between $45,000 and $55,000!
photo:Luc Gagné, Philippe Champoux
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