Volvo has opened order books for the new XC60 SUV, with first deliveries expected in the Autumn.
Prices will start from £37,205, buying the version with the D4 diesel engine in entry-level Momentum trim.
The launch of the XC60 brings Volvo’s latest Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, which debuted with the range-topping 90 Series models, to the brand’s mid-series cars.
Other elements working down from the 90 Series cars include the latest more efficient Drive-E powertrains, and the connectivity, entertainment and safety technology advances.
Trio of engines
Initially the XC60 will be available with three engine options, all 2.0-litre four-cylinder units. All are combined with eight-speed auto transmissions and all-wheel-drive.
The D4 diesel produces 190hp and returns combined cycle fuel economy of 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 133g/km.
Its more powerful sister the D5 has 235hp, 51.4mpg and 144g/km, and also boasts the PowerPlus feature that uses compressed air to spin up the twin turbochargers and cut lag.
The petrol option is the T5, with 254hp, economy of 39.2mpg and emissions of 164g/km.
Standard equipment on entry-level Momentum versions include leather-faced upholstery, LED headlights with active high beam, two-zone climate control with a ‘CleanZone’ air-filtration system, heated front seats, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Also standard is the Volvo Sensus infotainment system. This is based around a nine-inch portrait-style touchscreen and includes satellite navigation with lifetime annual map updates and Real-Time Traffic Information (RTTI), and voice-activation. Access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps such as Spotify, TuneIn, Stitcher and Yelp is also offered.
Safety technology standard across the XC60 range includes Volvo’s City Safety system. This offers automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, and Steer Assist. Dubbed a world first by Volvo, this attempts to avoid or cut the severity of collisions by aiding steering inputs.
Meanwhile on the options list for every car is the semi-autonomous drive system Pilot Assist. At speeds up to 80mph it can assist with the steering and control acceleration and braking required to keep the car within lane markings and at a set cruising speed or distance from a vehicle ahead. Volvo says that Pilot Assist is a step towards fully autonomous driving.